Parks in Osprey, Florida

Less than 10 miles south of bustling and tourist-friendly Sarasota, Osprey is a small, unincorporated city. Home to Historic Spanish Point, the Legacy Trail and Oscar Scherer State Park, Osprey is known for its proximity to the Gulf Coast Intercoastal Waterway, its mix of wealthy and working-class citizens, and a healthy dose of beaches -- although they are all private.

  1. State Parks

    • One of the best parks in the state for glimpses of the threatened Florida scrub jay, Oscar Scherer State Park encompasses a large portion of southeast Osprey as well as neighboring Sarasota. The park's 15 hiking trails take you through the majestic Florida scrub pines and along the tranquil Osprey River. A park with more than enough for the whole family, Oscar Scherer has a swimming beach, campsites, canoe and kayak rentals, fishing and snorkeling. Oscar Scherer is open year-round with low entrance fees and affordable campsite rates.

    Beach Parks

    • Because of the high number of Intercoastal properties, there are no public beaches in Osprey. However, North Jetty Park and Nokomis Beach Park on Casey Key are just a 10-minute drive south of Osprey, on Tamiami Trail. While both parks are not in Osprey proper -- North Jetty is in Sarasota and Nokomis Beach Park is in the city of Nokomis -- both parks are open to the public and have swimming and fishing opportunities.

    Public Parks

    • While no public parks are located within Osprey proper, the unincorporated area is home to a Parks and Recreation Department. Contact the department directly for more information on local recreation projects or services in the Osprey area. Nearby public parks include Vamo Park, approximately 2 miles northwest of Osprey in Vamo; Potter Park, 2 miles north of Osprey in Sarasota; and Nokomis Community Park, 6 miles southeast of Osprey in Nokomis.

    Outdoor Alternatives

    • If you have more than a few days in Osprey, consider a visit to Historic Spanish Point, an outdoor museum on Osprey's Little Sarasota Bay. Known for it's "Old Florida" feel, this unique historic marker houses one of the largest butterfly gardens on the Gulf of Mexico, a "jungle walk" trail, boatyard and pioneer homesteader exhibits.

      Whether you choose to bicycle, rollerblade, roller skate or skateboard, Osprey's Legacy Bike Trail is a favorite activity for locals and visitors alike. Running north and south through Osprey, the 10-mile trail was constructed from former CSX railroad tracks, and gets you from Sarasota to Venice and vice versa.