Top Rated Parks to Visit in Sarasota

"Located on either side of the Intracoastal Waterway, the Venetian Waterway Park was developed by Venice Area Beautification Inc or VABI. Highly popular with locals, this attraction near Venice beach connects the heart of Venice to the park belonging to Caspersen beach and offers hiking and bicycle trails, picnic, and restroom facilities. This trail also connects to the Legacy Trail, which will take you into Sarasota."

"Walkers, joggers, bicyclists, nature lovers, and rollerbladers can enjoy the Venetian Waterway Trail running either side of the Intracoastal channel, and the Legacy Trail a paved recreational trail. See boats, birds, and even dolphins as you enjoy exercising in the fresh air."

"Hiking Trails257 North Tamiami Trail, Venice, FL 34285MoreLess Info. Waterway Park is a public park that was initiated in 1999. Visitors of the park can walk or cycle a 9.5 mile trail that passes through the park, and dolphins can be seen in the nearby waterways."

"It’s only an acre, but it has the benefit of being within close proximity of Siesta Village in an overall quieter area. The park has a fun little playing and picnicking area, but it’s the combination of the sensational sandy beach line that puts it at the top. Playgrounds are free and a perfect way to spend some time on sunny Siesta Key for families."

"This park is complete with a beautiful, palm-lined beach, a covered playground, and public facilities. This Siesta Key playground is quieter than places like Siesta Beach Park, but still close to the Village. Only an acre big, the small park is wedged at the juncture of Midnight Pass Road and Higel Avenue on the island’s north end."

"Norma Lloyd came to Bradenton from Terre Haute, IN in 1971 and became a local hero for rallying local resources and volunteers to expand Little League and softball offerings in the city and county. After years of fighting for local kids to have a place to play, and of acting as coach, scorekeeper, umpire, administrator and doing any other thing that needed to be done, Norma Lloyd Park was named for her in1995. Amenities at the park include batting cages, picnic tables, a pond, playgrounds, a football field, little league and tee ball fields."

"This is the big bridge that connects Downtown Sarasota to Bird Key. Make a morning of riding a bike or walking to the top of the bridge, and spend your afternoon exploring the beautiful houses and charming small town of Bird Key. When you head back up the bridge, don’t miss out on getting photos of the Sarasota city skyline!"

"When Siesta Beach Park is packed, Glebe Park is the place to go for locals and visitors, located right behind the St. Michael the Archangel Church. It is a substantially sized 10-acre park offering a full range of amenities including a covered picnic area, a covered playground, baseball field, soccer field and basketball courts. Enjoy a picnic here, ride bikes, or play a few games of your favorite outdoor sport with the family a bit away from the noise of Siesta Beach on one of your vacation days at Glebe Park."

"Glebe Park is a small sports park with a soccer field, basketball court, and concession stand halfway up the island. It is clean and well-maintained, but provides little shade. Be sure to bring hats, sunscreen, and even an umbrella to stay cool and protect your skin from the sun."

"John & Rebecca Neal Park features the City's only Community Gardens site. The City's newest waterfront park also has a kayak launch into Wares Creek. Kayaking in Wares Creek is recommended for those without much kayak experience, as the water is shallow."

"Located just south of downtown Bradenton, the Village of the Arts features early 20th century bungalows where residents live, work, and play, with homes doubling as art galleries, specialty stores and even a vinyl record shop called Jerk Dog. Art walks take place the first Friday of each month, but you can visit the village on any given day for dinner or lunch at one of the neighborhood’s four charming restaurants. Arte Caffe serves thin-crust pizza, homemade pasta and other authentic Italian classics while Ortygia offers genuine Sicilian, French and Mediterranean-style cuisine."

"The Village of the Arts is an eclectic artists community that includes more than 100 homes, art galleries, studios, workshops, restaurants, and cafes for working artists. The village is over 36 acres and has many artist cottages from the 1920s and 1930s that have been restored to their former glory. Many of the cottages have received an artistic upgrade with bright colors that create a truly artistic feel."

"It consists of individual homes over a four block area that have been rehabed and turned into art studios and unique…. Frequently Asked Questions about Bradenton. The top attractions to visit in Bradenton are:"

"This historic artist colony is famous for its galleries, boutiques, studios and dining. Monthly Art Walk is 5-9PM Every 3rd Friday"

"With four galleries, Art Center Sarasota provides creative opportunities to the whole community. They run youth educational programs including Creative Kids Saturday Classes and the Creative Kids Summer Art Camp. The exhibitions focus on local and regional art, showcasing many emerging and established talents."

"This community-oriented nonprofit gallery has four exhibition spaces that mix local and out-of-town artists. Hosts frequent events, including a lecture series featuring local artists talking about what informs..."

"Clayton’s Siesta Grille offers the perfect combination of casual and fine dining. You can bring the whole family to the casual and welcoming atmosphere, but you’re not sacrificing flavor or quality of food. The freshest ingredients are used to plan the seasonal menu, so you’ll find something different every time you visit Siesta Key!"

"This French-inspired St. Armands Circle restaurant offers a romantic with live piano music on Friday and Saturday nights. Opening its doors in 1973, this restaurant was originally the location of John Ringling’s real estate business. The beverages and entrees are a feast for the eyes and the palate."

"The "Grande Dame" of area restaurants, the award-winning cuisine of Cafe L'Europe strikes the perfect balance between tradition and innovation, featuring creative..."