There are plenty of wildlife sanctuaries near the Sarasota beach condos and other residences in Florida. With numerous animal, bird and plant reserves in the county, your vacation will be an educational one.
Sarasota Preserves
Near your Sarasota condo may be a protected habitat that is home to many of Florida's wildlife population. Alligators, birds and snakes are common animals that inhabit the environment. Here are some of the best Sarasota County natural preserves.
In Little Sarasota Bay resides the Bay Preserve. Equipped with a nature trail, launch for canoes and kayaks, wildlife observation platform, bocce ball court, historical buildings and performance pavilion. They also have a Center for the Environment, which is the main historical structure at the reserve. Admission is free.
Carlton Preserve is a wildlife sanctuary that provides nature lovers a chance to see white-tailed deer, wild turkeys, bobcats, swallow-tailed kites, wading birds and a variety of wildflowers. You may also hike up the various trails provided at the reserve. Admission is free.
The Crowley Museum and Nature Center provides amenities that include nature trails, a boardwalk, observation tower and historic pioneer buildings and museum. Catch a glimpse of bald eagles and migrating birds at the observation tower. Admission for adults is $7.00, youths 5 to 12 is $3.00, and under 5 is free. This nature center is worth a trip away from your Sarasota condo.
Myakka River State Park charges $6.00 per vehicle for admission for its nature park. The boardwalk that stretches over the Myakka Lake provides an exceptional view of the native wildlife. Wildlife seen at this park includes:
- Alligators
- Ducks
- Wading birds
If you do not mind traveling to Venice in Sarasota County, the Deer Prairie Creek Preserve offers the chance to see native Florida wildlife for free. There is more than 6,000 acres of protected land here. Natural habitats surrounding the preserve are pine flatwoods, prairie hammock and seasonal wetlands. See if you can spy any of these animals while walking the trails:
- Alligators
- Florida scrub jays
- Gopher tortoises
- River otter
- Swallow-tailed kite
- Wading birds
- Wild turkeys
Visiting Old Miakka Preserve offers a great experience discovering wildlife that includes gopher tortoises and swallowtail butterflies. They have hiking trails for those who like to walk through the rugged landscape. Admission is free.
If you choose your beach condo near south Sarasota County instead of the city of Sarasota, you will have better access to the county's crown and jewels. With more than 15 miles of trails, Oscar Scherer State Park offers the chance to see Florida scrub jays. This is the only threatened species found in Florida. Admission ranges from $2.00 to $5.00 for entry.
To enjoy Sarasota's great cities and wildlife, check out vamoose.com. You will find Sarasota beach condos, apartments, beach homes and houses in the area to suit your adventurous needs. There are listings with pictures, including the number of bedrooms and bathrooms. The listings also include affordable prices to suit your budget needs. Log on today to see if Sarasota, Florida, is right for your next vacation.