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Must Do Activities in the Sarasota Area

Home » Florida » Things To Do in the Sarasota Area » Must Do Activities in the Sarasota Area

Sarasota • Siesta Key • Longboat Key • Lido Key • Venice

Looking for some vacation activities in Sarasota? Southwest Florida has more than 600 miles of shoreline, so as you can imagine Sarasota area recreational activities abound.

The warm Gulf waters, gorgeous bays, and estuaries all create an environment that’s just screaming adventure! The Sarasota and Venice area offer countless ways to enjoy a morning, afternoon, or full day of activities. Have fun exploring!

Must Do Activities in the Sarasota Area

Siesta Key Watersports in Sarasota

Siesta Key Watersports offers water activities for kids and adults. Soar 1,000 feet above Siesta Key on a safe and controlled parasailing adventure, explore the Sarasota area waters on a jet ski or power boat rental. Parasailing Tours in Siesta Key No experience is required to Parasail. It is fun, safe, and exciting for the entire family! Siesta Key Watersports captains are USCG rated and... Read More

The Bay Park in Sarasota

The Bay is a community, city, and park conservancy initiative that is transforming 53 acres of city-owned land into a beautiful public park that sits right on Sarasota Bay in the heart of Sarasota, Florida. This beautiful waterfront location offers a variety of free amenities, events, and activities for people of all ages and interests. Transforming a... Read More

Payne Park Tennis Center in Sarasota

Sarasota Public Tennis Courts This downtown Sarasota, Florida tennis facility features 12 affordable, well maintained, and lighted Har-Tru Hydrogrid public tennis courts with canopy covered bench seating, water fountains, courtside tables, and locker rooms with showers. Tennis Lessons and Clinics Certified teaching pros. Junior, adult, and senior lessons and clinics are available throughout the year. Daily, weekly, and monthly play fees are offered. Advance reservations are required;... Read More

Bike the Legacy Trail in Sarasota

For Sarasota, Florida visitors and locals looking to spend a bit of time exercising in the outdoors, Sarasota County’s Legacy Trail is an excellent choice. The trail offers 30 miles of recreational access; the trail is straight, smooth, and level. Additionally, there are only a few street crossings making it an excellent biking or walking trail for... Read More

Sail Venice

Venice, Florida Sightseeing and Sunset Sailing Tours For a memorable vacation experience, set sail onto the beautiful Gulf of Mexico waters on a relaxing, entertaining, and unique 2-hour sightseeing or sunset sailing cruise. All ages are welcome – Sail Venice is dog-friendly too! Sightseeing and Wildlife Sailing Cruises Sail Venice sailing cruises offer an opportunity to encounter a variety of wildlife such as dolphins, manatee, osprey,... Read More

Yoga Classes On The Beaches Of Sarasota & Venice

Take your workout beachside! Grab a towel or yoga mat and strike a pose on the beaches of Sarasota and Venice, Florida, within sight of the Gulf of Mexico. All beach yoga classes are suitable for all ages. Yoga classes are offered on Siesta Beach, Turtle Beach, Venice Beach, and Nokomis Beach. Most classes are free with a minimum cash donation requested. Start... Read More

Ride & Paddle Siesta Key Bike & Beach Gear Rentals

Ride and Paddle offers a variety of quality bicycles and beach gear for a memorable vacation including bikes for all ages, beach chairs, umbrellas, and carts, snorkel gear and beach wheelchairs. Rent by the hour, day, week, or month! Bicycle Rental in Siesta Key Ride and Paddle has bicycles... Read More

Nathan Benderson Park

Nathan Benderson Park is a 600-acre community park that offers a wide range of recreational water and land activities located in Sarasota, Florida. It’s a premier aquatic destination best known for its 2,000-meter sprint rowing course and regatta center, alongside their sports programs and competitions. They also offer summer camps, fitness classes, venue rental, and more.... Read More

Oscar Scherer State Park

Oscar Scherer State Park is located approximately 30 minutes from downtown Sarasota and less than 15 minutes from downtown Venice. This wonderful state park offers a plethora of outdoor activities and ways to explore the natural Florida environment. Wildlife Spotting Opportunities Birders will greatly enjoy visiting to see the Florida scrub-jay in its... Read More


Venice Pier Fishing in Florida

The Venice Pier is currently closed due to damages from Hurricane Milton on Oct. 9, 2024. The beach and the Pier extending 700 feet into the Gulf of Mexico is a fantastic spot to drop a line or gather to watch the sunset. Free admission, fishing from the Pier 24 hours a day, 7 days a week including holidays, no license required. There are picnic... Read More

Flying Fish Fleet in Sarasota

Daily half to full day, family-friendly inshore and offshore private and party boat fishing trips suitable for novice to seasoned anglers of all ages. A quick guide to fishing in Sarasota, Florida. Inshore & Offshore Charter Fishing Trips The Flying Fish Fleet 24’ charter boat can comfortably accommodate up to six passengers and is equipped with two live bait wells, a power pole,... Read More

Venetian Waterway Park in Venice

Walk or rent a bike and enjoy scenic views on this paved pedestrian trail that follows along five miles on each side of the Intracoastal Waterway to either Caspersen Beach Park or Shamrock Park and Nature Center in Venice, Florida. The Venetian Waterway Park trail also connects to The Legacy Trail, which is a paved rail-to-trail northward through the beautiful Oscar... Read More

Smugglers Cove Adventure Golf in Sarasota

Sarasota Mini Golf Play 18 holes of adventurous and challenging mini-golf that is fun for all ages in a lush tropical setting amid waterfalls, caves, pirate ships, and live alligators. For an extra bit of fun, you can feed alligators using a fishing pole!  Enjoy a snack, soda, water, beer, or wine before... Read More

Paradise Key Charters in Sarasota

Private Sarasota, Venice, Siesta Key, Longboat and Lido Key Boat Tours and Cruises Spend a fun filled day, afternoon, or evening on the water touring the inland waterways of Venice, Siesta Key, Lido Key, Longboat and Sarasota Florida with a 2-hour, 4-hour, or full-day private boat charter. Master U.S.C.G. Captain Matt has over 30 years of boating... Read More