![Boat parking at The Crow’s Nest in Venice [Photo: Lauren Jackson]](/sites/default/files/styles/popular_stories_teaser/public/2023-import/The-Crow%2527s-Nest-cropped__OPT.jpg.webp?itok=ycs37M-O)
From graceful birds to elusive mammals and colorful fishes, Sarasota County boasts an abundance of exotic animal species that emerge or become more active during the warm spring season here.
The Sunshine State has long been known for its connection to citrus fruits, and the Florida Gulf Coast area has played a part in that long, juicy history. In fact, Tropicana Products headquarters called Manasota County (just north of Sarasota County) its home from 1947 until 2004.
Whether you always whip out your smartphone for scenic pictures and selfies or you visit parks at dawn with fancy camera equipment for that idyllic nature shot, you'll find delight in these 11 picture-perfect spots around Sarasota. Read on so you know where to snap the best photos.
Sarasota restaurants - Get Ready to Savor as Sarasota County's premier dining event - the 19th Annual Savor Sarasota - returns from Saturday, June 1st to Friday, June 14th, 2024. Visit Sarasota County is inviting partner restaurants to sign up and participate in this favorite annual foodie fest that offers special multi-course prix-fixe menus for both lunch and dinner.
Each year Visit Sarasota County hosts an event to celebrate National Travel and Tourism Week. This year, their awards program recognizing excellence in the hospitality industry returns.
28 elite croquet players from across the United States will compete for a national title in this annual championship tournament.
The Sarasota County Croquet Club will once again act as host to the Association Laws National Championship, organized by the prestigious US Croquet Association (USCA). The tournament will take place from March 18th to March 24th at the Sarasota County Croquet Club's home field at Wellfield Park.
Located in Venice, Fla., Fox Lea Farm is one of the few privately owned equestrian facilities in the state.
While many of the events held at the facility are owned and managed by Fox Lea Farm, Inc., it is also available for rental to outside organizations. Hunter jumper, quarter horse, appaloosa and dressage shows have all been held at this facility. In addition to bleachers and viewing pavilions, an onsite café is available for every event.
Equestrian
The trail opened in 2008, complete with a smoothly paved path, 15 rest areas and 7 trailheads offering free parking. Its beautiful landscaping, informational signage and old railway hardware make for an excellent excuse to get outdoors, exercise, and explore Sarasota County.
From slow moving gopher tortoises to friendly scrub jays, Shamrock Park and Nature Centerin Venice is a nature lover's delight. Walkers and bikers alike will appreciate paved and grassy trails through coastal scrub and scrubby flatwoods. Connecting to Veneitian Waterway Park, which in turn continues to Legacy Trail and downtown Venice, Shamrock Park is a great recreational location.
This two-mile walking tour highlights the fascinating architecture and history downtown Sarasota, beginning on the west side of North Tamiami Trail at the Municipal Auditorium, and extending to the east end of Main Street at Washington Boulevard.
The Historical Walking Tour of Downtown Sarasota can be broken into two one-mile segments, with the Sarasota Opera House at 57 N Pineapple Avenue serving as the tour midpoint.