Get Your Workout In on Sarasota County's Keys

Just because you're here on vacation or for business doesn't mean you have to sacrifice your fitness routine. If you're looking to stay active while enjoying the beauty of Sarasota County’s barrier islands, you're in luck. Whether you prefer the solitude of a sunset run, a yoga flow at sunrise or the camaraderie of a community fitness class, Sarasota's six keys offer a variety of ways to break a sweat while soaking up the sunshine and sea breeze. 

Running or Walking

Whether jogging along the guard rails in the pedestrian pathway of the scenic John Ringling Bridge from downtown Sarasota into Bird Key or finding hidden, unmarked trails that lead you to the shoreline in Lido Key or Casey Key, Sarasota is a runner's delight. 

Every one of Sarasota’s six islands — from Longboat Key to Manasota Key — provides the perfect setting and backdrop for a long beach run or a leisurely walk. The compact wet sand near the water's edge makes for a soft yet stable running surface, while the soft-sand dunes and winding trails of North Lido Beach provide more of a challenge for runners. 

If you prefer paved pathways or sidewalks for your joints, Siesta Key and Lido Key both offer scenic routes lined with palm trees and Gulf views that hug the public beachfront, while the Venetian Waterway Park Trail is a lovely paved trail that runs along both sides of the Intracoastal Waterway from downtown Venice south. People-watching as your exercise entertainment is always a plus. 

Beach Workout Groups & Yoga

For those who enjoy structured workouts, you'll find beach fitness groups and yoga classes available to jump into.

Tranquility by the Sea offers a peaceful way to end the day on Siesta Beach with a gentle, free (though tips from participants are appreciated) all-skill-levels yoga class. The almost-daily guided flow meets between the green and red lifeguard towers (Monday –Tuesday and Thursday – Saturday in the mornings and Wednesday evenings for sunset). Yogis can also catch Yoga With Elin every morning, as well as sunset sessions Monday – Thursday. These classes take place daily on Venice Beach and are for all abilities to deepen their practice. 

For a bit of a challenge, swap out the mat for a stand-up paddleboard to further engage your balance and core. Book a private SUP yoga workshop (2-10 participants) with SUP East Coast Style and local yoga instructor, Emily. 

For more of an intense workout, there are local groups that meet on Lido Beach for strength training and cardio on a weekly basis, including Pathos Community (Thursday mornings and the first Saturdays of the month) and Moai Movement (Friday mornings). It's not only a great way to get a workout in, but it's the perfect opportunity to meet like-minded people and get motivated.

Beach Volleyball

Venice Beach (at Venice Fishing Pier) and Siesta Beach (at Siesta Beach Pavilion) both offer multiple beach volleyball courts for free use. Locals and visitors alike gather for friendly and competitive games, and the courts are near showers and concessions, so you can enjoy a rinse and refreshments after a heated game. 

Whether you’re joining a pickup match or playing in an organized tournament through the Sunshine State Outdoor Volleyball Association (SSOVA), this sport is a great way to stay fit, get sweaty, meet new people and have some fun in the sun.

Paddling & Water Sports

The warm Gulf waters and its many bays provide plenty of opportunities to engage in water sports that'll get your heart rate up — especially if you have a chance encounter spotting a dolphin, sea turtle or manatee!

While Sarasota’s waves are typically small and gentle, the right conditions can bring some fun swells for skimboarding across our flat, sandy beaches — a very popular activity on our county beaches. 

If you prefer a paddle in your hand, there are endless tours or places to rent a stand-up paddleboard (SUP) or kayak up and down the coast, such as Dolphin Paddlesports, Vanhunks USA, Happy Paddler Kayak Tours & EcoVentures, SURFit USA, Get Up and Go Kayaking Sarasota, and Kayaking SRQ Tours and Rentals. Glide through the Intracoastal Waterway or Gulf waters, taking in the stunning coastal scenery, and possibly spotting native wildlife. Kayakers can also take advantage of maneuvering through the area's mangrove tunnels in South Lido Park.

Looking for something a bit more thrilling and faster? Have your hand (or foot, really) at eFoiling. Sarasota eFoils rents their equipment out for those looking to pump, swerve, skate and cruise across the waters of Siesta Key and Lido Key.

Cycling

For a good leg workout on two wheels, Sarasota Bike Tours offers cycling tours and daily or weekly rentals for single-speed beach cruisers, 7-speed bicycles and electric bikes. While the e-bikes certainly give you a boost from the motor, you still have to balance and pedal to get across the sandy shoreline. So don't let anyone tell you it's not a worthy exercise! Otherwise, Siesta Beach and Lido Beach both offer plenty of paved pathways and bike lanes around the island keys to get your miles in.

ChargedRide E-Bike Rentals is another local carrier to rent an electric bike for the day or week in Siesta Key, while BigBam eBikes is the spot to hit up for an island tour or multi-day rental in Venice. 

Court Sports

For those who enjoy racquet sports to break a sweat, Sarasota’s keys have numerous public pickleball, basketball and tennis courts where players of all skill levels can join in the fun.

Located near Siesta Beach, find public courts free to use, with half set up for pickleball and the other half set up for tennis. In Longboat Key's Bayfront Park, find a popular spot directly across from the beach for pickleball and tennis enthusiasts, as well as basketball and shuffleboard courts to test your skills. 

Another frequented spot for players is Hecksher Park on Venice Island, with lighted courts for tennis, basketball, racquetball/handball and shuffleboard looking for a friendly game or competitive play.