Take a Tour of the Home of the Greatest Showman: Ca’ d’Zan in Sarasota

There are plenty of reasons people fall in love with Sarasota—the beaches, warm weather, beautiful Gulf Coast sunsets and laid-back Florida lifestyle. But one of my favorite things about this area is everything you can discover beyond the beach.

And it’s hard to find a better example than The Ringling.

Set along Sarasota Bay, The Ringling is home to beautiful gardens, museums, impressive works of art and one of Sarasota’s most recognizable landmarks: Ca’ d’Zan, the magnificent waterfront home of John and Mable Ringling.

A Mansion Made for the Greatest Showman

John Ringling was one of the famous Ringling brothers behind the circus empire that became Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey. Together, John and Mable created an extraordinary life in Sarasota—and Ca’ d’Zan gives us a glimpse into their world.

The name Ca’ d’Zan means “House of John” in Venetian dialect, and the mansion was inspired by the architecture the Ringlings admired during their travels through Europe.

Completed in the 1920s, the home rises dramatically along Sarasota Bay with its Venetian Gothic architecture, colorful details, decorative windows and elaborate design.

But one of my favorite features is outside.

That Marble Terrace!

Walk around the mansion toward Sarasota Bay and you'll find the incredible marble terrace overlooking the water.

The geometric patterns, colors and architectural details are stunning on their own, but add the sparkling water of Sarasota Bay as the backdrop and you can understand why this is one of the most photographed places on the property.

It’s also a wonderful place to simply slow down for a few minutes and appreciate where you are.

For me, places like this are part of what makes Sarasota so special. You can spend the morning at the beach and the afternoon standing outside a Venetian-inspired mansion surrounded by art and history.

There’s Much More to See at The Ringling

While Ca’ d’Zan may be the star of the show, you could easily spend several hours exploring the rest of The Ringling.

Stroll through the beautiful grounds beneath towering banyan and palm trees, visit Mable Ringling’s Rose Garden, admire the sculptures and reflecting pool, and explore the Museum of Art.

And, of course, you can’t tell the Ringling story without the circus.

The Circus Museum celebrates the incredible history of the American circus and Sarasota’s unique connection to it. It’s one of those attractions that both visitors and longtime Florida residents can enjoy.

When you’re ready for a break, you can stop for something to eat or drink, enjoy outdoor seating surrounded by the grounds, or browse the gift shop before continuing your afternoon.

One of My Favorite Ways to Spend an Afternoon in Sarasota

What I love about The Ringling is that you don't have to rush through it.

You can tour the mansion and museums, but you can also wander. Sit near the water. Explore the gardens. Look at the sculptures. Take photographs. Have lunch. Discover something you didn’t expect to find.

It feels worlds away from the busy parts of everyday life, even though you’re right here in Sarasota.

Sarasota Is So Much More Than a Beach Town

When people first think about moving to Sarasota and Florida’s Gulf Coast, our beaches understandably get a lot of attention.

But living here means having places like The Ringling practically in your backyard.

Sarasota has an incredible combination of art, culture, architecture, history, nature, restaurants, beaches and outdoor activities—and that's one of the reasons I enjoy sharing these local discoveries through Sarasota 365.

Whether you've lived here for years, you're visiting Sarasota for the first time, or you're considering making Florida's Gulf Coast your home, there is always somewhere new to explore.

And if you've never spent an afternoon at The Ringling and Ca’ d’Zan, put this one on your Sarasota list.

Come for the mansion, stay for the gardens and museums—and save a little time to stand on that gorgeous marble terrace and look out over Sarasota Bay.

That view alone is worth the visit.

Thinking about making Sarasota or Florida’s Gulf Coast home?

I’m Tracy Jones, a local REALTOR® and Broker Associate serving Sarasota, Venice, North Port, Port Charlotte and the surrounding Gulf Coast communities. I love helping people not only find the right home, but also discover the places and experiences that make living here so special.

Follow Sarasota 365 for more local places to explore, hidden gems, restaurants, day trips and things to do throughout our beautiful corner of Florida.