Visitors Guide Source 2026 - The Official 2026 Visitors Guide of Sarasota County®
Nature’s Canvas Awaits®
2025-12-13 06:50:56
WATER, WILDERNESS & STROKES OF WONDER
Sarasota County invites you to step into nature’s masterpiece—where every outdoor adventure is radiantly painted with sun, sky and sea. Ramble through understories of brightgreen palmettos, past towering pines and century-old banyan trees. Go off-road biking or horseback riding through pristine trails surrounded by subtropical sights and sounds. Crave complete solitude and starry-night skies? Travelers can set up their RV or camper van at scenic campgrounds in one of our state parks, or choose to grill out and glamp in safari-style tents.
When a new day begins, cool off and and dive into one of our many waterways. Paddle into lush lagoons, through majestic mangrove tunnels and clearblue preserves. Venture below the Gulf to snorkel for sand dollars and lost treasures, or soar high above it on a parasailing joyride. Cruise along our sparkling bayfront by yacht or jetski for golden hour, or boat out to deeper waters on a charter to reel in that picture-perfect trophy fish. Whether on land or offshore, keep watch for a vibrant array of Floridanative wildlife that adds a whole other layer of color and dimension here.
Trailside Pursuits
Rent a bicycle, e-bike or blades and cruise the Legacy Trail’s 18.5 miles of buttery-smooth pavement surrounded by Florida nature. To get a closer look at local wildlife, head to Myakka River State Park to camp in cabins, spot birds from the high-flying Canopy Walkway or see sunbathing alligators from a canoe. Lemon Bay Environmental Park is where easy walking trails hug the mangrove- lined coast. Climb to the top of Celery Fields for epic views of 300 acres of open marshland and a variety of birds. Backpack through Myakka State Forest or go off-road biking on the 40 miles of rugged trails. In Myakkahatchee Creek Environmental Park, get the ultimate Old Florida nature experience while hiking, cycling or horseback riding under an oak canopy. Walk the boardwalks of Quick Point Nature Preserve as you view a serene, 100-year-old mangrove lagoon. Roam Historic Spanish Point, a 33-acre archaeological and environmental park where nature trails, pioneer-era buildings, a sunken garden, butterfly house and ancient shell mounds tell the stories of Sarasota’s earliest inhabitants. Glamp at Oscar Scherer State Park while listening to a chorus of cicadas before falling asleep under the stars. Further connect with nature by grounding, forest bathing and meditating in one of our state parks on an eco-tour with Sarasota Vortex Tours. Or set off on a leisurely group hike with Wonderbound Adventures, led by friendly local guides who make every trailstep an immersive eco-experience.
Anchor’s Away
Eager to get out on the water and drop your line in some of the best Gulf Coast fishing spots? If you prefer to chart your own course, stop by CB’s Saltwater Outfitters. They have full or half-day boat rentals, plus an on-site bait shop, fishing gear and charter captains. For families and couples, there’s nothing better than a day spent by Sarasota’s sandbars and mangroves. Cannons Marina makes it easier than ever to kick off a boating adventure with no-contract rentals for a day, week and month. Or snag a rental with club access from Marina Jack and Suntex Boat Club. Vessels include double-decker party boats with waterslides, tritoons, powerboats and fishing boats. For a hands-off experience with libations and live music, hop aboard LeBarge Tropical Cruises’ palm tree-laden tour boat to dance on the rooftop while keeping an eye out for dolphins at sunset in Sarasota Bay.
Watersport Thrills
Kayaking and paddleboarding are the perfect Florida activities for couples, families and nature lovers. Stop by Dolphin Paddlesports to rent or buy kayaks and SUPs before heading out to Ken Thompson Park or The Bay Park—both have easy-access launch points right to the bay! Kayaking SRQ on Lido Key has knowledgeable guides who will point out manatees, turtles and other sea creatures during a tour through the mangrove tunnels of Ted Sperling Park. They also offer day tours that are ideal for spotting wildlife, like alligators and seabirds, and overnight canoe camping trips for a longer adventure. If you’re out on Siesta Key, get your watercraft gear and equipment from Ride and Paddle for a snorkeling journey at Jim Neville Marine Preserve. Up on Longboat Key, Happy Paddler Kayak Tours & EcoVentures has all your paddling needs covered with enjoyable lessons and award-winning tours. Want to feel like you’re flying over water? Glide above the Gulf on an electric hydrofoil surfboard with Sarasota eFoil. Or take to the skies with Sea Rocket Gulf Coast Parasail for a birds-eye-view of our sweeping coastline. Want a more high-speed ride? Suit up for HydroCats’ two-seater catamaran speedboat for a thrilling sightseeing excursion like no other.
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