2017 World Rowing Championships

Visit Sarasota County extends a warm welcome to all competitors and fans to the sunny Florida Gulf Coast! We encourage you all to enjoy beaches, attractions, great dining and much more. With so much to do and see, planning your visit can be overwhelming, so let us help you with a few to dos:

The Best Beach in America

Separately chosen as the best beach in America by TripAdvisor Reviewers and Dr. Beach this year, Siesta Key's sandy shores are truly something to enjoy. The Siesta Public Beach is a large beach with free public parking, multiple concessions, handicap accessibility, volleyball courts, a playground, several picnic areas and much more. While any time is a great time to enjoy the beach, catching a sunset before you leave is an absolute must-do.

Shop till you drop

The World Rowing Championship is just down the street from The Mall at University Town Center, but another great shopping district loved by locals and tourists alike is St. Armands Circle. Created by famed circus mogul John Ringling himself, this shopping district features high-end and niche retail, outdoor eateries and is walking distance from Lido Beach.

Enjoy the Venetian allure of the Historic Downtown Venice area further south in Sarasota County. Hunt for souvenirs, walk through Centennial Park or take a short jaunt to Venice Pier. Last but not least, nearby the natural splendor of Lemon Bay and Manasota Key is Dearborn Street in Englewood. Enjoy a classic "Old Florida" feel to this small-town hub.

Explore our nature in our parks

Our parks offer some of the best opportunities to see "wild" Florida up close and personal. Head east to Myakka River State Park for an adventure where you are almost guaranteed to see alligators, herring, ibis, storks, and more. Take a scenic lake tour on an airboat ride or paddle through Myakka River by canoe. In Osprey, just south of Sarasota, is Oscar Scherer State Park. This park's scrubby flatwoods make it the best place in town to spot Florida scrub-jays. This park also connects to the Legacy Trail, which is a 10-mile train from Venice, FL, to Sarasota.

The options for exploration are endless. Join a kayak tour and paddle through Lido Key mangrove tunnels. Take a short hike through Quick Point Nature Preserve and enjoy beautiful bay views from Longboat Key. Head south to North Port and go on a horseback riding excursion through Myakkahatchee Environmental Creek.

Eat and drink your way through town

Sip local beers from one of our nearby breweries, or enjoy a crisp, refreshing cocktail made with local rum. Enjoy delicious flavorful fresh fish at one of many restaurants or check out our Farmers Markets for local fruits and vegetables, meats and baked goods. Find out for what's in season or perhaps try a recipe on your own!