![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)
Want to feel good while exploring Sarasota County? Volunteer opportunities help both you and the community!
Who says that doing a good deed should ever have to come at the cost of a good time? In Sarasota, there are plenty of opportunities to have fun while making a positive impact in the community. From coastal cleanups to rescue pet playtime, there are lots of ways the whole family can help out a worthy cause.
Sarasota is a sailor's delight. Dolphins leap along side starboard and port, and manatees lumber in our tepid waters; exotic birds nest on mangrove islands and scamper along sandy beaches. Our picturesque gulf, bays and inlets are perfect for dropping anchor, and reveal the secrets of Sarasota’s beauty by sea. There are many ways to explore paradise from this peaceful point of view. From dyed-in-the-wool sailors to babes in the woods, anyone can get on board.
Sarasota has enough Florida Gulf Coast nightlife to spice up (or cool down) your visit to our sunny beaches-and-beyond destination.
When many of us think of Florida, we imagine daytime activities -- visions of ourselves on the beach, out on a boat, or perhaps indoors, perusing a museum or someplace that closes its doors at 5. But what happens after the sun goes down? From Sarasota's museum nights and live music to breathtaking sunsets, there's more to do than dine and drink after dark.
These photo op spots will capture the essence of Sarasota, arouse the most jealousy from friends back home, and help you relive your trip year after year.
Cool down with some summer activities and attractions in Sarasota County this summer.
As the heat index rises and summer approaches, most of us are looking for ways to cool down. With a wide range of choices in Sarasota County, a cooler summer awaits your next visit. One of the best ways to beat the heat is to get in, on, or close to the water, and this is where we will begin to discover “cool” ideas to enjoy the summer:
![Comquistadors[1].jpg](/sites/default/files/styles/related_content_desktop/public/2023-import/Comquistadors%5B1%5D.jpg?itok=Ml9K876R "Comquistadors[1].jpg")
As the hot and humid summer draws to a close, it ushers in a breezier season filled with outdoor events, festivals and family outings. Grab a calendar and plan out your autumn months with Visit Sarasota.
"What else can we do besides the beach?"
Grab your bag and a pair of comfortable shoes: It’s time to go shopping. Whether you’re looking for stylish swimwear or hip home decor, you’ll find plenty of stores in Sarasota County with must-have merchandise. When you’ve had your fill of sun, sand and surf or simply prefer to find the local shopping center over the local beach, here are a few ways to spend a day filling your retail therapy cup.
Sarasota is a city of creativity.
North Port is a community south of Venice in Sarasota County offering a combination of the old, the new and best of all, the "green" - with plenty of outdoor options. For this youthful community, populated with out-of-door enthusiasts who bike, hike and horseback ride - being outside is a way of life. Here you'll find some energizing adventures to provide photos for your Sarasota memories.