Celery Fields
Sarasota's unique natural preserve featuring rare rolling hills, abundant birdlife, and scenic trails for walking and photography.
Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Cooler temps, active wildlife
Celery Fields
Best Time
Cooler temps, active wildlife
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Sarasota's unique natural preserve featuring rare rolling hills, abundant birdlife, and scenic trails for walking and photography.
"A naturally beautiful place with open views, peaceful atmosphere, and stunning scenery perfect for enjoying nature."
🚶♀️ Perfect for Power Walks
Ideal for brisk walks and nature strolls, with scenic trails offering a refreshing escape. :athletic_shoe:
📸 Photographers' Paradise
Capture stunning landscapes, wildlife, and sunsets. Many photographers find it a cherished spot. :camerawithflash:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Famous Hill
Central area
Sarasota's rare elevated spot offering panoramic views and stunning sunset vistas. Perfect for photos and a peaceful moment.

Abundant Birdlife
Marshlands and ponds
A prime location for birdwatching, home to pelicans, eagles, ospreys, and diverse waterfowl species.

Scenic Walking Trails
Throughout the preserve
Explore miles of trails winding through diverse habitats, ideal for power walks and nature photography.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Hills and Wildlife
Best Times for Serenity and Sightings
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶♀️ Perfect for Power Walks
Ideal for brisk walks and nature strolls, with scenic trails offering a refreshing escape. :athletic_shoe:
📸 Photographers' Paradise
Capture stunning landscapes, wildlife, and sunsets. Many photographers find it a cherished spot. :camerawithflash:
🦅 Birdwatching Hotspot
One of the best free spots for birding in Sarasota, with a huge variety of species. :bird:
🐶 Dog-Friendly Fun
Leashed dogs are welcome, making it a great place for a walk with your furry friend. :dog:
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Perfect for Power Walks
Ideal for brisk walks and nature strolls, with scenic trails offering a refreshing escape. :athletic_shoe:
📸 Photographers' Paradise
Capture stunning landscapes, wildlife, and sunsets. Many photographers find it a cherished spot. :camerawithflash:
🦅 Birdwatching Hotspot
One of the best free spots for birding in Sarasota, with a huge variety of species. :bird:
🐶 Dog-Friendly Fun
Leashed dogs are welcome, making it a great place for a walk with your furry friend. :dog:
🌅 Sunset Views
The hill provides a fantastic vantage point for breathtaking sunset views. :city_sunset:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Celery Fields for its natural beauty, peaceful atmosphere, and abundant wildlife, especially birds. The unique hills offer stunning views and sunset opportunities, making it a favorite for photographers and nature lovers. While generally praised, some may find the terrain challenging if not prepared for hills.
"The Celery Fields were absolutely amazing! I went to take some pictures, and the place is naturally beautiful with its open views, peaceful atmosphere, and stunning scenery. It’s the perfect spot to enjoy nature and clear your mind."
Isamar Galay
"Best place to nature walk, the bunnies are out around 7pm! My favorite sunset view from the hill. Back years ago this was a celery farm and the dirt that the celery was grown in was moved and made into the hill. There is still wild celery there. Beautiful place and if your into bird watching, this location has the biggest variety of species in the area due to their nesting routines. The famous White Pelicans also frequent here and during bouts of red tide on the coast, their cousins the Brown Pelicans will join them inland. I saw a coral snake there the other day and Bald Eagles and Ospreys are also regular visitors. Enjoy!"
Lydia Wood
"Great place to hike, Serene picturesque lots of steep hills. Dog friendly on leashes."
Nadi P
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Celery Fields is easily accessible, located off the Fruitville Road exit (exit 210) from I-75, about 10 minutes from the highway.
It's a well-known spot in Sarasota, often mentioned for its natural beauty and accessibility for outdoor activities.Yes, there are parking areas available, making it convenient for visitors arriving by car. The accessibility is a key reason many choose to visit for walks and photography.
Information on public transportation routes directly to Celery Fields is limited in online discussions. Driving is the most common method of access mentioned by visitors.
The most frequently mentioned access point is via Fruitville Road, especially from I-75.
This makes it a convenient destination for those coming from different parts of Sarasota or passing through.Yes, it's a well-known natural preserve in Sarasota, often highlighted in local guides and social media for its unique landscape and wildlife opportunities.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Celery Fields is a free public park and natural preserve. Entry is completely free, making it an accessible destination for everyone looking to enjoy nature.
While specific hours aren't always listed, it's generally treated as a public park, implying it's accessible during daylight hours. Social media posts often show visits in the early morning and late evening.
There is no admission fee. Celery Fields is a free-to-enter natural area for the public to enjoy its trails and wildlife.
Information about official guided tours is not widely available. However, the park is popular for self-guided walks and photography, with local photographers often being friendly and informative.
The main restriction is that dogs must be kept on a leash.
Otherwise, it's an open natural preserve for public enjoyment.🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
You can enjoy nature walks, birdwatching, photography, and simply relax in a peaceful environment. The unique hills offer a different perspective on Florida's landscape.
Yes, it's a great place for hiking with lots of steep hills and scenic trails. It's a popular spot for power walking and enjoying the outdoors.
Expect to see a wide variety of birds, including pelicans, eagles, and ospreys. You might also spot bunnies, especially around 7 PM.
Yes, there are clean restrooms available for visitors, adding to the convenience of spending time at the park.
Absolutely! It's a favorite spot for photographers due to its natural beauty, open views, and opportunities for wildlife shots. Maternity and engagement photoshoots are common.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are no dining facilities or restaurants located directly within Celery Fields. It's a natural preserve focused on outdoor activities.
Visitors are welcome to bring their own food for a picnic. There are no designated picnic areas, but you can find spots to enjoy your meal amidst nature.
Since Celery Fields is located in Sarasota, there are numerous restaurants and cafes nearby, especially along Fruitville Road and in downtown Sarasota, offering a wide range of cuisines.
Information regarding alcohol consumption in public parks like Celery Fields can vary. It's advisable to check local Sarasota County park regulations or err on the side of caution.
There's no consistent information about food trucks regularly operating at Celery Fields. It's best to plan for bringing your own food or dining at nearby establishments.
📸 📸 Photography
The top of the hill offers panoramic views, especially for sunsets.
The marshlands and ponds are excellent for capturing diverse birdlife, and the trails provide scenic backdrops for portraits.Nature photography, birdwatching shots, landscape photography, and portrait sessions (like maternity and engagement photos) are very popular here.
Early mornings and late afternoons, particularly during the 'golden hour' before sunset, offer the best lighting conditions for photography.
Generally, casual photography is welcomed. For commercial or large-scale photoshoots, it's always a good idea to check with Sarasota County Parks and Recreation for any specific guidelines or permits.
A versatile lens for landscapes and wildlife (e.g., a telephoto zoom) is recommended. A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive views from the hill.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Remember to bring sunscreen, hats, and plenty of water, as Florida sun can be intense. The presence of clean restrooms adds to the convenience for families. It's a wonderful spot for a picnic lunch or an afternoon of nature observation, offering a healthy and engaging way to spend time together outdoors.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Aim for the golden hours around sunrise and sunset for the most dramatic lighting. The trails offer diverse scenes, from open marshlands to tree-lined paths. Many local photographers are friendly and may even share tips on the best spots or times for sightings.
🚶♀️ Fitness Walkers & Power Walkers
Early mornings are perfect for a cooler, less crowded experience. The scenic surroundings make the exercise more enjoyable, turning a routine walk into a nature immersion. Remember to wear comfortable athletic shoes suitable for varied surfaces.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Unique Topography of Celery Fields
This elevated vantage point is particularly popular for sunset viewing, offering a serene and picturesque end to the day. It's also a prime spot for photographers looking to capture sweeping landscapes and the unique character of the Sarasota area. The contrast between the flat terrain and the gentle slopes of the hill adds to its visual appeal.
Beyond the main hill, the preserve features a network of trails that wind through various wetland habitats. These trails offer opportunities for exploration and discovery, allowing visitors to experience the diverse ecosystems that have flourished since the land transitioned from agriculture to a natural preserve.
A Haven for Wildlife and Birdwatching
Visitors frequently report sightings of iconic Florida birds such as White Pelicans, Brown Pelicans, Bald Eagles, and Ospreys. The area is also a haven for wading birds like herons and egrets, as well as numerous other waterfowl. The presence of wild celery, a food source for many birds, contributes to its ecological significance.
Beyond birds, the preserve is also home to other wildlife, including rabbits that are often seen around dusk. The natural setting provides a vital sanctuary, and its preservation is a point of pride for the local community, with efforts made to protect this important ecosystem.
Community and Conservation at Celery Fields
Many visitors, including photographers and nature enthusiasts, share their positive experiences and memories associated with Celery Fields. The friendly atmosphere among local photographers is often noted, creating a welcoming environment for all visitors. This shared appreciation contributes to the preserve's reputation as a peaceful retreat.
The ongoing appreciation for Celery Fields is evident in its consistent mention as a favorite spot for walks, photography, and enjoying nature. Its transformation from an agricultural site to a thriving natural preserve is a testament to successful conservation efforts and the community's dedication to preserving green spaces.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit