Sarasota County Parks – Dog Parks, Trails & Outdoor Spaces

Sarasota County is home to a diverse collection of parks that offer something for everyone — whether you're traveling with a dog, looking for a quiet nature walk, or just searching for scenic spots to unwind. We've explored many of these parks ourselves and gathered them here to help you find the best places for outdoor recreation, pet-friendly amenities, and local green spaces. Each featured park includes details, photos, and what to expect on your visit.

Payne Park Sarasota

Payne Park began as a dream in the mind of Calvin N. Payne. When reporting on Payne's 1921 purchase of 60 acres next to the downtown golf course, The Sarasota Times launched the action, assuming that the land would be used to expand the golf course. That was not to be, however, for Calvin and Martha Payne agreed in the fall of 1923 to give the land to the city for a park. Before the official transfer was complete, Mayor E.J. Bacon proclaimed a "community work day" to create a fair ground and a baseball diamond. Reportedly, union carpenters, bricklayers and painters joined lawyers, business people and other residents to help Payne Park take shape.

Click here to view our Payne Park page.

Arlington Park Sarasota

Arlington Park, located less than two miles from downtown Sarasota, Florida, has a rich history that reflects the city's commitment to providing recreational spaces for its residents. The area was originally developed in the 1920s, but it wasn't until the 1950s that it began to flourish as a residential neighborhood.

Click here to view our Arlington Park page.

Brohard Park Venice

Brohard Paw Park, located in Venice, Florida, is renowned as the only beach in Sarasota County where dogs are permitted off-leash. The park features separate fenced areas for large and small dogs, leading directly to the beach, allowing pets to enjoy the Gulf waters freely. In 2021, Brohard Paw Park was recognized as the #1 Best Dog Friendly Beach in Florida by the hotel review website Oyster.com.

Click here to view our Brohard Park page.

Bird Key Park Sarasota

Bird Key Park in Sarasota, Florida, has a unique history intertwined with the development of the area and its connection to the surrounding natural environment. The park is located on Bird Key, an island situated in Sarasota Bay, and is part of the larger system of islands that make up Sarasota's waterfront area.

Click here to view our Bird Key Park page.

Myakka State Park

Myakka State Park in Florida is a vast and captivating natural wonderland that encapsulates the essence of the Sunshine State's diverse landscapes. Encompassing over 37,000 acres of pristine wilderness, the park is one of the largest and oldest state parks in Florida, offering visitors a plethora of recreational opportunities and unforgettable experiences.

Click here to view our Myakka State Park page.

Lake View Park Sarasota

Lakeview Paw Park, located within Lakeview Park in Sarasota, Florida, has a history rooted in the area's transformation from a mid-20th-century attraction to a beloved community space. The site was once home to Sunshine Springs and Gardens, a local attraction that operated from 1955 to 1959. This venue featured swan boat tours through tropical gardens and lakes, as well as water ski shows performed on a 400-acre man-made lake.

Click here to view our Lakeview Park page.

Urfer Park Sarasota

Urfer Family Park in Sarasota, Florida, is a 55-acre public park that blends natural beauty with historical significance. The land was originally part of a ranch owned by Dr. Cullen Bryant (C.B.) Wilson, a prominent local physician and politician in the early 20th century. Dr. Wilson's historic home, built in 1906, was relocated to the park in 2004 to preserve its legacy. The house is listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places and is open for self-guided tours.

Click here to view our Urfer Park page.

Gillespie Park Sarasota

Gillespie Park in Sarasota, Florida, has a rich history tied to the city's growth and development. The park is named after the Gillespie family, who were early settlers in the area and played a significant role in Sarasota’s history.

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Bayfront Park Sarasota

Bayfront Park in Sarasota, Florida, has a rich history that reflects the city's commitment to creating public spaces for recreation and cultural activities. The concept of a bayfront park and municipal auditorium was first conceived in 1935. In 1936, the municipal government obtained a 37-acre parcel from a private company that owed taxes on the site. Citizens, politicians, and city employees began efforts to secure a federal Works Progress Administration (WPA) grant for the center. The federal government granted $131,000 toward the project, and work began in July 1937. The Sarasota Municipal Auditorium, designed in the Art Deco and Moderne styles by Chicago architects Thomas Reed Martin and Clarence A. Martin, opened on February 24, 1938. The building was part of an 11-acre recreational complex, originally called the Civic Center or Bayfront Park.

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17th Street Park Sarasota

17th Street Park in Sarasota, Florida, is a 96-acre recreational area located on 17th Street between Honore Avenue and Beneva Road. The park offers a variety of amenities, including four softball fields, two soccer fields, a concession stand, archery facilities, restrooms, and a dog park.

Click here to view our 17th Street Park page.

Woodmere Park Sarasota

Woodmere Park in Venice, Florida, is a 36-acre public park dedicated on September 22, 1994. The park is situated off Jacaranda Boulevard in southeastern Venice and offers a variety of amenities, including an indoor gymnasium, multi-purpose rooms, tennis courts, a playground, and a 2.5-acre "Paw Park" for dogs. The area surrounding Woodmere Park has a rich history, with the town of Woodmere being established in the early 20th century as a sawmill town. The Woodmere Lumber Mill, founded by Herman Kluge in 1918, provided most of the lumber used in the building of Venice. The town was destroyed by fire and abandoned by 1930. Today, Woodmere Park serves as a family and pet-friendly destination, offering outdoor activities, indoor sports, educational opportunities, and hosting various programs and special events.

Click here to view our Woodmere Park page.

Caspersen Park Sarasota

Caspersen Park is a coastal treasure in Sarasota County that captivates both nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts with its raw, unspoiled beauty. Stretching along more than 1½ miles of picturesque beachfront, this park offers a serene escape from busier tourist spots and invites visitors to explore one of the most pristine shorelines in the region. The soft white sand is scattered with colorful shells and fossilized fragments, making it a top destination for beachcombing — especially for those hoping to find the area’s famous prehistoric shark teeth.

Click here to view our Caspersen Park page.

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