From Spectating to Playing, Sarasota County Has You Covered

A year-round destination, Sarasota County is home to world-class sports training and competition.

Each February, fans of the Baltimore Orioles and Atlanta Braves flock to sunny Sarasota County, Fla., to catch their favorite teams as they tune up during spring training. While they may come to spectate, those same fans quickly discover they can keep up with their own fitness routines: Sarasota County is home to dozens of world-class venues and facilities that make outdoor recreation, training and competition not only easily accessible, but also second to none.

Some of those facilities might seem like no-brainers for a locale that features more than 250 sunny days a year. Spectacular outdoor swimming venues like the Selby Aquatic Center, which features both 50- and 25-meter pools, attract recreational and competitive swimmers alike. In 2020, for instance, Selby hosted the Toyota U.S. Open Championships. Sarasota County is also home to numerous outdoor and indoor pickleball courts, allowing players of the nation’s fastest-growing sport to keep their skills sharp year-round at places like Gillespie Park in downtown Sarasota or Colonial Oaks Park. Golfers won’t feel left out, either, with more than 30 local courses to practice their game.

Those are the obvious recreational choices for a spot like Sarasota, but you might be surprised to learn that the county is home to top-notch training facilities for lesser-known sports, too, such as rowing and sculling. Take Nathan Benderson Park, which features a 10-lane protected, buoyed course and an adjacent 1,500-meter practice course. Collegiate and high school teams from all over the country descend on the training facility to tune up and compete all year long. Nearby Blackburn Point Park and Bay Preserve round out the offerings for competitive rowers and scullers.

You might not think of Florida as equestrian country, but Sarasota County proves it is just that, too. Fox Lea Farm in Venice hosts numerous competitive series each year, in all categories of equestrian competition. Come to compete, train or cheer on your favorite horse or rider on to victory at the bucolic setting.

Into cycling or running? Sarasota County has you covered. Try the shaded and paved Legacy Trail for 12 miles of pedaling, walking, running or even riding a scooter or skateboard. There are 15 rest areas and seven trailheads for ease of access and that all-important water break. If your family is into team sports, there’s also plenty of opportunity to swing a baseball bat, kick a soccer ball or hit a tennis ball at multisport venues like the Englewood Sports Complex. Home to fields and courts for all those sports, it also features a gymnasium and 11,000 square feet of rental space.

All that training and spectating might leave you hungry and ready for a little R & R, and Sarasota County has you covered there, too. Home to spectacular white-sand beaches and keys, there’s never a bad time to lay out the beach blanket and take a dip in the salt water. Siesta Key is a can’t- miss spot, holding the No. 2 ranking for top beaches in the United States by TripAdvisor’s Traveler’s Choice Awards.

If you’re looking for arts and culture, Sarasota County brings the museums and galleries, gardens and shows, too. From modern art galleries to The Ringling — a 56-room mansion built by circus magnate John Ringling — your senses will be treated by the colorful, multicultural experience of the many exhibits and displays the county offers.

Hungry for world-class dining after all your activities? Award-winning dining is right around every corner in Sarasota. There are 21 Zagat-rated restaurants in the area, making Sarasota County a foodie’s delight. You can also check out local farmers’ markets, distilleries, wineries and breweries. You might even luck out and time your visit with local restaurant weeks or food and wine festivals.

Finally, getting into and out of Sarasota County couldn’t be any easier. Sarasota Bradenton International Airport brings all the amenities of a big airport, without all the hassle. Daily nonstops from the Midwest, Northeast and West Coast make the destination accessible and affordable to everyone, and construction of a new terminal is already underway, ensuring more flights soon.

With everything Sarasota County has to offer, no one will blame you if you make plans to return, or even make it home after your visit. Whether you’re a sports fan, a sports participant, or a little bit of both, Sarasota County is where athletes come to play and stay.