Recreation

Sarasota County’s year-round warm climate is perfect for whatever kind of recreation you love. Our 35 miles of waterfront and 13 public beaches let you enjoy boating, canoeing, fishing, swimming or simply walking. With more than 60 public and private courses, Sarasota County is a golfer’s paradise. Residents find plenty of opportunities to watch their favorite teams and actively participate in sports such as biking, hiking, tennis, baseball, football, polo and even ice hockey.

Sarasota County Parks & Recreation
Sarasota, Florida and surrounding areas have many parks including, Myakka, Oscar Sherer and more.

Sarasota Golf Courses
Sarasota is reputedly the home of America’s first golf course, built in 1905 by Sir John Hamilton Gillespie, a Scottish aristocrat and six-term mayor of Sarasota. Now the region boasts an abundance of golf courses for every level of challenge.

Sarasota Marinas
Miles of Gulf waters and miles of calm bays and inland waterways invite you to explore.

Sarasota Fishing
Some of the best fishing in the world is found in the waters around Sarasota. From offshore sport fishing in the Gulf of Mexico, to the bays, flats and Intracoastal waterway, you’re sure to enjoy.

Sarasota Movie Theaters
From state-of-art stadium theaters like the Hollywood 20 to quaint, historic Burns Court Cinema, and everything in between, movie goers are sure to find what they’re looking for.

Sarasota Baseball
Baseball is a Sarasota tradition dating back to 1924, when the New York Giants arrived. They were followed by the Red Sox and then the White Sox. The Cincinnati Reds began their spring training and minor league operations in 2007. The Baltimore Orioles moved to Sarasota in 2010.

Tennis
The Sarasota region boasts some of the world’s finest tennis resorts and literally hundreds of courts and racquet clubs. IMG, the world’s largest sports center and training ground for a number of tennis greats, is located just north of Sarasota in the sister city of Bradenton.

Florida Ever-Glides Tours
Glide through downtown Sarasota and along the waterfront on a Segway! A truly unique experience and great way to spend either a morning or afternoon.

Beaches
Miles and miles of white, powdery sand await you.

Mote Marine Laboratory Aquarium
A nonprofit organization dedicated to excellence in marine sciences. Open daily including holidays.

Ringling Museums – Sarasota
The Ringling Museum of Art house John Ringling’s extensive art collection. His mansion, Ca da zan, has recently had its 32 rooms and 15 baths restored. The Museum of the Circus houses artifacts from the “Greatest Show on Earth.”

Sarasota Classic Car Museum
It’s been around for over 50 years, but this ride back into time has just been renovated and is better than ever. There is also an antique game arcade!

Smugglers Cove Mini-Golf
Play “adventure-style” miniature golf while surrounded by rushing waters and real live alligators! Don’t miss printing the discount coupon for $1 off your 18 holes of golf!

St. Armands Circle
An enchanting circle of fine shops and gourmet restaurants.

Sarasota Jungle Gardens
A tropical adventure with lush gardens, tropical birds, and Florida’s wildest of wildlife – alligators!