Sarasota’s attractions offer the perfect blend of culture and exploration. If you’re tired of being stuck inside and need to explore the great outdoors, look no further than some of Sarasota’s best activities. Perfect for kids and adults alike, there’s no shortage of fun in the sun here, from boating adventures to deep Florida forest hiking, residents and visitors here have ample options.
Go on, get out of your comfort zone with these outdoor attractions in Sarasota, Florida.
- Jungle Gardens
- When it’s time to get up close and personal with some wildlife, Jungle Gardens is the ultimate family-friendly attraction. Enter through the doors and you’ll find a world of animals, from dancing flamingos that you can actually feed to reptiles, parrots and other animals. Plant lovers will love the array of exotic plants, from Peruvian apple cactus to the largest Norfolk Island pine in Florida. Kids will love the educational animal shows.
- Siesta Key Beach
- Of course, the beach is always an option in Sarasota. The world-famous Siesta Key Beach is easy to access and boasts many amenities for the whole family, making it the ultimate day outdoors! Here, you can take in some waves, experience the perfectly cool quartz sand, enjoy volleyball, tennis and more, all while taking in some of the most gorgeous views in the world. Siesta Key Beach is an excellent free option to enjoy a day of fun in the sun.
- Myakka River State Park
- Get down with some true homegrown Florida wildlife at Myakka River State Park. This stunning preservation features bicycle trails, boat ramps, canoe launches, equipment rentals, a fishing pier, hiking trails and so much more! For a totally unique experience, Myakka River State Park invites you to explore Florida as the Native Americans once did. Chances are you will run into some of the ancient natives too, alligators are common here, and most of the time they are peaceful and only sunbathing.
- Explore the Mangroves
- If you’re looking for a similar but equally as peaceful experience, explore the beautiful mangrove tunnels of Sarasota. If you don’t have your own kayak or paddle-board, there are ample businesses to rent from. You can explore on your own, or take part in a guided tour through the tunnels for a glimpse at the area’s wildlife including manatees, dolphins, turtles and more.
- The Legacy Trail
- The new expansion of the Legacy Trail in Sarasota is a newsworthy addition to this list. The trail is a beautifully manicured 20-mile paved path that runs from Downtown Sarasota to the Venetian Waterway Park in Venice. The path is the ultimate amenity for bikers, runners and walkers looking for an active day out, or simply to cut through Sarasota without a car. Motorized vehicles are not allowed on the trail.