Stay, Play, Repeat: Sarasota’s Year-Round Sports Playground

Our sports scene scores big with endless ways to stay active and entertained. With a perfect climate, world-class facilities and laid-back coastal vibe, Sarasota County is where sports and sunshine go hand in hand. From diamonds and docks to fairways and courts, there’s always a game, match or meet waiting to join. 

Major Leagues, Major Fun

Every spring, Sarasota County becomes a home base for Major League Baseball. Catch the Baltimore Orioles at Ed Smith Stadium in downtown Sarasota, or head to CoolToday Park in North Port where the Atlanta Braves warm up for another big season. With stadium amenities, fan events and sunshine instead of snow, spring training in Sarasota County is the perfect place to celebrate America’s pastime. Secure tickets to a game with your favorite team from mid February to mid March each year. 

Field Sport Athletics

Photo courtesy of Sarasota Paradise

Over at Premier Sports Campus in Lakewood Ranch, local and visiting teams gather for soccer tournaments, lacrosse matches and more. For some exciting soccer action, catch a game featuring our own regional team, Sarasota Paradise—currently a pre-professional team in USL League Two, but will move to the professional USL League One in 2026. Plan to catch a game during the season, running from March through November.

While there are a couple different forms of rugby, the Sarasota Rugby Club plays a version with 15 players on each side battling to carry an oval shaped ball down the field to score a try, which in American Football is the equivalent of a touchdown. The club welcomes players of all skill levels, and offers both a men’s team and a youth academy—hosting practices weekly at their field in Sarasota. For visitors looking to witness this exciting contact sport, check out the organizations schedule for upcoming games.

Courts and Clubs

Sarasota makes it easy to stay active all year long. Join the action at The Pickleball Club at Lakewood Ranch, a state-of-the-art facility featuring 12 indoor courts and a friendly, competitive spirit. If you prefer to play outdoors, grab your paddle and try top-tier facilities like the Englewood Sports Complex and Sarasota Pompano Pickleball Courts.

Channel your inner pro at Downtown Sarasota's Payne Park Tennis Center, home to leagues, lessons and plenty of sunshine-soaked matches. Or have a seaside match at the beautiful Bayfront Park on Longboat Key. Should you and our team or family want to take advantage of as much court time as possible, consider staying at Sarasota Surf & Racquet Club—boasting fully equipped condos on Siesta Key with multiple tennis courts and walking distance to the beach. 

Try something different at the historic Sarasota Lawn Bowling Club, where the atmosphere is as friendly as it is competitive. Lawn bowling is a challenging yet enjoyable outdoor sport that continues to grow in popularity. The club offers opportunities for both novices and seasoned players to enjoy the sport at its home at Bobby Jones Golf Course. 

Cricket is a bat-and-ball game played with two teams of 11 where each team takes turns at bat in which they try to score runs. The Sarasota International Cricket Club is recognized as one of the best cricket clubs in the entire Southeastern U.S.—bringing in teams from around Florida and the world to its Lakewood Ranch field. For spectators, the games at the grounds are free to watch. 

Rowing & Paddling Galore

With Nathan Benderson Park (NBP) in our backyard, Sarasota continues to see exciting rowing regattas hosted here—including national and international events like the Sarasota Invitational Regatta and the U.S. Youth National Championships. In addition to rowing, there a handful of paddling sports hosted at NBP—including the ICF Stand Up Paddleboard (SUP) World Championships, the Last Paddler Standing SUP race and an annual Sarasota International Dragon Boat Festival.

The world-class venue boasts a 2,000-meter lake with a 10-lane protected course and a state-of-the-art observation tower for prime viewing. Whether you’re watching from the shore or launching your own boat, the cheering crowd, lakeside team tents and global competition atmosphere make each regatta weekend a must-see.

Equestrian Experiences

Photo courtesy of Venice Equestrian Tour

From polo fields to show-jump arenas, Sarasota County’s equestrian scene is robust. The Sarasota Polo Club at Lakewood Ranch features nine world-class polo fields and a half-mile track, making it a premier destination for polo-sport fans. If you're interested in saddling up yourself and trying something new, the Sarasota Polo School also provides a program for learning basics—from horsemanship and swing mechanics to the rules of the game.

TerraNova Equestrian Center in Myakka City offers six all-weather arenas, state-of-the-art cross-country courses and a setting designed for everything from hunter-jumper competition to dressage. Down in South County, Fox Lea Farm in Venice hosts a full calendar of USEF-approved shows and championships at its 50-acre horse show facility, making it a favorite for spectators and competitors alike. If you're interested in staying close to all the action at Fox Lea Farm, they offer over 130 RV spaces for rent onsite and discounts on hotel stays with lodging partners.

Pool to Gulf Swimming

Make a splash at the Selby Aquatic Center, home to the renowned Sharks Swim Team and host of numerous state and national competitions. The facility’s Olympic-size pool and diving well make it a year-round hub for serious swimmers and aquatic athletes. Down in South County, the North Port Aquatic Center invites families and leisure swimmers looking to get their cardio on to its new, spacious competition pool. 

Beyond the pools, Sarasota’s warm climate and calm Gulf waters make open-water swimming possible nearly every month of the year. Whether you’re perfecting your freestyle at sunrise, cooling off after a day of adventure or watching the next generation of swimmers train beneath the Florida sun, Sarasota offers a place to dive in. 

Tee Time on Timeless Greens

Photo courtesy of Sunseeker Resorts Florida Gulf Coast

Sarasota’s golf scene is as legendary as its sunsets—blending history and a touch of prestige on every fairway. Start at the newly renovated Bobby Jones Golf Course, a storied Donald Ross design reimagined for modern play with a driving range and 9-hole short course. Head east to University Park Country Club, where pristine greens and lush landscapes create a championship-caliber challenge for all skill levels. Just south, The Resort at Longboat Key Club offers two spectacular seaside courses with sweeping Gulf views and private club amenities. Golfers staying at  The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota can tee up in style at the Members Golf Club course, and for those looking to mix luxury lodging with their love of the game, Sunseeker Resort’s Aileron Golf Club delivers a first-class experience.

Motocross Mania

Established in 1974, SarasotaBMX's track is the oldest continuously operating BMX facility in the U.S. and regularly hosts state, regional and national races—including UCI and USA BMX events—making it a go-to for action-sport fans, daredevil riders and fun families alike. Competitors and spectators can keep an eye out online for upcoming invitationals and events. 

Stay Where You Play

Photo courtesy of Cirque St. Armands Beachside 

After the final whistle, Sarasota’s hospitality scene offers plenty of ways to unwind and recharge. Stay close to the action at sleek downtown hotels and resorts near the stadiums, stretch out in a waterfront vacation rental perfect for teams and families or book a luxury beachfront stay on Lido Key or Longboat Key for that post-game paradise. Whether you’re a competitor, coach or fan, Sarasota’s mix of resorts, boutique hotels and family-friendly rentals make it easy to play hard—and rest easy.