Sarasota Parks
Find practical Sarasota parks for playgrounds, waterfront walks, dog walks, trail time, fitness loops, and easy outdoor plans.
Best Sarasota parks by plan
The best Sarasota park depends on the kind of outing you want. Downtown has Payne Park, Bayfront Park, and The Bay for walking, playgrounds, waterfront views, and easy add-ons. Central and east Sarasota have Arlington Park, Bobby Jones Nature Park, Urfer Family Park, Red Bug Slough Preserve, and Rothenbach Park for pools, dog walks, fitness loops, trails, and quieter green space.
Sarasota parks to know
| Park | Best for | Where | Practical notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Payne Park | Downtown playground, walking, cycling, skate park, cafe, amphitheater, and tennis-center add-ons | 2010 Adams Lane | A strong first pick when the group includes kids, walkers, skaters, and people who want downtown nearby. |
| Bayfront Park and Marina / Island Park | Waterfront walking, playground, splash pad, fishing, food, and bay views | 5 Bayfront Drive | Good for stroller walks, sunset-adjacent plans, downtown visitors, and families who want water plus playground time. |
| Arlington Park & Aquatic Complex | Pool, dog park, 1/2-mile walking trail, outdoor fitness, basketball, tennis, and playground | 2650 Waldemere St. | A central activity park with more recreation infrastructure than a typical neighborhood green space. |
| The Bay | Bayfront lawns, walks, free programs, outdoor events, and downtown park time | 1055 Blvd of the Arts | A signature public bayfront park with public parking guidance, daily hours, and ongoing phased development. |
| The Nature Park at Bobby Jones | Wetland views, walking, bicycling, crushed-shell paths, and a short nature loop | 1000 Circus Blvd. | The city nature-park option when you want wildlife and a defined trail without leaving central Sarasota. |
| Urfer Family Park | Playground, picnic shelter, outdoor fitness, paved and unpaved trails, and leashed dog walks | 4012 Honore Ave. | A family-friendly county park that works for short walks, playground time, and a low-key trail visit. |
| Red Bug Slough Preserve | Paved and unpaved trails, picnic shelters, fishing pier, playground, and leashed dog walks | 5200 Beneva Road | A compact natural-area choice with a preserve feel, easy walking, and practical amenities. |
| Rothenbach Park | Paved trail, outdoor fitness equipment, playground, picnic shelter, and east Sarasota exercise | 8650 Bee Ridge Road | A good east-county fitness and park-walk option, but not a dog park or dog-friendly pick. |
How to choose
Choose Payne Park for downtown family energy. Choose Bayfront Park or The Bay for water views. Choose Arlington Park when pool, dog park, and fitness amenities matter. Choose Bobby Jones, Urfer, Red Bug Slough, or Rothenbach when the outing is more about a walk, trail, or quieter outdoor reset.
Official links
Confirm current hours, amenities, closures, and maps with City of Sarasota: Payne Park, City of Sarasota: Bayfront Park and Marina / Island Park, City of Sarasota: Arlington Park & Aquatic Complex, The Bay Sarasota: Plan Your Visit, City of Sarasota: The Nature Park at Bobby Jones, Sarasota County Parks: Urfer Family Park, Sarasota County Parks: Red Bug Slough Preserve, and Sarasota County Parks: Rothenbach Park.