Bays
Jim Neville Marine Preserve
These islands in Little Sarasota Bay are accessible only by water. For those looking for a paddle experience, this 35-acre preserve provides quiet and wonderful bird watching as you explore a maze of waterways. The bird...
Joan M. Durante Park
A unique oasis in an urbanized area, this 32 acre park offers nature trails and boardwalks, with gazebos and a botanical garden on-site as well. The park was restored in the 1990’s to wetlands and coastal hammock...
Ken Thompson Park and New Pass Fishing Pier
The New Pass Fishing Pier or the sandy bayfront beach are popular for fishing. Sarasota Bay Walk provides a half mile boardwalk nature trail through the mangroves. Paved paths wind through the park for jogging with views of...
Lemon Bay Park and Environmental Center
This is a marvelous place to see American bald eagles and a variety of local birds. The park also features scenic views of Lemon Bay, a butterfly garden, nature trails and an environmental center. Classes, as well as guided...
Marie Selby Botanical Gardens
Selby Gardens is perhaps best known for its living collection of more than 6,000 orchids. The ten acre property, with breathtaking views of Sarasota Bay, is an open-air and under-glass museum. More than 150 scientific...
Marina Boat Ramp Park
This is a great place to launch a canoe, kayak or small boat and explore the waterways of the area. The Intracoastal Waterway, Dona Bay, Roberts Bay and the Gulf of Mexico are all close by, providing easy access to the water...
Quick Point Nature Preserve
The 34 acre preserve is well known for its scenic vistas and wildlife viewing. Paved trails and boardwalks provide easy access to the man-made tidal lagoon; it was excavated to different elevations and depths to attract...
Ringling Bridge Causeway Park
Ringling Bridge Causeway Park and Saprito Pier, at the east end of the bridge, are fishing havens. A bait shop and concessions are located on the southeast side of the bridge. Paths along the park, combined with the...
Turtle Beach Park and Boat Ramp
This beach park has a tidal lagoon connecting to Little Sarasota Bay and coastal dunes that add to its beauty. Kayakers will want to plan a paddle trip to nearby Neville Marine Preserve where wildlife viewing is superb. The...
Vamo Road Park
For those looking for a paddle experience, this is a good launch point. Neville Marine Preserve and Palmer Point Park in Little Sarasota Bay are across the bay and provide wonderful birding opportunities. Be careful crossing...
