With a year-round average temperature of 73 degrees, outdoor activities are a natural way to fill your days and nights. From early morning fishing and tee times, to afternoon bike rides, ballgames and boating, and sunset walks on the beach or along the many beautiful parks in the area, there is something for every level of activity and everyone.
On the Links
Sarasota is a golfer’s dream come true, with over 30 courses throughout the county. In fact, Sarasota is home to some of the state’s highest ranked courses, and most beautiful. Whether you are a member of one of the many private clubs, or are looking to play occasionally and choose one of the wonderful semi-private or public options, the quality of the facilities throughout the county are notable. From the condition of the courses, quality of the clubhouses, talent of the teaching pros and hospitality of the course staff, it is no wonder that Sarasota has gained such notoriety among golf enthusiasts around the globe.
Golf & Tennis Communities
With communities such as Longboat Key Club and its many single-family and condominium developments, Lakewood Ranch and its exceptional private and semi-private courses and villages spread throughout this 31,000 acre hamlet, The Oaks located in south Sarasota County, Prestancia and Laurel Oak with their championship-quality courses and tennis facilities blended into manicured tree-lined streets, Bobby Jones and the Meadows located close to downtown, The Ritz Carlton with golf, beach and city living options, The Concession and Lake Club ultra-luxury communities, or the many other neighborhoods nestled along fairways and greens and near courts and clubhouses, finding a home to enjoy the golfing and tennis lifestyles is easy in Sarasota.
On the Courts
Sarasota tennis is legendary! In addition to being one of the region’s favorite pastimes, Sarasota boasts a history rich in tennis. Did you know that famed tennis coach Nick Bollettieri called renowned Colony Beach & Tennis Resort on Longboat Key his home courts for many years before moving his world-class academy to the Bollettieri/IMG Academy location in nearby Bradenton? Visitors and residents are often surprised to find themselves on an adjacent court to world ranked players warming up for championship tournaments, as many live in the area and others come because of the extraordinary facilities located throughout the area. USTA leagues are some of the best in the nation – men, women, senior and super-senior teams from the region boast national top rankings.
Waterfront Activities
Both sides of the glistening waters of Sarasota Bay and the Gulf of Mexico are easily accessed from many of Sarasota’s most coveted neighborhoods, as well as fresh-water lakes all through the mid- and east-county communities. Whether sailing, motor boating, fishing, paddling your shell or kayak, or taking one of the many sightseeing cruises, there are endless options for enjoying life on the water.
Waterfront Communities
Waterfront communities are nearly endless. From the deep water canals along the Sarasota Bay side of Longboat Key and it’s beautiful Longboat Key Moorings Marina, St. Armand’s with the lovely Sarasota Yacht Club or Bird Key with its Yacht Club perched to overlook the Sarasota Skyline these offer both options for your own dock or friendship and camaraderie of the club and marina experience. City of Sarasota residents have options such as the coveted Harbor Acres, and Cherokee and McClellan Park with great estates lining the Bay front and many water view condominiums in the heart of Downtown Sarasota, all with access to the largest marina in the area, Marina Jack’s or a number of community boat ramps and private docks. South of the downtown core are the wonderful neighborhoods around the Field Club with its own lovely Club and Marina, The Landings, San Remo, Coral Cove and The Oaks. Siesta Key and Casey Key are islands surrounded on both sides by water and boasting calm canal front homes, many Bay front communities and stunning Gulf front estates all with close-by access to the famed Sarasota beaches. Eastern Sarasota County neighborhoods such as Lakewood Ranch’s many unique districts and University Park offer beautiful lakefront homes.
Sarasota’s Many Other Activities
If Polo is your passion, Sarasota’s season bring in some of the best National and International teams for fantastic matches throughout the playing season.
For Baseball fans, Sarasota hosts three Grapefruit League Teams – the newest addition is CoolToday Park where The Atlanta Braves train, in downtown Sarasota The Baltimore Orioles training complex is at Ed Smith Stadium and Bradenton’s McKechnie Field hosts the Pittsburgh Pirates.
Other facilities such as Trap & Skeet shooting, Sarasota Lawn Bowling, the Sarasota International Cricket Club and a number of cycling clubs are available. If outdoor activities are your passion or just a way to pass the time, Sarasota offers endless possibilities.
For more ways to enjoy sports and the outdoors in Sarasota, visit https://www.visitsarasota.com/things-to-do/sports-recreation.