Sarasota is an excellent beach vacation destination for those seeking adventure. From kayaking through Lido Key mangrove tunnels to walking the sky bridge in Myakka River State Park, we’re sharing the outdoor activities that should be on your bucket list if you’re planning a trip to Sarasota, Florida.
Siesta Key, located off the coast of Sarasota, offers a kayaking experience through mangrove tunnels at Bird Key and an old shark tank. You’ll start at Turtle Beach where kayak rentals can be picked up for either guided or self-guided tours. From Turtle Beach kayak launch, you’ll travel down Blind Pass Lagoon to the mangrove tunnels at Bird Key, visit what was once a shark tank, and stop at a hidden beach in Palmer Point Park, where you can take a break to enjoy the beautiful pristine beach before heading back.
There are also guided and self-guided kayaking tours available at Lido Key. You’ll start at South Lido Nature Park where kayak rentals are picked up. From the South Lido Nature Park kayak launch, you’ll travel to the mangrove tunnels, a sandbar, and around Otter Key, where you can observe dolphins and manatees.
Another great outdoor activity is snorkeling at Point of Rocks on Siesta Key Beach. It is known to be the best snorkel spot in Sarasota due to its beautiful underwater scenery in more calm and shallow waters. Located at 6900 Point of Rocks Road, this spot boasts a series of limestone rock formations that are home to various species of fish and other marine life. It’s also perfect for beginners or those who prefer a gentle swim.
And if you’re curious like me, the cottage that sits along the Point of Rocks is known as “The Cottage at Point of Rocks” built in 1930. The cottage is now a historic designation on the Sarasota County Register of Historic Places. Click Here if you’re interested in learning more about the historic beach cottage.
The Myakka Canopy Walkway in Sarasota, Florida, is a public treetop trail and an outdoor laboratory for research and education. Suspended 25 feet above the ground, it extends 100 feet through the hammock canopy, allowing visitors to observe treetop inhabitants up close and enjoy the view of wetlands, prairie, and hammock interface. There is also an observation tower 74 ft high for even better views of the area. The canopy walkway experienced damage from Hurricane Ida, but re-opened in August 2023.
Of course, at Myakka River State Park there are plenty of other great spots to visit for nature lovers who want to observe more wildlife. The Birdwalk is a boardwalk in Myakka River State Park stretching from the wet hammocks of the floodplains, through grassy marsh, to the lake where you can observe many species of birds, geckos, alligators and fish. It’s an outdoor paradise for nature lovers.
Sarasota’s coast is also a popular spot for tarpon fishing, especially during their annual migration through the Gulf of Mexico in May, June and July. There are plenty of recommended professional charters available too. CB’s Saltwater Outfitters is one of the top rated charters in Lido Key that won TripAdvisor’s 2023 Travelers’ Choice Award. They also provide boat rentals if you want to do your own fishing excursion. Dreams Realized is another great fishing charter in Siesta Key that departs from New Pass Grill where you can enjoy a “Catch and Cook” meal after a day of fishing.
Sarasota offers an abundance of outdoor activities that are worth exploring. However, we believe that there are always hidden gems waiting to be discovered, and we would love to hear your thoughts. What outdoor activities in Sarasota, Florida inspire you? We encourage you to share your ideas by sending us an email through our Contact Us page. Let’s discover the beauty of Sarasota together!
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