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Adventure-seeking visitors to Siesta Key don't have to look far beyond the beach for an adrenaline rush
If soaking up sun, surf and sand aren't your idea of spending a visit to the best beach in the U.S., don't worry. You can hop on a jet ski, go parasailing, wrangle a boogie board, and even bring the whole family out on a boat. It's time to get a different view of Siesta Key – from the water!
In Sarasota, a locale geographically blessed with year-round sunshine that nurtures farm food, healthy eating seems to simply make sense. As the city of Sarasota has the highest concentration of Zagat-rated restaurants in Florida, you'll have no problem finding a variety of healthy places to eat dinner, dessert, and breakfast – in whatever order you so choose.
The old adage is "April showers bring May flowers," but in Sarasota, an area celebrated for its year-round sunshine and inviting beaches, rainy days can feel like a drag. However, even the grayest clouds have a silver lining. When spring showers and summer thunderstorms put a damper on your beach days, don't let the stir-crazy blues get the best of you and your family.
North Port is home to nine miles of primitive mountain biking trails
North Port, Fla., situated between Tampa and Fort Myers in Sarasota County, is well known for its unique natural environment and abundant choice of activities for the outdoor enthusiast. The city offers an array of canals and trails for hiking, fishing, kayaking, horseback riding and more.
Whether you prefer fun in the sun on a crowded beach or the solitude of drifting off to sleep on a quiet one, Sarasota beaches and barrier islands have something for everyone. See which sands are calling your name.
Here is a list of the county's keys in order from north to south:
Beyond Sarasota County's beautiful beaches, shopping, dining and cultural amenities there is something else to make your visit special. Get a glimpse of Florida's "natural" side and its authentic beauty in our state parks.
The city of Sarasota may be smaller than other metropolitan destinations, but there is plenty to do in this city.
Enjoy the bustle of Main Street, the quaint bungalows of the historic downtown area, and the antique stores of Burns Court.
Siesta Beach is regularly named a top beach in the U.S. and the world for good reason. The renovated beach has a new expanded parking lot, a pedestrian esplanade, updated concessions, and of course, the some of the whitest sand in the world. The beach isn’t the only highlight of Siesta Key, however, the shops and bars at Siesta Village and the nearby one-of-a-kind rental properties make a vacation at Siesta Key an unforgettable experience
Venice, Florida, has beautiful beaches, lots of parks and green space, a full calendar of annual events, and a healthy arts and restaurant scene. Learn more about things to do in the Gulf Coast town.
Venice has beautiful beaches, lots of parks and green space, a full calendar of annual events, and a healthy arts and restaurant scene.
