Canoeing / Kayaking
North Jetty Beach Park
North Jetty Beach Park is one of the best surfing beaches on the Gulf Coast of Florida. This park is also a popular fishing spot, where changing tides yield catch to patient anglers. Enjoy the sunset and watch the boats pass...
Oscar Scherer State Park
Oscar Scherer State Park is the Crown Jewel of Sarasota County’s Habitat Conservation Plan. A large acreage of scrubby flatwoods makes the park one of the best places to see Florida scrub jays, a threatened bird species...
Phillippi Estate Park and Edson Keith Mansion
Located on the shores of Phillippi Creek, the park includes Indian middens dating back 2,000 years. A midden is a mound containing shells, animal bones and other refuse that indicate the site was used for human activities in...
Pinecraft Park
This community park offers a variety of recreational amenities, as well as a beautiful view of Phillippi Creek. A shallow-draft boat ramp provides access to Roberts Bay approximately 4 miles downstream. For a leisurely paddle...
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...
Snook Haven
Snook Haven Park is a great place to relax and enjoy a slice of Old Florida. With water access to the Wild and Scenic Myakka River and plentiful snook and tarpon, this is a fishing hot spot. Bring your own canoe or kayak (or...
Ted Sperling Park at South Lido Beach
This park is a gateway to four significant bodies of water – the Gulf of Mexico, Big Pass, Sarasota Bay and Brushy Bayou – where you will find beautiful beaches, birding opportunities, and a paddling trail through...
Turtle Beach Campground
There’s nothing quite like the experience of camping on a Florida beach. Turtle Beach Campground, located on Siesta Key next to Turtle Beach Park, offers one of the few remaining opportunities to park a recreational...
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...
