This downtown park has a tree-lined, half-mile walking trail that is also used for biking and running. Open fields surround the park that are used for soccer practice and flying kites. There is also a skate park on the North end of the park.
The more secluded beach on Siesta Key, Turtle Beach, can be a great escape from the crowds of Siesta Beach. It is located south of Siesta Beach past Stickney Point Road.
Selby Gardens is a 9.5-acre bay-front property run by a not-for-profit institution to foster understanding and appreciation of tropical plants. There are over 20,000 living plants, including 6,000 orchids in the gardens. The Selby Gardens research staff is internationally recognized for its botanical research and plant identification.
Lined by Sarasota Bay, this park is also close to several downtown merchants. O'Leary's and Marina Jacks restaurants are located close by and you can also take a tour of Sarasota Bay on LeBarge. Many boat and jet ski rentals are available too along the bay front. The children's fountain located in the heart of the park is a summertime favorite in Sarasota.
Selby 5 Points Park is a local public area located in downtown Sarasota. The location offers grass areas for residents to enjoy the scenery and also has paths as well as light poles. It also hosts various events throughout the year. Check the main city website for details on events.
This park, one of Florida's oldest and largest at 58 square miles, showcases the natural beauty of its scenic namesake river, two lakes and surrounding wetlands and prairies. Less than a half-hour drive southeast of downtown Sarasota, Myakka River State Park is also home to a diverse array of wildlife that guests can enjoy through guided tram and boat tours, or activities such as canoeing, kayaking, fishing, hiking and biking.
Must see and must do at Myakka River
Take a walk on the North America's first public treetop trail, the Myakka Canopy Walkway, which is suspended 25 feet above the ground and stretches for 100 feet through an oak and palm hammock. The walkway also includes to a 74-foot tower, which allows for expansive views of wildlife and the trees and wetlands below. The park lays claim to two of the world's largest airboats, the Myakka Maiden and the Gator Gal, which take visitors on the Upper Myakka Lake and through its shallow marshes where you are likely to glimpse alligators and a variety of birds and waterfowl. If you're a landlubber, the park also runs guided backcountry tram tours from mid-December to May. Both the airboat and tram tours last about an hour and are offered through Myakka Wildlife Tours. To refuel after a day of activities, make a stop for the famed alligator stew or seafood gumbo at the Myakka Outpost's Pink Gator Cafe.
Best and worst time to go to Myakka River
Park hours are from 8 a.m. to sunset daily. The best time to visit is from October to March, relatively dry months with pleasant daytime temperatures and lower humidity. From late spring to early fall, avoid the middle of the day, when sweltering temperatures and afternoon thunderstorms are common.
Admission to Myakka River
Park admission ranges from $4 to $6 per vehicle, with pedestrians and bicyclists admitted for about half that. Ample free parking is available near the visitor center. Developed campsite fees are $26 to $30 per night and include water and electricity, while primitive camping is $5-$6 a person. Airboat or tram tours are $12-$15, about half that for children 6-12, and ages 5 and under are free. Canoes, kayaks and bicycles are available for $15 to $30.
Wildlife at Myakka River
Alligators are a common sighting in the river and lakes, as are dozens of bird species such as bald eagles, hawks, ducks, ibis and great blue herons. You also might spy a deer or raccoon along the park's 38 miles of trails.
Insider tip for Myakka River
The park has a handful of 1930s-era cabins made from palm logs and available for a reasonable nightly fee (less than $100), but they are scheduled to be under renovation until spring 2016. Once available, they will rent quickly. Reservations can be made up to 11 months in advance through ReserveAmerica, so plan your trip well in advance if you'd like to stay in one. Each of the five air-conditioned cabins includes a bathroom, full kitchen and common room that sleeps six.
Author's bio: Kevin Adams is a freelance writer who has lived in Florida for more than a decade and has had travel articles appear on USAToday.com and in Golfweek magazine.
Located on the former waterfront estate of Edson and Nettie Keith, the Phillippi Estate Park was acquired by Sarasota County in 1986 for use as a park. It offers a variety of recreational activities with amenities that include picnic areas, canoeing and kayaking, indoor and outdoor rental spaces for special events, playgrounds, fishing and both paved and unpaved trails. The park also operates tours of the area and mansion, as well as a farmers market between October and May and musical performances.
The 4-H/Youth Program provides educational experiences through a "learn by doing" approach. The programs encourage young people to grow crops and various plants, create things with their hands and take care of animals. All activites help youth acquire knowledge, develop life skills, and lay the foundation for becoming a responsible adult and citizen. The 4-H program is organized by University of Florida/Institute of Food and Agricultural Science Sarasota County Extension. This location houses the staff members that work with 4-H.