Beaches & Parks

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.

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!

Cool down with some summer activities and attractions in Sarasota County this summer.

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.

There's nothing sleepy about this must-visit spot that deserves its frequent praise

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.

Enjoy the beaches of Sarasota County in a new light by visiting during wintertime

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. 

After watching the final sliver of sun disappear below the Gulf, visitors to Sarasota County shouldn't hole up in their hotel rooms to wait for the next warm beach day. Whether you're a dance-floor devotee, a cocktail aficionado, or a live music junkie, Sarasota's nightlife will keep you up well after the sun goes down.