Are you looking for the best Sarasota parks to explore on your next visit to the area? From family-friendly beaches to nature parks offering a variety of activities, there are plenty of places to explore in Sarasota County.
Sarasota County Parks are perfect for those who love spending time outdoors. With more than 30 parks to choose from, there is something for everyone. From beaches and nature trails to playgrounds and picnic areas, Sarasota County Parks have it all.
Whether you are looking to spend a day at the beach or take a hike through a nature trail, Sarasota County Parks has something for you. The best part about these parks is that they are all free to the public. So, what are you waiting for? Get out and explore Sarasota County’s beautiful parks today!
- Siesta Key Beach
If you’re looking for a beautiful beach to relax on while in Sarasota County, look no further than Siesta Key Beach. This iconic beach is renowned for its sparkling, white sand beaches – which are actually made up of 99% pure quartz crystal. The soft, powdery sand and clear blue waters make it the perfect place to spend a day swimming, sunbathing, or simply taking in stunning views.
Siesta Key Beach Has Been Rated The #1 Beach In The Country!
Siesta Key Beach is also home to a number of great restaurants and bars, so you can enjoy a bite or a drink while enjoying the incredible views. And if you’re looking for some activities beyond just relaxing on the beach, there’s plenty to do here as well.
You can rent kayaks or paddleboards to explore the area, go shelling or fishing, or even take a scenic boat tour. No matter what you’re looking for, Siesta Key Beach is sure to have something for everyone.
- Myakka River State Park
Myakka River State Park is a must-see for outdoor enthusiasts looking for outdoor recreation in Sarasota. Located on the southwestern coast of the state in Sarasota County, Myakka River State Park has a wide range of activities and attractions, including a 25-mile lake, hiking trails, and even a canopy walkway suspended twenty-five feet in the air.
The lake at Myakka offers a variety of recreational activities, including canoeing, kayaking, and fishing. Visitors can also discover a range of wildlife, including alligators, birds, fish, and even the occasional bear. Along the lake’s shores, visitors can take advantage of the park’s picnic facilities.
The Myakka River State Park and Wildlife Center provides visitors with an up-close look at the wildlife that calls this area home. This wildlife center showcases a variety of wildlife, including alligators, hawks, and tortoises. Visitors can learn about Florida’s wildlife habitat and conservation efforts.
The park is also home to a wide range of hiking trails, with several options for novice and experienced hikers. With twelve distinct trails, hikers can experience everything from beautiful scenery to challenging terrain. Additionally, the park’s canopy walkway allows visitors to experience the park on a whole new level, as they are suspended twenty-five feet in the air.
Myakka River State Park offers the perfect escape for all nature lovers in and around Sarasota. With a variety of activities and recreational opportunities, this park is sure to offer something unique and enjoyable to visitors of all ages. Whether visitors are looking to relax, explore, or enjoy the outdoors, Myakka State Park has something for everyone.
- Nathan Benderson Park
Nathan Benderson Park is one of the premier Sarasota parks for recreation. Located on the shores of Lake Benderson, this 6000-acre park offers a variety of activities for visitors of all ages.
One popular activity at Nathan Benderson Park is paddling. Rowboats, kayaks, and paddle boards are available to rent from the park’s boathouse. There’s also a three-mile canoe and kayak trail that winds through the park’s forest and wetland areas, allowing visitors to explore the park’s natural beauty.
Fishing is also a popular activity at this Sarasota park. Anglers will find bass, crappie, and panfish in the lake’s waters, as well as a variety of other species. The park is also home to a stocked 0.3-acre fishing pond which can be fished from the pier.
There are also plenty of fun activities for land lovers at Nathan Benderson Park. The park’s trails are perfect for hiking, running, and biking. Visitors can also explore the park’s open spaces and natural habitats, home to a variety of native wildlife.
The park also offers plenty of opportunities for recreation and relaxation. Visitors can enjoy a picnic in one of the park’s designated areas, take a stroll along the shores of the lake, or take part in a number of organized activities and events, including yoga classes, movie nights, and guided tours.
Ultimately, Nathan Benderson Park is a great destination for outdoor recreation and relaxation in Sarasota. With a variety of activities and amenities, it’s sure to offer something for everyone.
- Selby Five Points Park
Selby Five Points Park is one of the top Sarasota parks for outdoor recreation. Located in the heart of downtown Sarasota, this park is easily accessible for locals and visitors alike. The park boasts a variety of amenities, including a large lake, a playground, a picnic area, and a basketball court.
The park’s playground is a great spot for entertainment. There are plenty of fun activities, such as slides, swings, and climbing structures. It’s a great place for children to play and for parents to spend quality time with their families.
The park also has a large picnic area that is perfect for family gatherings, birthday parties, and other special occasions. The area is equipped with tables, benches, and grills for barbecuing. Visitors can also bring their own blankets, chairs, and other supplies for a more personal experience. In addition to the picnic area, there is also a basketball court and open areas for playing games and sports.
- Lido Key Beach
Lido Key Beach is one of the Sarasota parks that should definitely be included on any exploration list. Located on Florida’s Gulf Coast, this tranquil stretch of white beaches and turquoise waters offers plenty of recreation and relaxation for families and visitors alike. The stunning beach is situated along Lido Key and spans two miles, providing plenty of space for activities.
The beach is known for its immaculately soft sand that is perfect for sunbathing, beach strolls, and water sports. Whether splashing in the shallow waters off the shore or swimming out a little further for a snorkel session, there is something for everyone at Lido Key. Windsurfing conditions are also great, with moderate swells and a shallow bottom. If you’re looking to take a break from the beach, visitors can also take a peaceful stroll on the nature trails of nearby South Lido Park.
Families won’t want to miss the adventure playground located on the north side of Lido Key. Here, little ones can let their imaginations run wild while they explore a makeshift pirate ship and pirate cove, discovering treasures and games along the way. There are also plenty of nearby picnic areas to enjoy an alfresco lunch after a few hours of playtime.
For those staying in Sarasota, Lido Key Beach is a great option for a day of fun for the whole family. Its location makes it a convenient choice for beachgoers, with numerous restaurants, bars, and beachfront hotels nearby.
- Legacy Trail
Legacy Trail is one of the most popular Sarasota Parks for recreation. Located between downtown Sarasota and Venice, the Legacy Trail is a 12.5-mile paved trail that is a great place for runners, cyclists, and walkers. The trail has several access points along its length, making it an ideal spot for an afternoon outing.
The Legacy Trail is strategically located along an old CSX Railroad line, allowing for a scenic journey through the Florida countryside. Along the way, you can pass by marshes and wetlands, with glimpses of mangroves and estuaries. The trail is also well-shaded, providing a pleasant walk or run even during the hottest months of the year.
The Legacy Trail also offers several amenities, like restroom facilities and drinking fountains. It is also open 24/7, making it an ideal spot for an early morning or evening outing. Additionally, there are plenty of benches and picnic tables along the trail, making it a great spot for lunch or an afternoon snack.
Legacy Trail Will Take You From Sarasota To Venice Florida!
The Legacy Trail is also a great way to access other Sarasota Parks. Along the way, you can access Oscar Scherer State Park, Greenbrook Adventure Park, and the Celery Fields Nature Park, making it easy to extend your adventure.
The Legacy Trail is an ideal spot for an afternoon of exercise and exploration. With its scenic views and easy access to other Sarasota Parks, the Legacy Trail is a great choice for outdoor recreation.
- Rothenbach Park
Rothenbach Park is an ideal place to explore and enjoy the great outdoors in Sarasota. Located in the Southside district, Rothenbach Park is a beautiful and well-maintained urban park with something for everyone. Among its many amenities are tennis courts, basketball courts, a playground, a walking trail, a splash pad, and a large grassy area. Visitors can also rent out a pavilion for special events or gatherings.
The park’s tennis courts are open to the public and offer a great space for playing or teaching both singles and doubles. The basketball courts are smack-bang in the center of the park, so there is plenty of room for pickup games and competitive play. The playground is well-stocked with exciting equipment and toys, from slides and swings to monkey bars and playhouses.
The walking trail is one of Rothenbach Park’s most noteworthy features. Measuring well over a mile in length, the trail takes you along the Riverwalk, which offers stunning views of the bay and other scenery. Along the way, you can pause to take in the sights, sounds, and smells of nature and the nearby city.
After a long walk, visitors to Rothenbach Park can cool off in the splash pad. The pad is open seasonally and offers a refreshing break in the hot Sarasota summers. For those looking for a more relaxing activity, the park also has a large grassy area, where visitors can enjoy a picnic or take a leisurely stroll.
Overall, Rothenbach Park is a great destination for outdoor recreation in Sarasota. From its abundant leisure facilities to its scenic walking trail, the park offers something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for a place to play sports, spend time with family, or just relax, Rothenbach Park is an ideal spot to explore and enjoy.
- Historic Spanish Point
Historic Spanish Point is a 30-acre archaeological site and museum located in Osprey, Florida. The site includes a variety of exhibits on the history of the area, as well as a nature trail and several gardens.
The museum at Historic Spanish Point is home to a number of artifacts that date back to the early days of settlement in Florida. Visitors can see how the early settlers lived and worked, and learn about the native plants and animals that they would have encountered.
The nature trail at Historic Spanish Point takes visitors through a variety of different habitats, including wetlands, prairies, and oak hammocks. Along the way, visitors can see alligators, turtles, and a variety of birds.
Food Truck at Historic Spanish Point In Sarasota!
The gardens at Historic Spanish Point are beautiful places to relax and enjoy the Florida sunshine. The butterfly garden is especially popular with visitors, as it is home to a number of different species of butterflies.
- Arlington Park & Aquatic Complex
Arlington Park and Aquatic Complex is one of the best parks in Sarasota County for outdoor activities. The park has a large playground, a swimming pool, and a picnic area. The playground has a variety of equipment for children to play on, including swings, slides, and monkey bars.
The playground is great for cooling off on hot days, and the swimming pool is perfect for swimming laps or just relaxing in the water. The picnic area has tables and grills, so you can enjoy a meal outdoors.
- Nokomis Beach
Nokomis Beach is Sarasota County’s oldest public beach and one of the most popular beaches in Sarasota County. It is located on the southern end of Venice Beach, just north of Caspersen Beach. The beach is wide and sandy, with plenty of room for sunbathing, swimming, and volleyball. There are also several restaurants and bars in the area, making it the perfect spot for a day or night out.
Conclusion
Sarasota county in Florida offers many beautiful parks for people to enjoy. Whether you enjoy walking, biking, fishing, or taking a stroll on the beach, there are plenty of recreational opportunities available. Sarasota county puts a lot of effort into maintaining its parks so they can remain safe and enjoyable for everyone to use.
Each of the parks has something special to offer and it is worth taking the time to explore each one in order to find the park that is right for you. With all of the variety of parks in Sarasota, along with all of the different recreational activities available to enjoy, there is truly something for everyone.