Traveler's Guide to North Port (Wellen Park & Beyond)

North Port is currently the fastest-growing city in Sarasota County. From community events at the vibrant, new master-planned community of Wellen Park to the natural wonders of local parks and mineral springs, North Port is a burgeoning destination that invites you to experience some of the best of Florida's Gulf Coast lifestyle. 

Here's your guide to the happenings that make North Port a must-visit destination of South Sarasota County.

Spring Training & CoolToday Park Stadium

Baseball enthusiasts, rejoice! In 2020, the Atlanta Braves permanently traded their spring training home at Disney’s Wide World of Sports for a brand new state-of-the-art complex in North Port’s master-planned community of Wellen Park. CoolToday Park is a sporting haven where you can catch a Braves game, enjoy the Florida sun, grab a beer or bite and soak in the excitement of America's favorite pastime. Spring training runs from February through March and tickets can be purchased on the MLB website or at the box office.  

For those not fans of the sport, perhaps cinema piques your interest. CoolToday Park's stadium becomes a giant outdoor theater for Summer Movie Nights, which takes place on most Sundays during the summer months. Meanwhile, trivia, bingo and live music are in the lineup at Tomahawk Tiki Bar & Grill all year-round! Stay up-to-date on upcoming events here.

Downtown Wellen Park

Photo courtesy of City of North Port, FL

Experience it all in Wellen Park's vibrant master-plan neighborhood, community and lifestyle. This newly developed downtown hub offers a gathering place with boutiques, all-day eateries and cafes, a playground and splash park for kids, concerts at the amphitheater, free fitness programs and community events year-round. From running and cycling groups and outdoor yoga classes to a Dueling Pianos Night and the Fresh Harvest Farmers Market, Downtown Wellen Park has become the beating heart of North Port. 

Visit the all-new Welcome Center as a friendly starting place for you to find your next stop within Wellen Park, or schedule a tour! Should you want to dive right in, some local favorites include: renting kayaks from Kind Vibes Outfitters at the waterfront area to paddle the Great Lake, strolling the pedestrian-friendly streets to admire Florida artists' murals and enjoying daily live music from a blanket on the Great Lawn.

Think that's all? Wellen Park will see even more new neighborhoods (details coming soon), new parks and trails, and the opening of new shops, restaurants and services in its downtown area throughout 2026. Stay tuned as the year progresses for more information on these new developments.

North Port Performing Arts Center

The North Port Performing Arts Center (PAC) is the second-largest theatre in Sarasota County, located on the grounds of the North Port High School. During season, catch the harmonious sounds of North Port Symphony, the North Port Chorale or the North Port Concert Band. From high school musicals and chorus concerts to orchestra and plays, there's always something happening on stage at the PAC. Check out upcoming showtimes and purchase tickets at the box office or online here. 

Warm Mineral Springs Park

Unwind and rejuvenate at Warm Mineral Springs Park, a natural hot spring believed to have holistic healing properties. Listed in the U.S. National Register of Historic Places, the springs are both a cultural and natural treasure to the city of North Port – offering relaxation in a serene setting. The park has been known to attract more than 150,000 visitors annually to enjoy its spa-like recreation by soaking in its warm, clear-blue waters. At a consistent 85 degrees Fahrenheit, you can bathe and swim in the 30,000-year-old sinkhole all year-round. Warm Mineral Springs is open daily, 9am - 5pm to the public.

North Port Connector Trail & Deer Prairie Creek Preserve

Not ready to head inside for the day? Go from the springs to a scenic bike ride on the nearby North Port Connector, a newly paved trail (about 5.5 to 7.5 miles long) providing a paved link from North Port's Price Trailhead to the main Legacy Trail. This beautiful tree-lined trail will eventually lead you to the East Entrance of Deer Prairie Creek Preserve. The preserve's untouched wetlands and pine flatwoods are ideal for wildlife spotting along 70 miles of primitive hiking/biking trails. Bicycle and e-bike rentals can be found here to secure your ride. 

Myakkahatchee Creek Environmental Park & Greenway Trail

Outdoor enthusiasts will want to continue exploring the natural beauty of North Port's "Old Florida" landscapes at Myakkahatchee Creek Environmental Park. Th 160-acre park consists of a lush canopy of oaks and palms and offers hiking, off-road biking and horseback trails, awesome birdwatching opportunities and primitive camping (with a permit). If those activities seem a touch too adventurous, you cam still enjoy the Myakkahatchee Creek Greenway Trail, a one-mile walking trail with an elevated boardwalk to cross the creek. Enjoy a long, quiet stroll while keeping an eye out for native wildlife and birds.

North Port Blueways

If you're craving to be on the water, North Port's Blueways offer an abundance of canoeing and kayaking opportunities—consisting of nearly 80 miles of freshwater canals, nine miles of the Myakkahatchee Creek and a portion of the lower Myakka River (Florida's only 'Wild & Scenic' River). Motorized boats are able to launch from Marina Park to access the lower Myakkahatchee Creek, which flows into the Myakka River. The Blueways are also ideal for fishing, with plenty of freshwater and saltwater varieties.

Not sure where to secure your paddle vessel? Join Parks & Recreation for North Port Eco-Adventures, including a special guided kayak tour to experience some of our area's best-kept secrets. Take in the scenery and learn about the flora and fauna along the way. Pre-registration is required: Tours cost $10 per person with a kayak provided or $5 per person if you bring your own kayak.

North Port Aquatic Center

Photo courtesy of City of North Port, FL

Find your inner child and inner tube at the North Port Aquatic Center. This is an incredibly fun, and refreshing, activity to do with the family on those hot Florida days. Kids can slide down the Barracuda Blast, splash at Pelican Playground, swim in one of the three pools or ride the Relaxahatchee Lazy River. Concessions are available onsite, so enjoy a sweet treat from the Sand Dollar Snack Shack. North Port Aquatic Center also offers swimming lessons for every stage of life!

Recreational Spaces

North Port is dotted with family-friendly parks perfect for a day of outdoor fun. From playgrounds for the little ones to scenic trails for nature walks, places like Dallas White Park caters to all ages and is a great place to throw a birthday party, family picnic or just hang out and enjoy the shade under the pavilion. Paddlers and boaters can utilize the boat ramps while players can have a tennis or pickleball match on the two lighted courts. There are also sand volleyball courts, softball fields, a giant green space, a playground, outdoor grill and picnic tables.

When the sun eventually sets, enjoy free family-friendly films at Movies on the Green, held once a month on the last Friday. Hosted at North Port's George Mullen Activity Center, be sure to bring a chair or blanket, and settle in as the lawn turns into an open-air theater. 

For kid-free days, grab the clubs to play a round of golf in North Port. There are a few places to go golfing—including Heron Creek Golf & Country Club, Wellen Park Golf & Country Club and Pelican Pointe Golf and Country Club. Set a tee time and spend an entire afternoon enjoying one of the pristine courses and premier facilities of North Port.