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Southwest Florida offers a number of parks and recreation areas,
some of them along the waterfront. From shelling on Egmont Key
and bird watching on Leffis Key, to a treetop canopy walk at Myakka
River State Park, numerous eco-activities await the nature lover.
Myakka River State Park
Myakka River State Park is Florida's largest natural park, offering
canoeing, fishing, camping, an airboat cruise, a canopy walk and
biking among a diversity of bird and wildlife. Safari tram tours of
the park’s back country are offered from mid-December through May.
The Myakka River flows through 58 square miles of wetlands, prairies
and woodlands.
Historic
Spanish Point
Historic Spanish Point, overlooking Sarasota Bay, provides a window
into 5,000 years of human history, with Native American shell
middens, preserved pioneer structures, nature trails and formal
gardens.
Oscar Scherer
State Park
Oscar Scherer State Park is one of the best places to see
Florida scrub-jays, a threatened species found only in
Florida. Hike or bike through 15 miles of nature trails or
kayak or canoe along South Creek, a blackwater stream that
flows to the Gulf of Mexico.
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Fishing is available
along the creek or the shores of Lake Osprey. The park has picnic
areas; pavilions, full-facility campsites and a youth/group
campground.
ATTRACTIONS
With its Gulf Coast location and
subtropical climate, Sarasota is a natural center for the study of
avian and marine life and tropical plants. Mote Marine
Aquarium combines real research with opportunities to learn about
sharks, pet stingrays in the touch pool, and view manatees, sea
turtles and other marine life. Plants and birds are on display at
Sarasota Jungle Gardens, which also holds regular reptile and bird
shows. Marie Selby Botanical Gardens showcases tropical plants
and more than 6,000 orchids.
Bishop Planetarium
Circus Sarasota
Ed Smith Stadium
or
sarasox.com
Gulf Coast Wonder and Imagination Zone
Mote Marine Laboratory
Marie Selby Botanical Gardens
Museum of Cars and Music
The Parker Manatee Aquarium
Pelican Man's Bird Sanctuary
Sailor Circus
Sarasota Convention & Visitor's Bureau
Sarasota Polo Club
Sarasota Jungle Gardens
Sarasota Red Sox
South Florida Museum
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