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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!

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Water Sports

Soar high above the beautiful Gulf Coast on a parasailing adventure for a birds-eye-view of the beach. Explore the Suncoast’s unique environment on a bike, paddleboard, jet ski, or kayak.

There’s even more excitement on the horizon aboard a cruise to see dolphins or with a sailboat or motor boat rental.

Fishing 

Anglers who love to fish won’t be disappointed more people visit Florida to fish than anywhere else in the United States. Try your hand at landing the big fish. Whether it’s from shore or onboard one of the area’s many charters, you’ll find the area an anglers paradise for the novice fisherman or most skilled of fishermen.

Most places provide everything from the rod and reel to the bait and license. All you have to do is show up. Regardless of whether you choose to fish from the pier, shore, or aboard a charter, you’ll have plenty of opportunities for a big catch.

Local inshore species include grouper, snook, sea trout, mackerel, amberjack, snapper, shark, and tarpon. 

Florida Fishing Guidelines: Fishing varies by season, region and location. Fall, winter, and spring are generally better times to fish in Southwest Florida.

Both residents and visitors must have a fishing license, although some exemptions may apply depending on the type of fishing. Anglers may also need special permits, tags or stamps if they want to keep species such as spiny lobster, tarpon, or snook. Bag and size limits also apply. To learn more about Florida’s fishing regulations visit MyFWC.com.

Whether you choose a leisurely approach or an adventure packed one, there are a multitude of activities to enjoy.

Be sure to check out the DEALS tab for fantastic coupon savings on Sarasota area Activities!

See more things to do in Sarasota, Longboat Key, Lido Key, Siesta Key and Venice Florida.

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

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

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

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 for kids and adults.... Read More

Venice Pier Fishing in Florida

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 shelters and restroom facilities located nearby. The Venice Pier belongs to the city of Venice... 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

Yoga Classes On The Beaches Of Sarasota & Venice

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

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


A to Z Baby, Beach and Bike Rentals

The Areas Largest Selection of Baby Gear and Beach Supplies With three area locations, A to Z serves the entire Florida Suncoast area with free delivery or 24-hour self-service pick up! There’s no need to lug baby and beach equipment from home when you visit Sarasota. A to Z rents more than 80 items—everything you need for babies, toddlers, and children ensuring an... Read More

L.Spa & Massages in Sarasota

Relax and Indulge in an Array of Pampering Spa Services Located in Historic Burns Court near downtown Sarasota, L. Spa offers a wide assortment of pampering body and skin treatments, relaxing massages, rejuvenating facials, luxurious nail services, waxing, and medical skin care for both men and women. L. Spa also offers a variety of relaxing spa packages, semi-permanent makeup, as well as bridal... Read More

TreeUmph! Adventure Course in Bradenton

See Sarasota from a different perspective–up in the trees! TreeUmph! Adventure Course is Southwest Florida’s first treetop adventure park for adults and children aged seven and up seeking a fun and exciting activity. Test your skills on wobbly bridges, swinging from ropes, or take a ride along a 650-foot-long zipline and more… all in the lush, exotic setting of a pine and oak forest. All... 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

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

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

Beach Horses in Bradenton

Fun and Exciting Horseback Riding on the Beach! All the guides/trainers and horses at BeachHorses.com are experienced, providing a safe and slow ride along the beach at Palma Sola Bay in Bradenton, Florida. In addition to riding along the palm-lined shore, you can ride out into the calm salt water where your horse will actually swim! While in the water riders have an opportunity to... Read More

Sarasota Boat Tours

Sarasota Boat Tours offers a variety of fun, relaxing, and family-friendly Sarasota, Florida boat tours aboard a comfortable and spacious boat that can accommodate up to 6 passengers. There is plenty of space to tan and soak up the sun and a double canopy cover for those who prefer the shade. The Sylvan Tritoon boat features a table... 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

Kathleen D Sailing Catamarans in Sarasota

Offering daily dolphin watch, sunset sailing charters and day trips, which include sailing, swimming, snorkeling, shelling, and kayaking for up to 20 persons. The Kathleen D conveniently departs from Anna Maria Island, Longboat Key, and downtown Sarasota. Read Kathleen D's featured blog article - click here!  Treat yourself to a spectacular sailing charter experience along the beautiful shores of Anna Maria Island, Longboat... Read More