Although it often gets overshadowed by Sarasota's artsy pedigree and circus roots, Bradenton is rich in history and culture. The Desoto Memorial pays tribute to Spanish explorer Hernando Cortez, who discovered Bradenton in 1539. Living history reenactments and exhibits at the memorial's park depict Florida's early history. The South Florida Museum is the Gulf Coasts' largest natural history museum, and features a 19-foot tall mastodon skeleton, as well as a life-size dioramas depicting Florida's prehistoric life. Just over the bridge from Bradenton beach, the tiny fishing village of Cortez on the National Register of Historic Places, and is a prime example of Old Florida architecture. Old cottages and working fish house give visitors a sense of what the area was like in simpler times. History buffs also enjoy tours of historic Manatee Village and the stately Gamble Plantation, the last surviving plantation of its kind in South Florida.

Desoto National Museum
75th Street Northwest, Bradenton
(941) 792-0458
www.nps.gov/deso/index.htm

History buffs enjoy this park's re-creation of the world of Spanish explorer Hernando De Soto as it was when he landed in Bradenton in 1539. Visitors can attend living history demonstrations, try on a piece of armor, or walk the nature trail through a Florida coastal landscape similar to the one encountered by conquistadors almost five hundred years ago.

South Florida Museum & Bishop Planetarium
201 10th Street West, Bradenton
(941) 746-4131
www.southfloridamuseum.org

The South Florida Museum tells Florida's history from prehistoric times to the present. Outstanding features include life-size dioramas, a 19-foot high mastodon skeleton, and a maritime exhibit. Snooty, the oldest living manatee born in captivity, playfully entertains visitors from his 60,000-gallon pool. The museum's adjoining Bishop Planetarium captivates stargazers of all ages with its shows, "Starry Night Sky" and "Sonic Vision."

Circus Sarasota
8251 15th Street East, Sarasota
(941) 355-9335
www.circussarasota.org

The circus is an important part of Sarasota's legacy, so a performance by the city's resident big top is a definite must-see. The European-style one ring show offers non-stop entertainment with unique acts including the Russian Cossack Riders and a Roman rings and aerial act.

Gamble Plantation
3708 Patten Avenue, Ellenton
(941) 723-4536
www.floridastateparks.org/gambleplantation/

This antebellum mansion was home to major Robert Gamble and headquarters of an extensive sugar plantation. It is the only surviving plantation house in South Florida. Today, the mansion is furnished in the style of a successful mid-19th century plantation. Guided tours of the house are given six times a day, Thursday through Monday.

John and Mable Ringling Museum Complex
5401 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota
(941) 359-5700
www.ringling.org

Circus magnate John Ringling helped transform Sarasota into a cultural capital in the 1920s. Today his influence is still evident in the John and Mable Ringling Museum complex, affiliated with Florida State University. Stunning architecture and an expansive collection of works by baroque masters and American artists delight serious art aficionados. Innovative installations and object art help showcase the wall pieces by giving the viewer a sense of time and place. In addition, the estate encompasses Ca d'Zan (the recently restored 32-room Ringling mansion), the Circus Museum, Original Asolo theater, Rose Garden and beautifully landscaped grounds overlooking Sarasota Bay.