A component of the Sarasota appeal is found in the vast selection of leisure opportunities. Beyond the beaches, the waters of Sarasota offer a wealth of activity. Numerous area parks feature fishing, canoeing, swimming and other water sport activities.
Sarasota’s critically acclaimed area Gulf Beaches stretch over 35-miles along the west coast of Florida. Known for their magnificent sand and amazing sunsets, loose yourself on Florida’s Southwest Gulf Coast.
LIDO BEACH
On Lido Key, just southwest of St. Armand’s Circle.
NORTH LIDO BEACH
Very private with easy access.
SOUTH LIDO PARK
Bordered by four bodies of water, Lido Park is on thee southern tip of Lido Key and offers skyline view of Downtown.
LONGBOAT KEY BEACH
Longboat Key offers a beach the runs they entire stretch of the barrier island.
CASEY KEY BEACHES
Nokomis Beach is located on Casey Key directly west of the Albee Road Bridge.
NORTH JETTY PARK
On the southern tip of Casey Key you can watch the boats pass through from the Intracoastal on their way to the Gulf.
SIESTA KEY BEACH
Voted as One of “America’s Best Beaches;” this is one of the best in the world. Ranked as the “Third Best Walking Beach in the USA,” by USA Today International Edition; and “The Best of the Best Sand,” by Conde Nast Traveler.
TURTLE BEACH
Located at the southern end of Siesta Key, less populated and a great shelling beach.
CRESCENT BEACH
South of Siesta Key’s Public Beach, it stretches for about one and a half miles toward Point of Rocks a favorite of scuba divers.
PALMER POINT BEACH
Begins at the southern tip of Siesta Key and continues onto the north end of Casey Key.
MANASOTA BEACH
You’ll find 14-acres of gorgeous beach on Manasota Key, with picnic tables and boardwalks.
BLIND PASS BEACH
This is a great swimming & fishing location, with over 60-acres of nature trails and a dock area.
ENGLEWOOD BEACH
Offers a recreation area, boardwalk, numerous amenities, nearby shops and restaurants.
STUMP PASS BEACH
Just south of Englewood Beach, Stump Pass Beach is an the angler’s favorite.
Sarasota hosts numerous regattas for sailing enthusiasts and spectators. Dock your boat at one of the area’s pristine marinas, parasail, deep-sea fish, or serenely sail the majestic Sarasota Bay.
If you’re looking to catch the big one, or need the perfect stop as you boat the endless waterways of Sarasota, there are numerous charters, area piers and marinas to meet your needs.
AREA MARINAS
Blackburn Point Marina & Yacht Sales
Sarasota Mobile Marine
AREA BOAT RENTAL
A number of area marinas offer various types of watercraft rental and charter services.
CBS Outfitters
Cool Breeze Boat Rentals
Sarasota Boat Rental
Siesta Key Sailing
AREA PIERS
Englewood Public Fishing Pier
Osprey Fishing Pier
Tony Saprito Pier
Ken Thompson Park Pier
New Pass Pier
Turtle Beach Pier
Venice Fishing Pier
The tropical climate of Sarasota offers the perfect backdrop for environmental protection, numerous educational exhibits and research of Florida’s natural bounty. Marie Selby Botanical Gardens is a showcase of over 6,000 orchids in a lush tropical paradise, while Mote Marine Aquarium combines research with hands-on learning exhibits. Numerous area attractions reveal an intense regard for the environment, as well as the historical masterpieces and museums of Sarasota.
Bishop Planetarium
Circus Sarasota
Ed Smith Stadium
Gulfcoast Wonder and Imagination Zone
Mote Marine Laboratory
Marie Selby Botanical Gardens
Museum of Cars and Music
Sarasota Convention & Visitor’s Bureau
Sarasota Jungle Gardens
Sarasota Polo Club
Selby Library
South Florida Museum
With a great waterfront location, the area State Parks feature beaches, boating, shelling and bird watching. The whole family will enjoy airboat cruises, eco-cruises, an abundance of wildlife, kayaking adventures, or a peaceful park picnic.
Historic Spanish Point
Historic Spanish Point, overlooking Sarasota Bay, provides a window into 5,000 years of human history, with Native American shell middens, preserved pioneer structures, nature trails and formal gardens.
Myakka River State Park
Myakka River State Park is Florida’s largest natural park, offering canoeing, fishing, camping, an airboat cruise, a canopy walk and biking among a diversity of bird and wildlife. Safari tram tours of the park’s back country are offered from mid-December through May. The Myakka River flows through 58 square miles of wetlands, prairies and woodlands.
Oscar Scherer State Park
Oscar Scherer State Park is one of the best places to see Florida scrub-jays, a threatened species found only in Florida. Hike or bike through 15 miles of nature trails or kayak or canoe along South Creek, a black water stream that flows to the Gulf of Mexico. Fishing is available along the creek or the shores of Lake Osprey. The park has picnic areas, pavilions, full-facility campsites and a youth/group campground.
