Sarasota Architecture Tour: Exploring Distinctive Styles

Discover Sarasota’s architectural legacy on a 105-minute tour. Explore Art Deco, Mediterranean Revival, and Mid-Century Modern styles in an air-conditioned van.

Duration: 1 hour, 30 minutes
Cancellation: 24 hours
Highlights
  • Sarasota Municipal Auditorium - Travelers will learn about the Art Deco style, which first appeared in France during the 1910s, and flourished in architecture and fashion, through the 1930s. The Sarasota Municipal Auditorium is a fine example of Art Deco style. Visitors will also learn about the history of the Auditorium, built in 1938. The Art…
What's Included
  • Refreshing bottled water provided
  • Comfortable in-vehicle air conditioning
Additional Information

Sarasota boasts a remarkable architectural heritage. This 105-minute air-conditioned tour takes guests to see exceptional examples of architecture and design, highlighting three of the city’s unique styles: Art Deco, Mediterranean Revival, and Mid-Century Modern. The tour includes the “Sarasota School” of architecture, a regional take on 20th-century…

Location
Discover Sarasota Tours
4th Street
Off Fruitville, behind the Breakfast House
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.9
(35 Ratings)
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Monkeysauntjaxbchfl
Apr 10, 2025
Fun & informative - The tour was informative and fun! Our guide was the founder of DiscoverSarasota Tours so we had the best. We will definitely return for other tours.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Eileene_11
Mar 27, 2025
Enjoyable and Informative - This was my first visit to Sarasota. I have an interest in and appreciation of architecture. This tour gave me exactly what I hoped for - a sense of the area and an introduction to some very interesting structures. Tammy our guide and also the owner educated us but also entertained us with some with some of the trivia she shared. (Who knew that painting certain areas of a building sky blue would discourage birds from pooping there.) Ninety minutes was the perfect length. Our driver did an excellent job keeping us safe. If I ever return here, I would love to book another themed tour the company offers.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Lesliecy3166pl
Feb 13, 2025
Fabulous Architectural Tour - My sister was in town from CA and we both loved the tour. The owner was our actual tour guide and was amazing. It was a great overview of the local Architecture and I look forward to checking out more of their tours.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
V5800kwmichaelc
Dec 12, 2024
fun architecture tour - The tour was very informative. Our tour guide was amazing and did a great job sharing about the local architecture and keeping it interesting. I definitely would recommend this tour to my friends.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Shannongj7717nu
Nov 14, 2024
An enjoyable time - I really had a great time on our tour. I saw a lot I’ve never seen and of course learned a lot as well! I really enjoyed our tour guide and he was very knowledgeable and knew so many architects and what they had done in their history. It was very interesting. Sarasota is a wonderful town and I’m glad I got to see more of it and learn moreof its history. Thank you for a great time.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Laurarckngkndnss
Sep 28, 2024
Treasured Sarasota Architecture - Fun & informative tour for locals or tourists. Check out the charming Trolley Cottage Gift Shop with a wide variety of items beautifully displayed. Thanks to the awesomeness of Ed, Joan & Joe! Also, free parking was so appreciated.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Trail40955985950
Jul 24, 2024
Amazing - Delightful, interesting and informative. Ed is amazing with all the knowledge about the architects and types of architecture. Thank you to Gretchen and Ed for making it a memorable adventure!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
D3390jtandread
Jul 11, 2024
Great Architectural experience - I enjoyed this tour and learned a lot about the history / architecture of Sarasota. Our guide was very informative and it was evident that he really enjoys what he does.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Excursion54592940263
Mar 28, 2025
Good for a trolley tour - Tammy was a terrific guide and we covered so many buildings in an hour and a half! I would recommend it. The only complaint is about seeing buildings from a trolley: if you're on the wrong side, you don't see the building very well; the trolley sometimes goes by too quickly. it wasn't always clear which building Tammy was referring to.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Vacation528780
Dec 12, 2024
Nice Tour - Great tour guide and driver. Interesting history. I'm sure there are many more important buildings at this is a great start . Nice to see various neighborhoods.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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