15 free things to do outdoors in Sarasota, Manatee and Charlotte counties

The coronavirus pandemic has put a whole new premium on the great outdoors, which, fortunately, can be enjoyed pretty much year-round here in sunny Southwest Florida.

And as we finally put the hurricane season behind us and enter the holiday season, we thought it would be a good time to revisit our list of free things to do outdoors in Sarasota, Manatee and Charlotte counties. 

Keep in mind, visitors to area parks and attractions are reminded to practice safe social distancing, to remain home if they have any signs of illness and to wash their hands regularly with soap and water. Also, please, mask up when social distancing is not possible.

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1. Explore The Ringling grounds

Take a relaxing walk along The Ringling grounds, including the gorgeous waterfront along Sarasota Bay, on a Monday when the museum is free of charge. Say hi to David, the replica of Michelangelo’s famed statue found towering over the Courtyard, stop by Mable Ringling’s Rose Garden and before leaving, be sure to take a trip through The Ringling’s creepy Dwarf Garden, which you’ll find tucked away by the the Visitor Pavilion, right before entering the bridge leading to the main art museum. Yes, it’s almost as if they don’t want you to find these scary little sculptures.

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2. Walk or run across the John Ringling Causeway

The bridge traverses Sarasota Bay, connecting downtown Sarasota to St. Armands and Lido Key, offering spectacular views and some great exercise, especially if you decide to jog.

3. Unearth sharks’ teeth on Caspersen Beach

Locals and tourists have been coming to this beach for years to collect prehistoric sharks’ teeth, which make for totally rad jewelry.

4. Take a walk around St. Armands Circle

You won’t find a more fun place to do some window shopping – and people watching! – in the region.

5. Climb the tower at Robinson Preserve

Nestled in northwest Bradenton near where the Manatee River meets Tampa Bay, Robinson Preserve features hiking paths, boardwalks and much more including an observation tower providing views of the bay and Sunshine Skyway Bridge. 

6. Walk or bike, skate and play on the riverside

Bring your skateboard, bicycle, running shoes, volleyball, dog and/or child and spend the day at Bradenton Riverwalk, which also includes a splash park and playground. Oh, and be sure to look for dolphins and manatees, which both love the brackish river waters.

7. Bike the length of the Legacy Trail

It starts just south of the city of Sarasota and continues about 10 miles to Venice.

8. Spend an afternoon at Bayfront Park in downtown Sarasota

Relax in the shade while enjoying the views and breeze of Sarasota Bay and/or take the children to the splash park.

9. Bring your pooch to Paw Park

Venice’s Brohard Paw Park is the only beach in the county where canines are allowed. Trust us, your doggy will thank you after a day at Paw Park.

10. Picnic on Coquina Beach

The beach on the southern tip of Anna Maria Island backs up to hundreds of Australian pines providing ample shade for the extensive picnic area, parking lot, and paved trail. Plus, there are nice restrooms and private, and stand-alone changing stalls. If you do want to spend money, there’s also the Coquina Beach Cafe.

11. Play at Nathan Benderson Park

The Ronald A. Balducci Playground is open with hour-long closures at 8 a.m., noon and 4 p.m. to allow crews to clean playground equipment. The boat ramp is also open (only electric motors are authorized; gas motors must be raised to indicate they aren’t in use).

12. Take a walk through Fishermen’s Village

Located on Charlotte Harbor in Punta Gorda, Fishermen’s Village features dining and shopping plus lots of free sightseeing.

13. Test your skateboard, bike or inline skate skills in South County

The North Port Skate Park features concrete bowls, ramps, jumps and rails with restrooms, two small shelters and vending machines.

14. Go birdwatching at Celery Fields

Sarasota County’s Celery Fields is “an ideal location for wildlife watching and passive recreational use,” according to the Sarasota Audubon Society.

15. Get to the beach for sunset

We have some of the best beaches on the planet and few things are more perfect in nature than witnessing the sun sink into the Gulf waters.

Wade Tatangelo is the Herald-Tribune’s entertainment editor. Email him at wade.tatangelo@heraldtribune.com.