Tourism is the main industry in Sarasota, as it has been since the days before a single house was built and anglers used to pitch tents on the beach. The standard Florida commodities of beach, fishing, golf, and sunbathing come in the usual pleasant proportions here, and the city has basis for its claim as "the cradle of golf" since the first Florida course was laid out here in 1886 by Colonel J. Hamilton Gillespie.

Ever since John Ringling selected the city of Sarasota as winter quarters for his circus (1929-1959), the two have become synonymous in the minds of many. Ringling did much to develop and beautify the area and surrounding islands. Today culture, the circus, and sportfishing make for a rare blend along Sarasota Bay.