Florida Parks & Preserves

The beautiful beaches are not the only way for you to spend time outside on your vacation. The Sarasota area has ample opportunities for parks and preserves that you and your entire family or group can enjoy.


Myakka State Park

See alligators, birds, and wild boar, and experience airboat rides in nearby Myakka State Park, one of Florida’s oldest and largest state parks. Rent bicycles, kayaks, and canoes to explore the park, take a
scenic drive, and enjoy the visitor center. There is so much to do that it is well worth a day out. The park is located nine miles east of 1-75.

In fact, we even told our friends at RedFin it should be on everyone’s Sarasota vacation bucket list! Check out this Redfin blog about other activities and attractions to explore in the Sarasota area, paying special attention to #3!

Bayfront Park

Waterfront green space with a promenade, playground, tiki bar & dramatic views of the bay & city.

  • 5 Bayfront Dr, Sarasota, FL 34236
  • (941) 365-2200


South Lido County Park

Diverse waterfront park offering swimming, kayaking & bird-watching, plus trails & picnic
areas.

  • 2201 Benjamin Franklin Dr, Sarasota, FL 34236.
  • (941) 861-7275.


Jim Neville Marine Preserve


Named for Jim Neville, a renowned Sarasota environmentalist, this island is a popular boating destination.
With its very low elevation, it makes for a wet hike during high tides, but the variety
of coastal birds, plants, and wildlife make it well worthwhile.

  • Little Sarasota Bay Sarasota, FL 34242
  • (941) 861-5000


Phillippi Estate Park

The Edson Keith Estate is a historic site in Sarasota, Florida

  • 5500 S Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL 34231
  • (941) 316-1309
observation tower at Neal Preserve
Photo from Shutterstock


Legacy Trail

The Legacy Trail is a 12.5-mile multi-use recreational trail in Sarasota County, Florida running between Sarasota near Palmer Ranch and Venice. The rail-trail is part of the former Seminole Gulf Railway corridor.

  • 4204 Central Sarasota Pkwy, Sarasota, FL 34238


Red Bug Slough Preserve

72-acre, wooded preserve offering trails, a butterfly garden & a small lake with a fishing dock.

  • 5200 S Beneva Rd, Sarasota, FL 34231.
  • (941) 861-5000

Bird Key Park

Located on Bird Key at the end of the Ringling Bridge, Bird Key Park is a popular location to fish,
exercise, and enjoy the scenic views of the city of Sarasota.

  • 200 John Ringling Causeway, Sarasota, FL 34236
  • (941) 365-2200
White ibises in a tree
Photo from Shutterstock


Heron’s Nest Nature Park

Heron’s Nest Nature Park Loop is a 0.9-mile loop trail located near Sarasota, Florida that offers the chance to see wildlife and is good for all skill levels. The trail is primarily used for walking,
trail running, birding, and road biking and is best used from October until April.
Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on a leash.

  • 6399 Tupelo Trail, Bradenton, FL 34202
  • (941) 462-2357.


De Soto National Memorial and National Park

With nature trails, a living history camp, secluded beaches, fishing, boating, camping and bird watching, the De Soto park and memorial is another great day spent outdoors. The memorial has special living
history presentations at specific times of the year. The Spanish encampment features daily presentations (weather permitting) from mid-December to the last weekend in April. The Last day of the living history encampment also includes a special reenactment of Hernando de Soto’s landing in 1539.

  • 8300 Desoto Memorial Hwy, Bradenton.
  • (941) 792-0458.


Neal Preserve

Neal Preserve’s 120 acres include both coastal habitats, such as mangrove forests and salt terns, as well as pockets of oak hammock uplands. Acquired in 2005, the site features passive outdoor recreation opportunities including a 20-foot-tall observation tower, shell trails, and boardwalks that wind through the coastal environment. Located on the south side of Manatee Avenue, overflow parking is available on the north side of the Anna Maria Island Bridge.

  • 12301 Manatee Ave W, Bradenton
  • (941) 742-5923

Robinson Preserve

Robinson Preserve is a 487 acre preserve, being transformed from disturbed farmland to coastal and wetland habitats, returning to its natural state. Explore Robinson Preserve with a vast array of activities including a children’s playground and covered pavilion, skateboarding, fishing, biking, bird watching, and on water on paddle boards, kayaks, or pedal kayaks, available for rent. Access Robinson Preserve from the main entrance at 1704 99th Street, via the Perico Island hike entrance at the 10600 block of Manatee Ave W under the hump back bridge, or the acquatic entrance at 9800 Manatee Ave W at the surferbus.

  • 1704 99th St, Bradenton
  • (941) 724-5923
robinson preserve

Rye Preserve

Located just northwest of the Lake Manatee Dam, Rye Preserve offers a slice of old Florida and abundant early pioneer history. Explore the 530-acre preserve from sunrise to sunset, finding a variety of activities. Keep an eye out for the rare gopher tortoise and Florida scrub-jay while exploring the hiking or biking trails. Find picnic areas, wildlife viewing areas, kayak/canoeing trails, managed fishing, and horseback riding, all within the preserve.

  • 905 Rye Wilderness Trail, Parrish

The Bay Sarasota

Jump into nature at The Bay, a signature public park along Sarasota Bay. Designed to be “One Park for All,” The Bay is open and accessible, free to everyone who wants to enjoy all it has to offer. Find a plethora of activities like live music, fitness classes, outdoor movies, accessible trails, stunning views of the Sarasota Bay, and peaceful refuge, all in the heart of Sarasota.

  • 655 N Tamiami Trail
  • (941) 203-5316