Sarasota Audubon Nature Center — Local services in Sarasota

A great place to view the local birds. The center has lots of information to help you get started. There are books to consult, and posters and flyers. The purple martin houses near the center are active from February to April (maybe more, but I don't have firsthand knowledge). The mound behind the center offers amazing views of the surrounding area. Bird boxes along the trail attract eastern bluebirds, which are gorgeous. Across Palmer, there is a marshy area that attracts lots of waterfowl. Two boardwalks make it easy to get nearer to the birds. There are often avid birders who are great about pointing out especially interesting birds or behaviors. The center posts naturalists on the boardwalk at certain times.

There are clean restrooms across the parking lot from the main building. Dogs are permitted if leashed and...

This place is amazing! Although Sarasota is famously flat, this spot offers an excellent alternative to mountain views, providing stunning sunset vistas that rival those of the beach. It’s a fantastic place for walking, biking, or jogging, with beautiful nature all around. You might even catch glimpses or sounds of animals from the nearby big cat sanctuary. Every visit is enjoyable, and the numerous hiking trails in the area are always bustling with motivated exercisers. Highly recommended for nature enthusiasts and...

Super Rude (employee?) encountered. My husband and I sat down to have a sandwich under their gazebo and watch the birds. There were no signs posted or anything about not being able to sit at the table inside of the gazebo. This employee came up straight away telling us we had to leave. We are both well into our 30's and he spoke to us as if we were punk kids tearing up the place. I reccomend you enjoy everything but the...