The Bay Park Sarasota
A 53-acre waterfront oasis in downtown Sarasota, offering stunning bay views, recreation, events, and a vibrant community hub.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Peaceful strolls, fewer crowds
The Bay Park Sarasota
Best Time
Peaceful strolls, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A 53-acre waterfront oasis in downtown Sarasota, offering stunning bay views, recreation, events, and a vibrant community hub.
"This beautiful park offers something for everyone, from peaceful walks to lively events and delicious food."
🌅 Catch the Sunset
The sunsets here are legendary! Grab a spot on the boardwalk or a comfy chair and enjoy the show.
🧘♀️ Free Fitness Classes
Check the schedule for free yoga, Zumba, and other fitness events. A great way to stay active!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Sunset Boardwalk
Southwest end of the park
Experience breathtaking sunsets over Sarasota Bay. A perfect spot for romantic evenings or peaceful reflection.
The Nest Cafe
Central area of the park
Enjoy delicious coffee, breakfast, and lunch with beautiful bay views. A local favorite for its friendly staff and tasty offerings.
Playground & Green Spaces
Northern section of the park
A fun area for kids with modern play structures and ample green space for picnics and games. Toddlers will love the shallow bay area.
Kayak & Paddleboard Launch
Eastern side of the park
Explore the calm waters of Sarasota Bay. Rentals are available for a fun day on the water.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Waterfront Vibe
Parking and Accessibility
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🌅 Catch the Sunset
The sunsets here are legendary! Grab a spot on the boardwalk or a comfy chair and enjoy the show. +1
🧘♀️ Free Fitness Classes
Check the schedule for free yoga, Zumba, and other fitness events. A great way to stay active!
☕️ Delicious Cafe Bites
The Nest Cafe offers great food and coffee. Perfect for breakfast or a casual lunch with a view.
👨👩👧👦 Kid-Friendly Fun
The playground is a hit with little ones, and the shallow bay area is great for toddlers.
Tips
from all over the internet
🌅 Catch the Sunset
The sunsets here are legendary! Grab a spot on the boardwalk or a comfy chair and enjoy the show. +1
🧘♀️ Free Fitness Classes
Check the schedule for free yoga, Zumba, and other fitness events. A great way to stay active!
☕️ Delicious Cafe Bites
The Nest Cafe offers great food and coffee. Perfect for breakfast or a casual lunch with a view.
👨👩👧👦 Kid-Friendly Fun
The playground is a hit with little ones, and the shallow bay area is great for toddlers.
🎶 Event Schedule
Look out for live music, outdoor movies, and community events. Always something happening! +1
🚶♀️ Explore the Paths
Wander the paved walking paths and mangrove walkways for scenic views and a bit of nature.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise The Bay Park Sarasota for its stunning bayfront views, especially during sunset, and its vibrant community atmosphere. The park is lauded for its cleanliness, diverse activities, and family-friendly amenities, with The Nest Cafe receiving special mentions for its excellent food and hospitality. Some minor maintenance closures have been noted, but overall, it's considered a must-visit destination.
"The Bay Park is a neat little park that has beautiful sunset views in the evening. They have some playground-ish equipment for kids.. (a slide and some things for them to crawl on). The playground area has rubber turf. There are a handful of concrete walking paths around and throughout the entire Bay Park area. The Mangrove Walkway and the sunset seating area are both currently shut down for repair and maintenance.. still a great place to visit."
Joe Miller
"We vacationed at the Hyatt, which is across the street from the Bay Park From April 15th to April 22nd. We enjoyed this beautiful park every single day of our trip whether it be for breakfast, lunch, or for even just a few minutes of our day. We would walk the paths, sit on the beach and enjoy the view, watch a movie on movie night, or just sit and relax. The park has kayak rentals, eco tours, zumba, yoga, beautiful walking paths, a get out of the sun, covered area and so much more. We had the pleasure of meeting Diana who is the director of the park and such a very nice person. The parks Nest Café has a beautiful menu. We had breakfast there almost every single day, lunch a couple of times and the food is delicious for adults And children alike. The staff at the nest Café are pleasant, helpful, and always offer a smile. The café is spotless as well as the dining area. Craig*, who manages the Cafe offered us advice from the very first day. He gave us advice on where to go, what to do, great restaurants to eat at etc. He was always genuinely happy to see us. He is now considered a dear friend.
Please go and enjoy the park for all of its glory. Grab a bite at the Nest Cafe and truly enjoy this part of Sarasota’s beauty."
David Valle .Realtor
"Just came back from a week in Sarasota. We were lucky enough to pick a hotel across from The Bay Park in Sarasota. A beautifully designed space that offered something for everyone in my family. Whether enjoying a peaceful walk along the waterfront, taking in the landscaping, or fishing off the dock The Bay is a special place.
But what really makes the experience unforgettable is the warmth and hospitality you’ll find at The Nest. Craig and his amazing team go above and beyond to create a welcoming atmosphere. You can tell they genuinely care about the people who visit. They're friendly, attentive, and always ready with a smile – it’s like visiting old friends every time you stop by, which we did every morning for hours. Lol
Craig’s leadership is evident in the positive energy that radiates from his staff. The Nest isn’t just a café or a stop along the trail – it’s THE park experience. Whether you're grabbing a coffee, great protein bowls or my children’s favorite the waffles you'll leave feeling better than when you arrived.
Hats off to Craig and the entire team at The Nest – and to everyone involved in making The Bay Park such a wonderful community treasure! Can’t wait to visit again."
Y Greco
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Bay Park is located in downtown Sarasota, easily accessible by car, bike, or on foot if you're staying nearby. There is ample free parking available, though it can fill up quickly during popular events.
Yes, The Bay Park offers free parking. However, it's recommended to arrive early, especially on weekends or during scheduled events, as parking lots can become full.
Absolutely! Biking is a great way to access the park, with bike racks available. It's a scenic ride through downtown Sarasota.
Yes, the park features paved walking paths throughout, making it very accessible for strollers, wheelchairs, and those with mobility challenges.
The park is best explored on foot to fully appreciate its various areas. You can also rent kayaks or paddleboards for water exploration.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, The Bay Park is a public park and entry is completely free for everyone. +1
The park is generally open from dawn until dusk, but specific event times may vary. It's best to check their official website or social media for the most up-to-date information.
Many events at The Bay Park, such as fitness classes and movie nights, are free and do not require tickets. However, for special ticketed events, it's advisable to check the park's schedule and book in advance.
Occasionally, sections like the Mangrove Walkway or sunset seating areas may be temporarily closed for maintenance or repairs. It's a good idea to check for any advisories before your visit.
Yes, you are welcome to bring your own food and drinks to enjoy in the park's picnic areas or on the lawns. The Nest Cafe also offers a variety of options.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can enjoy walking paths, kayaking, paddleboarding, playgrounds, live music, outdoor movies, fitness classes (like yoga and Zumba), birdwatching, and simply relaxing by the bay. 
Yes, The Bay Park has a dedicated playground area with modern equipment and a shallow bay area that's perfect for toddlers. +1
The Sunset Boardwalk is the prime location for sunset views, offering unobstructed vistas of the bay. The general waterfront areas also provide beautiful sunset scenery. +1
Yes, kayak and paddleboard rentals are available at the designated launch area, allowing you to explore the bay. +1
The park hosts a variety of events including live music performances, outdoor movie screenings, free fitness classes like Zumba and yoga, and community gatherings.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The Nest Cafe is the primary dining option within the park, offering breakfast, lunch, coffee, and snacks with bay views. You can also bring your own picnic.
The Nest Cafe offers a diverse menu including delicious breakfast items, protein bowls, waffles, coffee, and other refreshments suitable for adults and children.
Yes, The Nest Cafe is very family-friendly, with a welcoming atmosphere and menu options that appeal to both adults and children.
Being in downtown Sarasota, there are numerous restaurants and cafes within walking distance of The Bay Park, offering a wide range of culinary choices.
Absolutely! The park has several picnic tables and open green spaces perfect for enjoying a picnic lunch or snack.
📸 📸 Photography
The park offers stunning photo opportunities, especially during sunset. The bayfront views, modern architecture, lush greenery, and playful seating installations like CUBIX are all great subjects.
The golden hours, both sunrise and sunset, offer the most dramatic and beautiful lighting for photography. Midday can be bright, but offers clear views of the park's features. +1
Look for the CUBIX modular seating installations for unique, artistic shots. The mangrove walkways and piers also offer interesting perspectives.
Drone usage regulations can vary. It's best to check with the City of Sarasota Parks and Recreation department for current rules regarding drone operation in public parks.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive bay views and park landscapes. A telephoto lens can be useful for wildlife spotting. A tripod is recommended for sunset shots.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider visiting during one of the park's many free events, like outdoor movie nights or family-friendly fitness classes, for added entertainment. The open green spaces are also ideal for picnics and casual games, ensuring a fun-filled day for the whole family.
🚶♀️ Active & Fitness Enthusiasts
The paved walking and running paths provide a great route for a morning jog or an evening stroll with beautiful bay views. Rent a kayak or paddleboard to explore the calm waters of Sarasota Bay, offering a unique perspective of the coastline and marine life. The park's layout encourages movement and engagement with the natural environment, making it a perfect spot for a healthy and invigorating outing.
📸 Photographers & Sunset Lovers
Beyond sunsets, the park's modern design, lush landscaping, and unique art installations like CUBIX provide diverse subjects for your lens.
The mangrove walkways offer a more natural, serene setting for capturing Florida's coastal beauty. Don't forget to look for local wildlife, adding an extra element to your shots. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Vision and Development of The Bay Park
Phase 1 of the park has already introduced key features like walking paths, a playground, a kayak launch, and the popular Nest Cafe. Future phases promise even more, including a performing arts center and expanded recreational facilities, solidifying its role as a central gathering place for Sarasota.
+1The park's design emphasizes sustainability and integration with the natural environment, featuring mangrove walkways and native landscaping. It aims to be a dynamic space that hosts a wide array of events, from fitness classes and concerts to community festivals, ensuring there's always something to experience.
Experiencing The Bay Park: Activities and Events
+1Beyond the physical amenities, The Bay Park is renowned for its vibrant event calendar. Free fitness classes like Zumba and yoga are regularly held, providing opportunities for community wellness. The park also hosts live music performances and outdoor movie nights, creating a lively atmosphere under the stars.
+1Whether you're seeking a peaceful spot to watch the sunset, a place for family fun, or an engaging community event, The Bay Park delivers. Its continuous development and diverse programming make it a dynamic and essential destination in Sarasota.
The Nest Cafe: A Culinary Gem
Patrons rave about the quality of the breakfast and lunch offerings, including popular items like protein bowls and waffles, catering to both adult and child palates. The cafe's welcoming atmosphere, coupled with its stunning bay views, makes it an ideal location for a relaxed meal or a morning coffee.
Managed by Craig and his dedicated team, The Nest Cafe consistently receives accolades for its hospitality and positive energy. Many visitors feel like they're visiting old friends, highlighting the genuine care and excellent service provided, which significantly enhances the overall Bay Park visit.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit