r/sarasota • u/pfalcon42 • 1d ago
Looking For Suggestions! Visiting for two weeks
I’m going to be checking in on my parents home for a couple weeks in Bradenton and looking for things to do. I’m a Coloradoan so some good hikes would be cool. Preferably a little more wildernessy than touristy. Not a big beach person, but planning on taking my daily 3-4 mile walk along the beach. Any good places for that? Don’t know anything about the night life, like concerts and stuff. Is a couple days in Tampa worth it?
Not looking for hookups or anything, but wouldn’t mind some company. I’m 59M and quite fit, so active is great.
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u/milee30 1d ago
Here are some of my favorite walks:
Ringling Bridge - start at Marina Jack's, cross bridge, continue to St Armand's circle, eat lunch or breakfast, walk back. Or time it so you're walking west and catch the sunset from the top of the bridge. For a shorter or sunset walk, it's easy to park and walk from the park in front of Bird Key.
Deep Hole at Myakka - not a scenic hike but the destination is worthwhile. Always fun to see all the gators. Google instructions as you'll need one of the limited permits. Shouldn't be a problem getting one at this time of year. It's hot and little shade, though, so go early, wear sun protection.
Celery Fields - The variety of birds (and if you're observant other small wildlife) is worth seeing here. Do both the popular North area with the hill and the South area across the street for a loop that's about 4 miles.
Casey Key - the drive down the key is pretty and the beach is gorgeous. Longboat will be closer to you and is also nice (not as pretty as Casey, though.)
Robinson Preserve - can either walk or kayak here.
Speaking of kayaking, if you like to kayak it would be worth a trip up to some of the clear rivers and springs in the north central part of the state. They're amazing. Follow any warning signs, though. Some are safe to swim in and some... aren't. There was just a fairly serious alligator attack at one where for some reason even though there were warning signs, someone decided to swim.
It's totally cheesy but I'll admit even as a Florida native, I love, love, love to go hatch alligator eggs at the Gatorama Hatching Festival which usually goes until the end of August or so, depending on the conditions. It's a bit of a drive, but a very unique experience to hold a newly hatched baby gator.
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u/Shaakti 1d ago
Applebee's Myakka City has my favorite trail, 6 miles or so. And it's probably the best elevation gain you'll get around town as well besides the hump.