Location: Sarasota
Top Things to do in Sarasota
What to do and see in Sarasota, Florida (FL): The Best Nature & Wildlife Areas
What kind of beachgoer are you? Chances are, you’ll find something in the Sarasota area that appeals to you. Soft sand, fishing piers, shells—you can find it around here. Just don’t go looking for a nude beach—that’s the one thing they don’t have.
Restaurants in Sarasota
1. Ted Sperling Park
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 33 reviews
This park provide unique opportunities for visitors to enjoy natural Florida beaches. They are contiguous sections of a 100-acre property that interacts with four bodies of water; the Gulf of Mexico, Big Pass, Sarasota Bay and Brushy Bayou. Because of their convergence, currents run swift in some areas of the shoreline.
Reviewed By SharonP875 - New York City, United States
We did a three hour self guided kayaking among the mangrove channels. Saw a dolphin, many birds, clams and crabs. Very nice day, relaxing and quiet in nature
2. Myakka River State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,342 reviews
One of the original Civilian Conservation Corps parks.
Reviewed By SeaSab - Grand Rapids, United States
We had a very pleasant day exploring Myakka State Park. We started at the bridge looking for alligators and birds. Be sure to bring your binoculars! A short way down the road is the trail to the Canopy walk. Climb the steps to reach a 76 foot observation platform where you view the tree tops and Myakka River basin. Our next stop was the gift shop. They have lots of interesting souvenirs for you to spend your money on. There is also a snack bar with food and drinks. Once we had shopped and used the restrooms, we ventured over to the weir looking for more alligators and birds. Our favorite siting was the roseate spoonbill! Our last stop was the bird walk where we saw birds, a wild boar, and more birds, incuding an eagle perched in the flatlands next to the river! The park is beautiful and a great spot for birdwatching. Also available are a boat cruise and a tram ride tour which we did not do.
3. South Lido Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 465 reviews
Reviewed By carlosy361 - Knoxville, United States
The beach at South Lido Park is amazing! At that southern tip, a sandbar forms a shallow pool (about 3 feet deep) where young children can play safely and adults can chill out. At the sandbar you will find all kinds of amazing shells for your collection. Amazing spot for the whole family.
4. Save Our Seabirds
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 265 reviews
Bird rescue, rehabilitation, and release. Birds that are not releasable are given permanent homes in our Wild Bird Learning Center, where you can see 150 birds of about 60 different species up close and personal every day. Family Friendly Pricing of $12 for adults, $8 for children age 4 to 12. Half price if you show us your same day Mote ticket. Educational tours available upon prior request. (Former site of Pelican Man Bird Sanctuary)
Reviewed By Greenjay9 - McAllen, United States
This is next to the Mote aquarium and provided a wonderful experience for visitors while giving permanently injured or disabled birds a safe haven as birdie ambassadors. The cages were clean and birds seemed well cared for. Ask for the paper that tells each bird’s story when you check in at the front. It helped us understand why they each were there and also showcased the great work this place does in caring for so many birds that have been harmed by their interactions with humans (ie gun shot wound, golf ball injuries, hit by car, fishing line or trash entanglements etc). I can’t wait until they get a gift shop, I would have gotten all my souvenirs there to further help them care for the birds.
5. Big Cat Habitat and Gulf Coast Sanctuary
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,377 reviews
Big Cat Habitat and Gulf Coast Sanctuary is a 501c3 non-profit organization. Our mission is to provide a safe, loving and permanent home for exotic and domestic animals in need, and to educate our guests on the importance of species preservation to ensure the survival of these magnificent animals for future generations. We are firmly committed to keeping alive the Human-Animal connection in our world and in our community. Our goal is to create habitats that mimic native environments and are complete with a staff that can provide daily behavioral, sensory, and manipulative enrichment which is the basis for a happy healthy animal in human care. As we grow and open our habitat to more rescues we will provide the same excellent care while educating the public. We are wheelchair accessible and have limited wheelchairs on-site available for guest use.
Reviewed By PeterV54301 - North Fort Myers, United States
What a great afternoon with the kids enjoying the Lions and tigers the Bears the monkeys the petting zoo area with the goats along withthe snakes and the birds with a really nice show in the air-conditioned space. Perfect timing. We even saw a wedding. Best of luck to them. Hope you enjoy it too
6. The Celery Fields
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 314 reviews
Reviewed By patriciafT8280CB - Niagara Falls, Canada
The Sarasota Audubon Society has a facility at this sight. Volunteers assist the staff and the public by making themselves available at the site to answer questions and provide information about this managed ecosystem. A beautiful place to relax and bird watch or exercise by walking the mound.
7. Jim Neville Marine Preserve
8. Red Bug Slough Preserve
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 60 reviews
Reviewed By NJ-Eric
This is one of the very best walking parks in Sarasota. It is of decent size and the walks are through nature. The trails are well plotted, in that they manage to meander through nature throughout even though this is a narrow park. Quite good for a level ground hour long brisk hike. No complaints! BTW, the Sarasota County parks web pages have a trail map to download.
9. Ken Thompson Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 38 reviews
Reviewed By davidhK2456PP - Bradenton, United States
We stopped here after lunch at the Old Salty Dog. Very few visitors at about 1 pm despite this being high tourist season. The tide was out as you can see from my photos. Great views of downtown Sarasota and the Ringling bridge. They also have a small playground for up to 12 year olds.
10. Sarasota Audubon Society
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2 reviews
