Beaches & Parks

There's so much to do in Sarasota County that it can be difficult to narrow it down, much less cram it all into a weekend. You can't, of course, but if you're only here for a few days, here's a helpful itinerary designed to give you a taste of the beaches, cuisine and culture of Sarasota, while keeping it relaxing and mostly outside.

Friday

If you arrive in the afternoon, unpack and settle in at your hotel before heading downtown. If you already live here in paradise, follow suit and start with happy-hour cocktails at the spot that fits your mood.

Year-round Florida home of the Baltimore Orioles.

Innovative field irrigation allows for efficient water drainage, which provides for efficient time-out weather management. Minutes from the Lakewood Ranch Town Center and Main Street, this facility is in close proximity to numerous restaurants, shops and hotels.

Sports: Soccer, Football, Rugby, Lacrosse, Cross Country, Ultimate, Field Hockey, Archery, Flag Football

Looking to run instead of lounge on America's favorite beach? You'll want to check out these spots for the best places to play

Grabbing a blanket and packing some PB&Js makes for a simple beach picnic, but what if you want to get a little more creative?

Your dream picnic can be just as magical as the ones you see on TV. Sarasota's scenery makes it simple. Enjoy a long picnic lunch in the sunshine or a quiet picnic dinner at sunset. All you need to do is make a few preparations along the way.

From Little League to Major League, Sarasota hits a home run with baseball players and fans with its ample baseball fields, venues, and events

Located on the Bay in Downtown Sarasota, Bayfront Park features everything a person could want in Florida. 

There is a place, a place in Sarasota, where you can do everything at once. Pretty much anything a person can think of doing – from the casual, do nothing day to the adventurous night – is in this one place. Not a place where coordinating schedules and driving directions are needed; nay, this delightful place has it all within walking distance. Lazy walking distance, not New York City walking distance. Half a mile from farthest point to farthest point.

This outdoor swimming and aquatics facility features a 50 meter competition pool and additional warm-up area.

From the scientist to the artist, the comedian to the adventurer, Sarasota has something for kids of all ages and interests.

In every city, there are those tucked-away tidbits of awesomeness that the locals know to do. Perhaps not the most obvious or Trip Advisor-advertised, but the places and activities the people who live there learn about as the years pass. For those who don’t have years to spend learning them, here you go - 20 great local Mom-approved hidden gems for kids in Sarasota.