Sarasota is a year-round destination for beaches, warm Gulf of Mexico waters, and all manners of boating, birding, and fishing. Its easily accessible sands offer swimming, snorkeling, and unforgettable sunsets, making it a great choice for anyone needing some serious R&R, whether you’re tent camping or heading to an RV park. But there’s more to Sarasota than its coastline—the inland parks and preserves also reward adventurers with hikes through pine forests and kayak routes through waterways shared with alligators and the Florida panther, not to mention all the mountain biking and horseback riding options, too. And it’s close to Bradenton and Tampa if you wish to extend your adventures further north.