POINTS OF
INTEREST
Crosley Museum
1 Seagate Drive N. Tamiami Trail, Bradenton.
This was the home of Powel Crosley, the entrepreneur
(especially known for soap operas). This 1929
historic home has towering walls of cast stone, hand
carved wooden doors, a stone portico, and fireplaces
that feature the graceful style and architecture of
a bygone era.
941-722-3244
www.powelcrosleymuseum.com
Gulfcoast Wonder &
Imagination Zone (G.Wiz)
8251 15th St. E., Sarasota. G.Wiz is a hands-on
natural and physical science exhibit center that is
great for kids. The Florida Yard Demonstration
Landscape and Butterfly Garden offers a showplace of
native Florida plants and a turtle and fish pond.
941-309-4949
www.gwiz.org
Indian Beach Park
Located at the south end of Bayshore Road, Sarasota.
A 1-acre coastal park that is a landing site only.
No motor vehicle parking available.
941-861-5000.
John and Mable Ringling Museum
of Art & Ca d´Zan Mansion
5401 Bayshore Road, Sarasota.
The Ca d’Zan was the home of John and Mable
Ringling, the “crown jewel” of the Ringling complex
with stained glass windows, whimsical carvings,
marble terraces, gardens, and historical
furnishings. The museum has a large collection of
internationally recognized works of art by Italian
and Northern European Renaissance artists, in
addition to French, Dutch, Flemish, and Spanish
works from the past five centuries.
941-351-1660
www.ringling.org
Whitaker-Gateway
Park
1446 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota.
Fishing pier, pavilion, playground and restrooms.
941-861-5000.
Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall
777 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota.
This landmark building was designed by the Frank
Lloyd Wright Foundation. It features world-class
music, dance and theater.
941-953-3366
www.vanwezel.org |
MAP
 Sarasota
Bay Trail
ROUTE
This trail is located in the northwestern portion of Sarasota
County and extends from the Sarasota/Manatee County line to
downtown Sarasota.
NAVIGATIONAL NOTES
A majority of the Sarasota Bay Trail is on open water. The
technical difficulty of the Sarasota Bay Trail varies depending
on the weather, particularly on the open bay. If paddling on the
bay, a slight breeze (even 2-3 mph) can make paddling very
difficult. This portion of the trail should be avoided by
first-time paddlers and those with little experience with waves.
SHORT TRIPS
Whitaker Bayou
The paddle north from Centennial Park Boat Ramp is approximately
1/2 mile following the shoreline into Whitaker Bayou. This bayou
provides a mile or so of gentle paddling. You will pass the
Ringling College of Art and Design and homes, and eventually the
trail narrows into drainage canals. These canals are narrow and
have high banks which limit the paddlers’ view. A portion of the
winding trail on the actual bayou provides a great view of
native vegetation.
Island Park to Causeway Park
This urban paddling trail is a 2-mile loop. Restaurants and
public restrooms are available.
South Lido Park to Bird Key Park or City Island
This trail is approximately a 4- to 6-mile loop depending on the
route you take.
LAUNCH POINTS
Overlook Park
101 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key. Take the Ringling Causeway
onto Lido Key. Go north on John Ringling Pkwy. onto Longboat
Key. Immediately after crossing the New Pass Bridge take the
first left. The launch is a sandy patch located on the gulf
side. Limited parking.
Island Park/Bayfront Park
Bayfront Drive is a section of U.S. 41, located in downtown Sarasota
on the bay front. There is a small beach to launch from located
at the south end of the park. Parking is limited to three hours
Mon.-Fri.
Centennial Park
1059 N. Tamiami Trail at 10th St., Sarasota. There is a small
section of sandy beach to the north of the boat basin, on
Sarasota Bay, that provides a great launch point to avoid the
motorized traffic in the boat basin and channel. Ample parking.
Ken Thompson Park
1700 Ken Thompson Parkway., Lido Key. From U.S. 41 take the John
Ringling Causeway west. Go north on John Ringling Parkway, onto
Longboat Key. At the stoplight before the New Pass Bridge turn
right on Ken Thompson Pkwy. The boat ramp is located on the
right beyond Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium. |
