Want to really get off the beaten path? With our four listed Sarasota hiking trails, you can escape the city streets in and around Sarasota. Head deep into the reclusive, relaxed, and gorgeous natural locales of southwest Florida and enjoy the incredible Sarasota weather.
Myakka River State Park
It is likely that Myakka River State Park offers some of the boldest hiking near our Sarasota vacation rentals. It’s a massive and well-supported state park, with a variety of viewpoints to really appreciate the area’s range of ecological systems.
Activities are plentiful, including kayaking, boating, and camping. Visitors can also check out a number of different points of interest. The Crowley Museum and Nature Center is a top spot to see for families while the Myakka Canopy Walkway and observation tower offers fabulous sights of the local nature from high, high, high on up!
The park encompasses about 58 square miles of trails and access areas via water vehicle or foot. The cost of entrance is $6 per vehicle and $2 for pedestrians and bicyclists. Itr is open daily from 8 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Overall, Myakka boasts stunning open prairies, dense hammocks, and wetlands almost entirely unperturbed by human footprints and general foot traffic. Its unspoiled 37,000 square miles is often touted as the last major expanse of land next to the everglades in south Florida.
Rothenbach Park Loop
The hiking at Myakka River State Park is impressive. But it certainly caters to intermediate and above level hikers and explorers. Alternatively, Rothenbach Park Loop offers a far more accessible and family-friendly hiking trip. At just 3.7 total miles, this entry-level hike carries you in a direct loop along the largely flat paved ground, with scenic views and multiple playgrounds along the way.
The path is wide enough for walkers and joggers, as well as those who have picked up a bike rental in Sarasota to enjoy it. At the path’s entrance, you’ll find picnic tables, a safe playground, and grills. It is located at 8650 Bee Ridge Road and there is no entrance fee.
Celery Fields
Stand on a rock and admire the wide-open expanse of Celery Fields, and you would be certain it’s coated in the light green mossy vegetable. The area features a stunning natural landscape with tons of foliage. This wetland park is the ideal escape if all you want is to soak in unspoiled nature. Amenities are scarce and the fields are open 24 hours a day.
With about 300 acres for you to ultimately explore, numerous trails, an observation mound, and some of the best birding locations in the state, Celery Fields is a spectacular and even isolated escape away from the crowds and man-made structures that come with the city.
Celery Fields is most sought after for its top-tier bird watching. Members of the Audubon Society are often staffed at the entrance, even offering seasonal tours and special bird watching trips for eager bird enthusiasts. If this sounds like your type of hike, add it to the top of our to-do list.
Red Bug Slough
Red Bug Slough Preserve is a lovely little natural escape nestled away from the gulf, east of Sarasota’s best beaches, and just a short drive from Sarasota rentals. Here you’ll unearth tranquil trails weaving through about 72 acres of hammocks. Keep an eye out for an incredibly quiet butterfly garden just past the preserve’s parking lot as well as a fishing dock by the Beneva Rd entrance. The other entrance, on the west side of the park, is comparatively quieter, and features fewer amenities. Leashed pets are allowed and there is no entrance fee. The park is open from 6 a.m. to sunset daily.
Hiking near Sarasota, FL is a blast, whether you want an expansive all-day adventure at Myakka River State Park or a quick hour long stop at an amenity-rich family park, you are covered.
Review all available Sarasota rentals with a pool to find the best fit, and make sure to end your day of hiking with a calm splash in the water.
