The Official Visitors Guide of Sarasota County® - 2025

Wilderness Escapes

Grab your longboard, bicycle 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 where you can spot birds from the 25-feet-high Canopy Walkway or see alligators from a canoe. This lush park is also home to miles of hiking and biking trails, as well as several picnic areas and campgrounds. For a coastal hike, check out Lemon Bay Environmental Park where four miles of hiking trails hug the mangrove-lined coast. Climb to the top of the hill at Celery Fields for epic views of 300 acres of open marshlands and a variety of birds. Hike through Myakka State Forest or go off-road bicycling on the 40 miles of trails. In Myakkahatchee Creek Environmental Park, you’ll 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. Glamp at Oscar Scherer State Park to toast marshmallows while listening to a chorus of cicadas before falling asleep under the stars.

Paddle Paradise

Kayaking and paddleboarding are the perfect Florida activities for couples, families and all nature lovers. Stop by Dolphin Paddlesports to rent or buy kayaks and paddleboards to take to your favorite Sarasota County water source. Ken Thompson Park and The Bay Park both have easy-access launch points right to the bay! Or go to Kayaking SRQ or SURFit USA on Lido Key where knowledgeable guides will teach you all about Florida wildlife during a tour through the mangrove tunnels of Ted Sperling Park. You can also rent gear and explore independently. If you want more of a wilderness experience, go to Canoe Outpost - Peace River in Arcadia where you’ll glide through Florida’s most popular State Paddle Trail. They offer day tours that are ideal for spotting wildlife, like alligators and water birds, and overnight canoe camping trips for a longer adventure. If you’re out on Siesta Key, rent your kayaks, paddleboards and any other watersports gear from Ride and Paddle. Up on Longboat Key, Happy Paddler Kayak Tours & EcoVentures has all your paddling needs covered with kayak and paddleboard rentals, lessons and award-winning paddle tours on Longboat Key, Anna Maria Island and Sarasota. Vanhunks USA Kayaks is a family-owned watersport retailer with their own line of fishing and leisure kayaks, paddles and SUPs. Utilize their local knowledge for tours, demos, rentals or to get your own setup!

Fish On

Eager to get out on the water and drop your line in some of the best fishing spots? Book a deep-sea fishing trip with Sarasota Fishing Fleet/The Miss Venice Deep. Equipped with light tackle and experienced crew, you’re guaranteed to catch some fish while enjoying the comfort of the air-conditioned cabin and full-size bathroom on board. If you prefer to chart your own course, stop by CB’s Saltwater Outfitters at the South Bridge in Sarasota. They have full or half-day boat rentals, plus an on-site bait shop and fishing gear rental. With their extensive knowledge of local waters, the staff can give you tips and advice to make the most of your fishing trip. Not sure where to customize the perfect experience? Captain Experiences Sarasota Fishing Charters’ website helps narrow down the perfect trip, filtering all the way down to the specific type of fish you want to catch!

Anchor’s Away

There’s nothing better than a day spent on the water with friends and family—especially in Sarasota with sparkling blue waters and sandbar hopping to fill your boating itinerary. Cannons Marina makes it easier than ever to kick off a boating adventure with nocontract rentals for a day, week and month. If wind in your sails is more your style, reserve your sightseeing or sunset cruise on Key Sailing’s 41’ Morgan yacht, where you’ll sink into bean bags while enjoying fine chocolates. For more of a floating tiki hut experience, pack your own happy-hour drinks and charter Cruisin’ Tikis Sarasota. If tropical cocktails, light fare and live music are your idea of a good time, hop aboard the LeBarge Tropical Cruises. Leaving right from Bayfront Park in Downtown Sarasota, you’ll have a lively time on this palm tree-laden tour boat with a rooftop bar. Suncoast Oasis Boat Tours will take you on an eco-tour to the best spots for swimming, snorkeling and exploring the islands around the Gulf Coast while the designated captains of Happy Go Lucky Siesta Key Boat Tours make bar-hopping and dolphin watching dreams come true.

Play Ball!

Watch as many baseball games as your heart desires throughout Sarasota County, home of Spring Training Baseball for the Baltimore Orioles and Atlanta Braves. Book your tickets to watch the Orioles at major league facility Ed Smith Stadium, near Downtown Sarasota. Or drive down south to North Port’s Wellen Park where the Atlanta Braves play at CoolToday Park. Get a front-row seat to watch Sarasota’s local soccer team, Sarasota Paradise, at Charlie Cleland Stadium at Ihrig Field. If you prefer to get in on the action rather than sitting back and watching the game, Sarasota has plenty for you, too! Join The Pickleball Club, the brand-new, 12-court facility in Lakewood Ranch and the only indoor pickleball facility in Sarasota. Experience a thrilling day of target shooting at Sarasota Trap, Skeet & Sporting Clays in Nokomis, a premier shooting range perfect for beginners and seasoned marksmen alike. From the aiming at the sky to rolling on the green, try joining one of Sarasota’s oldest historic clubs, the Sarasota Lawn Bowling Club offers open bowling activities, club tournaments and fun bowling events. Play a round at the newly restored and reopened Bobby Jones Golf Course. The original 18-hole Donald Ross Golf Course has been renovated along with a new restaurant, clubhouse and 9-hole short course.

Explore more of Sarasota’s natural wonders and outdoor activities at NaturesCanvasAwaits.com