Parks for Everyone

Get Outside and Explore Our Welcoming Parks and Preserves

The region has a wealth of these restorative spaces to enjoy, no matter your passion. Here are 10 to explore.

12/01/2025 By Kendall Southworth

Outdoor Adventures

It's Election Day. Let's Go Take a Hike.

Stop refreshing your social media feeds and recharge in nature at Oscar Scherer State Park or Myakka River State Park.

11/05/2024 By Allison Forsyth

Happy Glamper

Two Permanent Glamping Sites Just Opened at Oscar Scherer State Park

The sites are run by Anayancy and Alex Escarpanter, who partnered with Timberline Glamping to bring the experience to Sarasota.

11/21/2023 By Lauren Jackson

Yes Scrubs

Seeing a Scrub Jay Is a Bucket List Item for Any True Floridian

The state’s sole endemic bird species can most easily be found at Oscar Scherer State Park.

05/12/2022 By Isaac Eger

Fishing

Accessible Lake Osprey Fishing Pier Opens at Oscar Scherer State Park

The project has been in the works for almost 15 years.

04/28/2022 By Staff

Volunteers

Florida State Parks Foundation Recognizes Volunteer Contributions

The recognitions include volunteers in Sarasota-Manatee.

04/07/2022 By Staff

Free & Freeish

We Live in Paradise—Enjoy It With These Free Outdoor Actvities

From birdwatching to outdoor yoga to hiking, biking and swimming, there's an activity for every outdoor enthusiast.

12/01/2021

Do-Over

The Florida State Parks Foundation Wants to Plant Another 100,000 New Pine Trees

It worked last year. Why not do it again?

04/29/2021 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Grants

Selby Foundation Awards $75,000 Grant for Lake Osprey Fishing Pier

The pier, apart from being an added attraction for park visitors, will also be used for school visits to teach children how to fish, as well as about the value of the park's habitats.

01/06/2021 By Staff

Take a hike

Thanksgiving Is the Perfect Day to Visit a State Park

It's become an annual tradition for my family to head out to Myakka River State Park on Thanksgiving Day.

11/24/2020 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Parks to Play In

Slip Away Into Nature at Scherer Thaxton Preserve

This 287-acre preserve off Honore Avenue is adjacent to Oscar Scherer State Park.

11/01/2020 By John McCarthy

Outdoor Adventures

Let's Go for a Hike at Oscar Scherer State Park

Oscar Scherer State Park has many shaded trails that are perfect for hiking, biking and viewing wildlife.

08/05/2020 By Allison Forsyth

Weekly Planner

A Taco Festival, a Friendsgiving Potluck and More of This Week's Top Food and Drink Events

Also on the menu: lessons on how to prepare holiday treats and a class in the subtle art of food photography.

11/20/2019 By Sarafina Murphy-Gibson

Guide to Giving

Francis Folkers Doesn't Mind Getting Dirty at Oscar Scherer State Park

Folkers agonizes over the loss of Florida’s habitat to development.

09/02/2019 By Olivia Letts

Here Comes the Sun

Where to Watch the Solar Eclipse in Sarasota

On Aug. 21, the first coast-to-coast solar eclipse in 99 years will occur.

08/17/2017 By Stephanie Hagan

Boo!

Your Guide to Halloween In Sarasota 2016

From pumpkin festivals to ghost tours to underwater pumpkin carvings, here's a round-up of Halloween events in Sarasota.

10/18/2016 By Lana Allen

Article

Exactly What To Do in Sarasota This Summer

We've scouted out some great things to eat, see and do while the snowbirds are gone and the Sarasota is ours.

06/27/2013 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Sarasota Magazine

Oscar Scherer State Park