Experience Sarasota
What's Around Sarasota
New to Sarasota? Exploring Sarasota? I want you to experience Sarasota and all it has to offer its residents and visitors. As a local realtor, I am invested in knowing my community and being a resource on all things Sarasota and Sarasota real estate. Welcome to "Experience Sarasota." Here you'll find information and photos to help you navigate some of the best things to do and see around Sarasota.
Beaches
Sarasota is best known for its unique islands and keys which feature some of the nation’s best beaches and real estate. Most commonly known and loved is Siesta Key Beach. Home to the powdery white, cool, soft sand, which is actually made up of 99% quartz! While on Siesta Key, you can also visit Turtle Beach, Palmer Point Beach, or one of the many accesses that lead onto Siesta Key Beach. There are both public and private accesses throughout the key. Some of the accesses have parking, while others only have walking access.
Head over the Ringling Bridge and through St. Armands to find yourself on the beautiful Lido Key. Lido Beach is another favorite. In fact, my personal favorite! Lido Beach, North Lido Beach, and South Lido Beach all have something different to offer. North Lido Beach and Lido Beach also have the powdery white sand that is found on Siesta Key. South Lido Beach is where you can find Ted Sperling Park. Ted Sperling Park is a hotspot for kayaking and paddle boarding where you can explore through the natural mangrove tunnels. Take Lido Key over to Longboat Key where you can find a few public beach accesses scattered throughout the island.
Venice is another great choice for hitting up the beach. You can check out the gorgeous Venice Beach, or Venice Public Fishing Pier. Brohard Beach and Paw Park in Venice is the place to be if you want to bring your pups! It is the only dog friendly beach where you and your dogs can enjoy the sun, water, and sand. Did you know Venice is known as the shark tooth capital? Caspersen Beach Park is known for the shark teeth that wash ashore its beaches. Young and old alike gather to search for the shark teeth. Just North of Venice, on Casey Key, is Nokomis Beach. Another popular public beach with a drum circle and beach concessions.
To see all of Sarasota’s beaches, including photos and descriptions, click HERE.
Parks and Trails
Sarasota has parks and trails that appeal to different interests and ages. For the fitness lovers, Sarasota has some distinctive options. Nathan Benderson Park, most commonly known for its rowing, has a 3.5 mile paved trail around its perimeter. This is a perfect spot for walking, running, or biking; the breeze off the water keeps you cool. The Legacy Bike Trail is a biker's dream with a paved path running from Sarasota to Venice. The Celery Fields, or should I call it ‘Sarasota’s Mountain’, offers scenic hiking views as you can exercise up and down its unpaved hill.
The Nature lovers should check out The Celery Fields, known for its bird watching. Red Bug Slough Preserve, known for its trails through the Florida scrub, or Bird Key Park for its gorgeous bay views.
What about the kids? Urfer Family Park has 3 different playground sections for different ages. The playground facilities are clean and modern. Nathan Benderson Park has a covered playground and beautiful views. Payne Park, also known as Circus Park, has a large Circus-themed playground that is very popular in the area. And this is only scratching the surface on the parks, playgrounds, and trails that Sarasota has to offer!
To see all of Sarasota’s parks and trails, including photos and descriptions click HERE.
Attractions
In terms of ‘things to do’ in Sarasota, there are some really unique local attractions. Vacationers and locals alike are always looking for some fun. Beaches, parks, and trails make up a lot of the fun in Sarasota. But beyond that, some of the favorites are Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium, Big Cat Habitat, The Ringling Museum, and St. Armand’s Circle.
To see all of Sarasota’s attractions, including photos and descriptions click HERE.
The Arts
Sarasota is known for its art culture. In fact, John Ringling was one of the owners and operators of ‘The Greatest Show on Earth’. A circus encompassing Sarasota history and dating back to the early 1900’s. Sarasota keeps its circus culture alive with The Ringling Museum and The Circus Arts Conservatory. Not only that, but Sarasota is home to the Van Wezel which features Broadway musicals, orchestras, and other performances from around the world. Sarasota is proud of its own Sarasota Ballet, Sarasota Opera House, and The Sarasota Orchestra. And we're just getting started... so make sure to check out all the arts and entertainment that Sarasota has to offer.
To see all of Sarasota’s Arts, including photos and descriptions click HERE.
Farmers' Markets
Who doesn’t love a good farmers market? Local and fresh produce, creative vendors, artisans, jams, and all sorts of delicious snacks. Sarasota has a couple farmers markets, each one drawing a different unique crowd. The Downtown Sarasota Farmers Market stands as one of the largest and most popular markets in the area with an upbeat and energetic vibe.
To see all of Sarasota’s Farmers Markets, including photos and descriptions click HERE.
Sarasota Real Estate
Truly "Experiencing Sarasota" may mean owning a vacation home or even calling Sarasota your permanent home. Living that laid-back beach life on one of Sarasota's keys or islands is the dream for many of you. While some of you may be looking for the family friendly, community centered neighborhoods of Palmer Ranch or Lakewood Ranch. My website has Sarasota real estate broken down into areas and communities to help you find exactly what you’re looking for.
To learn about all of Sarasota’s areas, and see active MLS listings click HERE, or click HERE to contact Matt.