Myakka State Park
With the epic selection of delectable restaurants participating in Savor Sarasota Restaurant Week, it can be challenging to pull ourselves away from the table. When the time does come down to put down the fork, at least between meals, keep with the trend of having fun on a budget.
Save your money for food and take it outside. Beautiful strolls on our beaches, by our waterfront and through are parks are free and, best of all, you'll work off those extra calories from the three-course meals.
If all you have left is five bucks, there are 20 exciting things to do that are right in your budget. Check out the Free and Cheap List here.
Go for a Stroll
Walking around Sarasota is a great way to combine sightseeing and exercise. You can even take in a sunset while burning calories. Life is good, isn't it?
If you're doing dinner at one of the participating restaurants downtown, roam up Main Street until you hit the marina and Island Park. The beautiful bayfront park has incredible views of the Sarasota skyline and bright blue water. Check out the public art displays and giant yachts as you walk, jog or go rollerblading. The area is popular with joggers and dogwalkers, so you'll have company!
Ringling Bridge is another great spot. Walk the length of it from downtown Sarasota over to Lido Key or go halfway. Take in the sunset over the bay. The view will stick with you forever.
Everyone that has ever walked in sand knows that a walk on the beach is more than scenic--it's great exercise! Put those legs to walk in the sands of Siesta, Lido or Longboat beaches after dining at one of the participating restaurants in Siesta Villlage, St. Armand's Circle or Longboat Key, respectively. Window shopping can also be great exercise. Before walking down to Lido Beach, peruse the boutiques in St. Armands Circle.
Sarasota boasts many outdoor attractions for varying tastes. Peruse one of the finest orchid collections in the world at Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, right on the bayfront. Selby is home to a breathtaking array of tropical plants. You'll learn about botany while enjoying the view along your peaceful walk.
If air-conditioning is more your speed, spend the day at the museum. The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art has impressive collections inside, plus sprawling banyan trees and Mable Ringling's famed rose garden outside. Check out the view from the Ringlings‘ mansion, the Cà d'Zan, as well. On Mondays, the museum offers free admission from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. It's the perfect pre-dinner date if you're dining downtown.
Get Active
Step up your game and really burn off those meals with a free game of tennis or volleyball at Siesta Beach.
Bike on the Legacy Trail. Not only is it free, you'll learn about Sarasota's history while exploring the beautiful, natural side of the county.
Hit the links at one of the more than 30 golf courses in the area. In the summer, rates drop, which means some of the top-end courses become affordable. Also, warmer weather can mean smaller crowds, which makes it possible to get on some of the more exclusive layouts. Check out the golf listings on www.sarasotafl.org for more information.
Myakka River State Park, one of Florida's oldest and largest state parks, is a must on any trip to Sarasota. Take a short nature trail to a canopy walk through the treetops that ends at a 74-foot observation tower offering a stunning panoramic view of wetlands, forests and prairie. Rent bikes, canoes or kayaks. Go for a ride along the seven miles of paved roads or take the more challenging backcountry biking and hiking trails.
Enjoy your meals and everything in between.
