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Favorite Nature Trails and Hiking Near Siesta Key

Posted by Best Western Siesta Key onFebruary 7, 2022 in Dog Parks, Dog-Friendly, Florida Nature Trails, Sarasota, Sarasota Dog Parks, Sarasota Hiking, Sarasota Wildlife, Siesta Key, Things To Do.

Florida is filled with tropical foliage, captivating wildlife, and inspiring nature trails that can introduce you to it all. While spending time in Siesta Key and Sarasota, perhaps a stroll, long walk, or hike is just what you need to break up your days at the beach, soaking up the sun. Many trails in our area provide cool shade to escape the hot sun or a paved pathway that is perfect for pushing strollers, biking, jogging, and more. Not sure which path to take? No problem! Your friends here at Best Western Siesta Key are sharing their favorite walking spots to point you in the right direction. 

Short 1-Mile Strolls 

All around Siesta Key and Sarasota you are sure to find short trails that are perfect for a quick stroll to stretch your legs after lounging by the pool or on the beach. However, as Siesta Key beaches have strict “no pet” rules, a hike through a nature trail is the best option when you have furry friends with you. Celery Fields Loop (1 mile) is located next to Big Cat Habitat and offers a stunning view of Sarasota. Other options that are easy but also give you a glimpse into Sarasota wildlife are Urfer Family Park Loop (under 1 mile), Ted Sperling Nature Trail (1 mile) on South Lido Beach, Arlington Park’s paved half-mile nature loop, and Phillippi Estate Park Walk (under 1 mile). 

Long 2-4- Mile Walks 

Rather than a quick walk to stretch your legs, a 2-4 mile walk will give you a nice break from the beach and a change of natural scenery. Whether you love to walk and hike or are in the middle of training for a 5K, triathlon, or another fitness challenge, these trails might be right up your alley and great for the whole family. Circus Hammock Loop (1.6 miles) is a bird-watching paradise, the Celery Fields Loop South (2 miles) allows you to meander among the wildflowers, and the Ringling Estate Loop (2 miles) makes for a brilliant walking tour of the former mansion of Mable and John Ringling. Longer trails, like Red Bug Slough Trail (2 miles), Rothenbach Hammock Loop Trail (2.7 miles), and Nathan Benderson Park Loop (3.7 miles) provide waterfront scenery, playgrounds, and picnic tables for a serene afternoon. 

Afternoon Hikes Over 5 Miles 

Sarasota is home to two wonderful and quite large state parks, Myakka River State Park and Oscar Sherer State Park, in addition to the breathtaking Robinson’s Preserve. Each of these locations is packed with various trails that prove to be great options for the whole family with varying skills and desired levels of hiking. For advanced hikers that are ready to take on over five miles, choose the Mossy Hammock trail (5.7 miles) or the All-Weather Road Loop (6.2 miles) at Myakka, Oscar Scherer Yellow Trail (5.5 miles), Robinson’s Preserve Full Trail System (7.5 miles), or Spoonbill Trail and Osprey Loop (5.7 miles). 

After selecting the most appealing nature trail near Sarasota, swap your sandals and flip-flops for sneakers and hiking boots. Soak in all the sights and enjoy Mothe Nature’s tropical natural wildlife. We’ll be waiting for you to return to Best Western Siesta Key, where we recommend letting your tired muscles float and recover in our refreshing pool.