Sports & Outdoors

Garden lovers should plant themselves at these Sarasota County spots

Some people have green thumbs and can grow almost anything they plant. And other people—like me—are notorious plant killers who appreciate the beauty of gardens cultivated and cared for by folks who know how to wield a trowel and pruning shears. Whether you’re a grower yourself or just never met a flower you didn’t want to photograph, there are lots of spots in Sarasota County where you can get into the garden and admire the plant life that can sprout in these parts.

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.

It's time to cheer on your favorite baseball teams in Sarasota and North Port again, with yet another exciting spring training season on the horizon.

Season schedules for Ed Smith Stadium, the spring training home of the Baltimore Orioles, and CoolToday Park, the training grounds for the Atlanta Braves, have been officially announced, which means Spring Training 2025 is just around the corner. Start planning your trip to Sarasota and games to attend!

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

This way to Blueways!

Looking for more than beach lounging? Here are the top things every nature-loving visitor must try during a trip to Sarasota County!

Covering over 35 miles of coastline along the Gulf of Mexico, Sarasota County is comprised of multiple barrier islands. 

When you need to be alone in Sarasota nature, here are parks and beaches where you are least likely to run into strangers and most likely to have some breathing room

A walk in the park can clear your head, get your heart pumping, and help connect you to your natural surroundings. It’s a peaceful and picturesque way to temporarily escape the real world, and there are lots of parks and preserves in Sarasota County where you can get away from it all (at least for a while).

Hunting for shells at Sarasota County beaches is among the unique pleasures visitors and locals alike enjoy year-round

Outdoor seating at restaurants is easy in paradise along Florida’s Gulf Coast, but this list of local eateries features places that put their own special twist on the concept.

Sitting outside for a meal in Florida is canon—especially when you’re taking a break from a long, arduous winter elsewhere and want to soak up as much warm, sunny vibes as you can before heading back!