Nature & Outdoors in Sarasota
Beaches, parks, nature trails, gardens, and the best places to explore the natural beauty of the Sarasota area.
Mote Marine's longest-running fundraiser hits its 40th year on Siesta Key Beach, with a chip-timed 5K and a 1-mile fun run option for all ages. Registration includes a race t-shirt and kids' activities area — and every dollar goes directly toward Mote's sea turtle research and conservation program.
Hands-on, family-friendly activities celebrating nature and movement during Good to Be Green Months—everything blue and green gets its moment to shine.
Celebrate Arbor Day with a nature talk and ceremonial tree planting to create a lasting legacy for future generations. Bring the whole family for community connection and environmental impact.
- Fridays & Saturdays
Ride and Paddle at The Bay (Guided Tour)
Explore restored mangroves and local wildlife on a guided kayak tour led by experienced guides. Kayaks and life jackets provided. Ages 12+. Registration required and fills fast.
Siesta Key Beach
America's #1 rated beach with powdery quartz sand that stays cool underfoot. Crystal-clear water, free parking, lifeguards, concessions, and a free trolley from Siesta Village.
Bayfront Park
Downtown's waterfront playground with a pirate-themed play area, splash pad, and marina views — the best spot to watch pelicans and sunsets without leaving the city.
Marie Selby Botanical Gardens
A stunning downtown waterfront garden with world-renowned orchid and bromeliad collections, plus rotating art installations woven through the plantings.
Myakka River State Park
One of Florida's oldest state parks with a canopy walkway above the treetops, airboat tours, and 37,000 acres of wild Florida that most tourists never see.
The Bay Park
A 53-acre waterfront park along Sarasota Bay with free programming, playgrounds, art installations, walking paths, and stunning bay views. One Park for All.
Lido Beach
A quieter alternative to Siesta Key with a public pool, picnic shelters, and soft white sand — just steps from the shops and restaurants of St. Armands Circle.
Nathan Benderson Park
A 600-acre park built around a world-class rowing lake, with a 3.5-mile loop trail perfect for running, biking, or walking the dog.
The Legacy Trail
Eighteen miles of paved trail connecting downtown Sarasota to Venice on a former railroad corridor, with 15 free trailheads along the way.
Payne Park
A downtown park with a circus-themed playground, skate park, splash area, and tennis center — one of the most popular parks for families in central Sarasota.
Waterside Place
A lakefront town center in Lakewood Ranch with waterfront dining, boutique shopping, a scenic park, and regular community events on a 36-acre peninsula.
The Celery Fields
A 440-acre birding hotspot with 250+ species, walking trails, and an observation mound. Peak season is November through March for migratory birds.
North Jetty Beach
The locals' beach — less crowded, with a legendary drum circle on Wednesday and Saturday nights and daily yoga at the jetty.
Sarasota Jungle Gardens
Old-Florida roadside charm with flamingos, reptile shows, and shaded garden paths. It's been here since 1939 and feels refreshingly un-corporate.
Turtle Beach
The quiet, shaded end of Siesta Key with a boat ramp, kayak launch, playground, and the only beachside campground in the area.
Anna Maria Island
A laid-back barrier island with Old Florida charm. No buildings taller than three stories, a free trolley, and some of the best casual seafood on the Gulf Coast.
Longboat Key
An upscale 10-mile barrier island between Sarasota and Bradenton with pristine Gulf beaches, luxury resorts, and a quiet escape from the mainland bustle.
Venice Beach
A Blue Wave-certified beach just steps from downtown Venice, with an iconic 1960s Space Age pavilion, volleyball courts, and soft cocoa-colored sand.
Venice Fishing Pier
Fish 24/7 with no license required from this pier at Brohard Park. Grab bait from the shop on the pier and dinner from Sharky's next door.