Take in the Sarasota Sunshine and Fresh Air with this Outdoors & Nature Itinerary

Myakka River State Park

Start your day at Myakka River State Park in Sarasota. The 53-square-mile park opens at 8 a.m. daily and has 39 miles of hiking trails, fishing, kayaking, birding and nature spotting. Look for its 4,000 alligators living peacefully in and around the Myakka River. Make sure to plan some time to explore and check out the bridge that’s about a mile down from the park’s main entrance. While there, you’re bound to see some gators in the water. (Remember to always keep a safe distance.) When available, boat tours give you a fun way to discover more about the park. If you’re into birding, visit the Birdwalk to catch a glimpse of native and migratory birds like egrets, herons, limpkins and bald eagles. 

Before you head out for your next adventure, get some breakfast at Myakka Outpost and Pink Gator Café, where you can also pick up an alligator-themed souvenir. Want to spend the day here? You can rent bikes and canoes at the park. There’s also camping, if you’d like to extend your time here. 

Nathan Benderson Park

Head back toward civilization for a brisk walk around the 400-acre lake at Nathan Benderson Park, located conveniently close to Interstate 75 and the Mall at UTC. You can watch kayakers, rowers, paddleboarders on the lake, or take part in those activities yourself. 

After you’ve worked up an appetite, refuel at one of the many restaurants within a short drive of the park. Flower Child serves healthy lunches, such as salads, wraps and bowls, with vegan and gluten-free options. 

Red Bug Slough Preserve

Red Bug Slough Preserve is a 72-acre peaceful preserve among an otherwise suburban stretch of Sarasota. You’ll find a few hiking trails, a fishing dock, picnic shelters and a small playground. And yes, there are red bugs there, including the scarlet skimmer dragonfly and the elusive red cotton stainer beetle. Red Bug Slough is accessible by several walk-through entrances and has limited parking. 

After the park closes at sunset, enjoy a hearty dinner at Der Dutchman. The buffet features roast beef, turkey, chicken, mashed potatoes, homemade noodles and more. Save room for a slice of pie.

Celery Fields

Birders, make your way early to Celery Fields for the best chances to spot your favorite species. Located along the Great Florida Birding Trail, Celery Fields (which was long ago an actual celery field) comprises more than 400 acres of ponds, pools and shallow canals. At least 246 species have been recorded there by the Sarasota Audubon Society, including Marsh and Sedge Wrens, Black-necked Stilts, King Rail, Least Bittern, Barn Owls and Eastern Meadowlark. Winter is the best time to view a variety of bird species there. Plus, Celery Fields has an actual hill (about 85 feet above sea level)—a rare find in the flattest state in the U.S.!

Go for a late breakfast, brunch or early lunch at First Watch.

The Legacy Trail

Sarasota’s 20-mile Legacy Trail connects various parts of the county. You can hop onto Legacy Trail at a variety of trailheads around the county, including the Venice Train Depot, Payne Park and Nokomis Community Park. Whether you want to stroll for a mile or bike the whole trail, the Legacy Trail is a popular way to be outdoors, get some exercise and discover more of Sarasota. 

Selby Gardens Historic Spanish Point

Selby Gardens Historic Spanish Point in Osprey is 30 acres rich with history, serving as a home for humans since 300 A.D. It describes itself as “an outdoor archaeological and historic museum.” You’ll discover reflections of Spanish Point’s role in history with a burial ground onsite, a shell midden (a collection of shells from previous inhabitants), remnants of the pioneering era with the Webb Packing House (which was part of the citrus packing and shipping business) and a restored two-story home called the Guptill House. You’ll also find lots of native Floridian plants and gardens onsite that offer stunning bay views. For an extra fee, take advantage of guided, self-guided and even boat tours while you’re there. 

Grab a bite to eat from the on-site White Cottage if you get hungry before 3 p.m. For a scenic dinner, try Evie’s on the Bay. The second floor overlooks Sarasota Bay and the third floor is called Sunset Lounge for an obvious reason.

Venice Audubon Rookery Park

If you’re into birding or nature photography, you’ll definitely want to spend some time at Venice Audubon Rookery Park. Hidden among homes and businesses, the park has a small pond with a rookery island where birds chatter, nest and roost. The birds you may see include Anhingas, Cattle Egrets, Great Blue Herons, Glossy Ibises and more (find the full list here). The best time to visit is December through May, which are nesting months. Still, you can find and enjoy birds year-round there. For the best bird spotting, visit early morning or late afternoon. The park opens at 6 a.m. and remains open until dusk.

Oscar Scherer State Park

Commune with nature at Oscar Scherer State Park in Osprey. The park has more than 15 miles of trails and is a habitat for the Florida scrub-jay, the state bird. Enjoy hiking, fishing, kayaking, camping and lots more peace and solitude at Oscar Scherer. The park also is a stopover point for the Legacy Trail. Oscar Scherer also has a wheelchair-accessible fishing dock as well as a barrier-free nature trail that is geared toward people with sight, hearing or mobility impairments.

Indulge in a late lunch or an early dinner from Café Evergreen, featuring locally grown and seasonal ingredients.

Jelks Preserve

Jelks Preserve in Venice is a 600-acre area offering scenic views along the Myakka River. You can take the full 3.7-mile loop or some side trails. Keep your eyes open for wildlife like eagles and herons. Jelks Preserve has picnic tables plenty of shaded areas, but make sure to bring water and sunscreen.