Key Info
Details
- Historic Homes/Mansions, Sightseeing Type
- 1 to 2 hours Time to Spend
Scorecard
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Value2.5
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Facilities5.0
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Atmosphere5.0
Read about how we rank Things to Do.
Though not as stately as the adjacent John & Mable Ringling Museum of Art, Ca' d'Zan woos visitors with its Venetian Gothic-style architecture and elegant interior. The property – which was once the home of Ringling Bros. Circus co-founder John Ringling and his wife, Mable – sits five stories tall and features details like a roof made of 16th-century Spanish tiles, a marble terrace overlooking Sarasota Bay, servants' quarters, a game room and an 82-foot-high tower with a domed ceiling. Many of John and Mable Ringling's personal belongings, plus unique furnishings, such as an Aeolian organ and a crystal chandelier that once hung in the original Waldorf Astoria Hotel in New York City, are also on display in the building.
Visitors praise this historic attraction's lavish design and breathtaking views of Sarasota Bay. Though some past travelers lamented the extra charges incurred to explore the entire property, others highly recommend purchasing an upgraded ticket with access to all floors. However, visitors with mobility issues may want to pass on tours of the upper floors due to the home's lack of a working elevator.
Several ticket options are available for Ca' d'Zan, the most affordable of which costs $30 per person and includes a 45-minute guided tour of the building's upper floors. For a complete tour of the property, a $40 per person charge applies. Travelers can also add on tours of Ca' d'Zan's first floor or first and second floors when purchasing tickets for the Museum of Art. All visitors (including non-ticket holders), have access to The Ringling museum campus amenities, which include restrooms, picnic areas, two cafes, free parking and bicycle racks, two gift shops and complimentary tram service around the property.
Ca' d'Zan is located 5 miles northwest of downtown Sarasota by the airport. To get to the property, visitors can drive, bike or take the No. 30 or 99 SCAT bus. Besides Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day, it is open between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. daily. More information about Ca' d'Zan's history, tours and special events can be found on the attraction's website.
Hotels Nearby
- Thing to Do
- Hotel
Days Inn Sarasota ...
- 0.7 Miles Away
- 2.5-star Hotel Class
Hyatt Place Sarasota/Bradenton Airport ...
- 0.8 Miles Away
- 3.0-star Hotel Class
Sleep Inn Sarasota/Bradenton Airport ...
- 0.7 Miles Away
- 2.5-star Hotel Class
