>Sarasota County Information

Sarasota County, FL located on the southwestern coast of Florida, offers a beautiful combination of natural beauty, cultural attractions, and a vibrant arts scene. Here's some information about the area and its attractions:

Sarasota County Website

  1. Sarasota: The county seat and largest city, Sarasota, is known for its pristine beaches, such as Siesta Key Beach with its famous white sand. The city also boasts a thriving downtown area with shops, restaurants, and art galleries. Visit the Ringling Museum of Art, which showcases the art collection of John and Mable Ringling, or catch a performance at the Sarasota Opera House.

  2. Venice: Located in the southern part of Sarasota County, Venice is known for its charming historic district and beautiful beaches. Enjoy a stroll along the Venice Fishing Pier, explore the shops and restaurants on Venice Avenue, or visit the Venice Theater, one of the largest community theaters in the United States.

  3. Englewood: This laid-back coastal community offers a quieter atmosphere and several beaches where you can enjoy swimming, sunbathing, and shelling. Englewood is also a popular destination for fishing and boating enthusiasts. Don't miss visiting Stump Pass Beach State Park, a pristine nature reserve with walking trails and great wildlife viewing opportunities.

  4. Parks and Nature: Sarasota County is home to several nature preserves and parks. Myakka River State Park, one of Florida's largest and oldest state parks, offers hiking trails, camping, and boat tours. Oscar Scherer State Park is known for its excellent birdwatching opportunities, while Celery Fields is a popular spot for birding and hiking. The Legacy Trail is a scenic paved trail that spans 10 miles and is perfect for walking, jogging, or cycling.

  5. Cultural Attractions: In addition to the Ringling Museum of Art in Sarasota, the county has numerous cultural attractions. The Sarasota Orchestra, Sarasota Ballet, and Asolo Repertory Theatre offer world-class performances. Explore the Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, which feature an extensive collection of tropical plants, or visit the Historic Spanish Point, a museum and archaeological site showcasing the area's history.

  6. Shopping and Dining: Sarasota County has a variety of shopping and dining options. St. Armands Circle, located on St. Armands Key, is a vibrant shopping district with boutiques, galleries, and restaurants. Downtown Sarasota and Venice also offer a range of dining experiences, from casual waterfront seafood shacks to upscale gourmet establishments.

  7. Sports and Recreation: The county has several golf courses, tennis clubs, and recreational facilities for sports enthusiasts. If you enjoy baseball, catch a spring training game at the Ed Smith Stadium, the spring training home of the Baltimore Orioles.

Sarasota County offers a diverse range of attractions and amenities for residents and visitors alike, combining natural beauty, cultural richness, and recreational opportunities.