Beaches & Parks

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The beach has always provided free fun, but read up on these new ways to create a memorable experience on a budget.

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Consistently named in TripAdvisor Travelers' Choice™ top beaches year after year, come see why this island oasis has remained at the top of the list since 2015.

 

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Take a dip at some of the best beaches in the world or hike the canopy trails at one of Florida’s oldest state parks. You’ll find a nature experience to remember!

Let sun-drenched fun fill your vacation with a trip to Sarasota County’s parks and beaches. Whether you want to dip in the water at one of the best beaches in the world or hike canopy trails in one of Florida’s largest and oldest state parks, you will walk away with an experience to remember!

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How to get to Sarasota County beaches--without getting behind the wheel of a car

The good news: Parking is free at Sarasota County beaches. The bad news: Sometimes spaces can be hard to come by.

But don't fret! There are other ways to get to our local beaches for times when parking lots are crowded or you just want an alternative to driving.

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Choose your adventure in this laid-back coastal community

Ever wonder what it might have been like to vacation in Florida in decades past? Then you'll want to head to Englewood, a place that oozes Old Florida, small-town charm. You won't find lots of Med Rev mega-mansions and sprawling strip malls here. Instead, you can stroll a compact, historic downtown and enjoy the community's well-preserved natural side.

Here are three ways to get out and explore Englewood, whether you're into retail therapy, wildlife spotting, or spending time in the surf.

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Lace-up your shoes and grab the entire family and head to Sarasota County beaches for the Summer Fun Run Series taking place every Tuesday and Wednesday evening this summer.

My daughter and I drew in the smell of a saltwater breeze, the sounds of a jubilant crowd, and the sensation of fine white sand squishing beneath our shoes as we made our way to the starting line adjacent to the yellow lifeguard stand on Siesta Beach. At only three years old my little girl has developed a curiosity to explore and a desire to run at any opportunity.

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Sarasota County is a growing destination for professional, amateur and recreational sports. Enjoy year-round, sunny skies, world-class facilities and a wide array of amenities. 

Famous for our sandy-white beaches, spectacular weather and a community rich in art and culture, that's not all Sarasota has to offer. If you're a traveling sports team, coach, competing athlete or event planner, our county has just about every sports venue under the sun in addition.