North Port
People who enjoy being active outdoors flock to
Sarasota County’s fastest-growing city, North
Port, located just north of Charlotte Harbor.
North Port was honored as a “Playful City USA”
community by Playful City USA for the eighth
consecutive year in 2017.
The 105-square-mile city of North Port
features more than 80 miles of canals for paddlers
to explore, while Myakkahatchee Creek
Environmental Park offers trails for horseback
riding, as well as technical trails for bicyclists who
enjoy an off-road challenge in the forest terrain.
After working up a sweat with all the kayaking
and stand-up paddleboarding, horseback
riding, and mountain biking that can fit into a
day, even the most seasoned athlete may have
sore muscles. The cure lies in North Port’s
Warm Mineral Springs, one of the city’s oldest
and most popular attractions. The springs boast
constant 87-degree water temperatures from
the depths of a 10,000-year-old spring, which
is said by some to have healing properties: it’s
the perfect spot for soothing tired muscles or
lounging springside.
Englewood and Manasota Key
No place embodies the spirit of “Old Florida”
living like Englewood, located at the southernmost
tip of Sarasota County. Get to know
the Englewood Farmers Market on Dearborn
Street every Thursday from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m.
from October through May.
Englewood Open Studio
Englewood’s historic Dearborn Street
anchors downtown with its collection of local
artist galleries, shops, and “Mom and Pop”
eateries. Also located on Dearborn Street is the
Lemon Bay Playhouse.
For your nature fix, explore the sand dunes
and shorelines on a stroll along Manasota
Key, indulging in some of the most scenic and
secluded natural habitats on Florida’s Gulf
Coast. Outdoor enthusiasts can also enjoy birding,
trail walking and kayaking at the Lemon
Bay Park and Environmental Center.
The Hermitage Artist Retreat
Manasota Key
Longboat Key
Spanning 11 miles north toward neighboring Anna
Maria Island from Sarasota and St. Armands Circle,
Longboat Key is a private oasis where residents and
visitors enjoy quiet beaches, leisurely neighborhood
bike paths and fine dining.
Longboat Key is the place for romantic getaways,
with secluded beachside resorts and
restaurants. Lounge on the beach by day, and
by night reserve seats for dinner at the area’s
most romantic restaurant, Euphemia Haye, a
12 The Official Destination Guide of Sarasota County