Parks

Sarasota County offers many natural resources for us and our 4-legged friends to enjoy!

Sarasota County is definitely dog-friendly. How do we know? Because there are over 80 parks that are either ‘dog friendly’ or ‘Paw Parks,’ and that’s a lot of options when it comes to taking your furry pal out for some exercise!

Traveling with a pet? Get prepared with our guide on this critter-friendly destination offering plenty of options for accommodations.

Nestled along the Gulf Coast of Florida, southwest of Orlando, south of Tampa and north of Naples, Sarasota County boasts 40 miles of coastline and eight barrier islands. There are numerous beaches and state parks, two Audubon societies, the Legacy Trail, a world-renowned rowing facility, historic archeological sites and numerous attractions that showcase wildlife, nature and opportunities for fun.

Paddling in North Port reveals 80 miles of freshwater canals – a relatively unknown world known as the ‘Blueways’

This way to Blueways!

Sarasota’s version of winter invites you outside—to play, explore and breathe deeply. You’ll find there’s no better time to be here than when everyone else wishes they were.

When much of the country is buried under blankets and hibernating, Florida's Gulf Coast is stretching out under 70-degree sunshine. Sarasota’s version of “cool weather” is a light breeze, bare feet in the sand and the kind of blue-sky days that make you forget what a parka even looks like. Here, winter is not a season to survive but a reason to explore.

Spot native Florida birds year-round in Sarasota County—from Gulf beach shores to mangrove flatland and brackish estuaries.

Birdwatching is among the most peaceful, meditative and gratifying activities you can enjoy in Sarasota County. And while winter is largely birding "season" — as thousands of migratory birds make their way south to escape the northern chill — birdwatching is a fantastic year-round hobby to partake in thanks to our year-round sunshine, subtropical climate and ecological diversity.