Bayfront Park
Downtown Sarasota keeps its best real estate public: a bayfront loop for joggers and sunset-watchers, a working marina, and two restaurants right on the water. The city rebuilt the playground and splash pad in 2024 with new climbing structures and shade sails, so the park works for toddlers at noon and picnickers at dusk. Locals use it daily; the ratings just confirm it.
The marina end of the bayfront, and the home of the 25-foot statue everyone photographs. Free, walkable from downtown, and the natural end of a Bay Park walk.
Read the full 17 Best Things to Do in Sarasota, Florida (2026 Local Guide) →The hour before sunset, when the bay-facing lawn becomes Sarasota's communal viewing deck.
Bring a kayak or canoe — the park has its own launch, so you can paddle the bayfront without leaving downtown.
More Things to Do in Sarasota ›
Nearby on Wayfind
Sage Restaurantfood ›Indigenous Restaurantfood ›Lucky 8food ›Focaccia Sandwich + Bakeryfood ›Dry Dock Waterfront Grillfood ›Blu Kouzina UTCfood ›Wayfind is an independent guide, not affiliated with the places listed. Details come from Google and may change — confirm hours before you go.