Waterside place lakewood ranch

There’s a lot of buzz about Waterside Place. It opened in 2020 and its popularity and hype hasn’t faded since opening! Rather, it has become even more of a hotspot as expansion has continued. New businesses continue to make Waterside Place their home, and the area itself is still in the works of being completed. I think Waterside is going to be a permanent place of entertainment, a true hub for the East Sarasota community… and it’s only getting started.

Lakewood Ranch loves a good community get together. I mean, Lakewood Ranch has been designed around this principle. With schools, shopping, dining, businesses, and community intertwined amongst its real estate; Lakewood Ranch has remained a popular residential area since its beginnings. The opening of the Waterside area was no exception. This community hub is considered the town center to Waterside Lakewood Ranch. It is surrounded by real estate providing residents a place to gather, dine, and play. But the game changing element is the proximity of this to their home. And though Waterside Place may have been designed for the residents of Waterside, it is a public amenity, open to all.

Where is Waterside Place?

Waterside Place is located off Lakewood Ranch Blvd; South of University Blvd and North of Fruitville Rd. It sits just East of I-75, making it convenient for visitors. It's right within the heart of a residential area. Some are calling it a “Lakefront shopping destination” as it overlooks Kingfisher Lake; a lake also shared with some of the new Waterside neighborhoods.

Shopping and Dining at Waterside Place

Waterside Place was built with an emphasis on shopping, dining, wellness, and community. Some of Sarasota’s favorite businesses have opened up store fronts in Waterside Place, alongside with some brand new businesses making a name for themselves. Take a stroll down the sidewalk and you’ll be sure to find yourself something to do, something to eat, and something to sip. A coffee overlooking the water, or a place to dine with friends, a gift for a family member, or an errand to complete; Waterside Place has a wide variety of businesses to offer. Current businesses of Waterside can be found on their directory.

Things to do at Waterside Place

There really are so many things to do at Waterside Place for people of all ages and seasons. This open-air plaza provides opportunities to relax, exercise, play, socialize, shop, and dine. Waterside has also become a community hub for events! We all know Lakewood Ranch is known for the way it connects community, and Waterside is no exception. 

The Marina 

The marina is the home to the water taxi! Yes, I said water taxi. This water taxi will take residents of Waterside to and from Waterside Place. It will also make for a fun thing to do for visitors to enjoy! This amenity is truly unique to Waterside Place, and honestly, makes it feel a bit like Disney World!

Gateway Park and Lakefront Square

Gateway Park and Lakefront Square are two sections of Waterside Place designated for seating and guaranteeing you some relaxing water views of Kingfisher Lake. A great spot to come and relax, read a book, or meet up with a buddy.

The Yard

The yard is an area of turf positioned between some of Waterside’s businesses. It was designed for gathering and games. Most times, you’ll see a game of cornhole set up in this area for playing. The Yard is used to house events, tournaments, and bring people together to have fun!

The Plaza

I would consider the plaza to be the heart of Waterside Place. An oversized covered pavilion with lounge seating, overlooking the lake, surrounded by dining and entertainment; the Plaza sets the tone for the area. Surrounding the covered pavilion is seating with tables and umbrellas, a grassy area overlooking the lake, and a boardwalk over the water. This space is used for community events and live music.

Waterside Park

Across from the dining and shopping aspect of Waterside Place, lies Waterside Park. An 8 acre park on Kingfisher Lake with sand volleyball courts, an event lawn, walking paths, a pedestrian bridge to Waterside Place, exercise pods, hammocks, restrooms, splash park, and playground. Not all of these amenities are completed, but they will soon all be part of Waterside Park. This is an amazing area for the community to get outside and enjoy the year round amenities of Waterside Park, right here in Waterside Place.

Ranch Nite Wednesdays

Once upon a time, Lakewood Ranch held Ranch Nite Wednesdays at the Sarasota Polo Club. This popular midweek get together became a staple to the community. Making its home now at Waterside Place, Ranch Nite Wednesdays brings the best of Sarasota’s local and popular food trucks, market goods, and live music.

The Farmers Market at Lakewood Ranch

The Farmers Market at Lakewood Ranch, originally located on Main Street Lakewood Ranch, has also moved over to Waterside Place. This Sunday morning market features food trucks, live music, beverages, local produce, local goods, and a variety of specialty items. With over 100 vendors at the market, there’s something everyone can enjoy. It is a staple gathering for the community, and one that is wildly popular.

Community Events

As if the farmers market, Waterside Park, and all the other things to do weren’t enough…Waterside Place outdoes itself with its selection of community events. There are events for adults, teens, and children. Some events can be registered for such as, sunset volleyball, cornhole, field bocce, yoga, yoga for teens, yoga for kids, volleyball for teens, and volleyball for kids. Other events require no registration such as, live music nights and movies in the park.

Real Estate at Waterside Place

Waterside Place is home to The Adley and Botanic, these are both luxury apartments. Right within Waterside Place you’ll also find The Row Waterside Apartments and Townhomes.

While these apartments and townhomes call Waterside Place their home, the most popular real estate in the area is not within Waterside Place, but surrounding it. Surrounding Waterside Place is the village of Waterside. Waterside is a popular new community made up of many unique Waterside neighborhoods. The Lakewood Ranch communities of Waterside include, Lakehouse Cove at Waterside, Shoreview at Waterside, Wild Blue at Waterside, The Alcove at Waterside, Kingfisher Estates at Waterside, Shellstone at Waterside, Emerald Landing at Waterside, Avanti at Waterside, and Natique at Waterside. These neighborhoods encompass single family homes, townhomes, and villas. Each neighborhood features its own amenities, home builders, and unique styles, but they all share the Waterside location and lifestyle built around the lakes.

As you can see, Waterside Place really is one of the best places to visit in Lakewood Ranch. With so much to do and offer in this community hub, some may even argue that the surrounding real estate equally makes some of the best communities to reside in.

Contact Matt

Matt Leicht, Realtor®

Cell - 941.256.3321

Email - Info@MattLeicht.com