Something fun to do waiting for you around every corner. If you’re a nature lover, then you may want to take the time to find Siesta Key outdoor activities. You can witness the area’s beauty by strolling down the street, relaxing on the beach’s shores, or biking throughout. The island to see what adventures await. 

But one of the best outdoor attractions is a short drive away on the mainland! While staying in one of our Siesta Key rentals, plan a day trip to Oscar Scherer State Park.

This destination offers something for the entire family and is ideal for spending a day in nature. We’ve got your ultimate guide to visiting the park and making the most of your time outdoors.

How to Get There and Things to Know

To reach Oscar Scherer State Park from our Siesta Key vacation rentals, you can expect a quick 20-minute drive. You’ll begin by traveling southeast on State Highway 758/Midnight Pass Road toward County Road 789 Alt. After 1.3 miles, use the left two lanes to turn left onto FL-72 E. Drive for another mile before turning right onto US-41 S. After 0.4 miles, continue straight onto US-41 S/S Tamiami Trail. Drive another 6.7 miles before turning left into Oscar Scherer State Park!

Once you arrive, there are a few key things to keep in mind. You can visit the park any day of the year from 8 a.m. to sundown. To park, you’ll pay $5 per vehicle. If you come in one hour before sunset, that fee drops to $4 per vehicle. You can find parking near each picnic area throughout the park.  

Those traveling with their pet will be happy to learn that Oscar Scherer State Park allows pets in the visitor recreation areas. You will have to keep your pet on a leash. 

What to Do at Oscar Scherer State Park

When you arrive at Oscar Scherer State Park in Sarasota, there’s plenty to enjoy. This destination is known for having some of the most exciting outdoor things to do near Siesta Key! First, many people come here to enjoy the cycling opportunities. The park offers ten miles of trail, and the famous Legacy Trail runs right through. You can also enjoy the trails by simply walking or hiking. If you’re a fan of birds, bring your binoculars to see the Florida Scrub-Jays in their natural habitats!

If you want to be near the water at the park, go fishing! There are plenty of catfish in Lake Osprey, bream, largemouth bass, bluegill, and more. You can also visit South Creek within the park to find saltwater species. You may need a fishing license, which can be easily purchased at several nearby establishments. You can also enjoy the water by canoeing, kayaking, or swimming. There’s even the chance to go snorkeling in the waters of Lake Osprey! 

Oscar Scherer State Park, in addition to its endless activities, also offers plenty of events throughout the year. You can learn more about these events by visiting the park’s website. This summer, guests can enjoy an Art Fellows Hip Class, Father’s Day Ring Event, and more! You can also bring your kids to get involved in the Junior Ranger Program, giving them a personalized experience of learning about the nature and culture of Florida. 

Amenities

Oscar Scherer State Park staff works hard to ensure you have a great time whenever you visit. That’s why they’ve equipped the park with excellent amenities for you and your group to access.

First, a wide range of accessible amenities is available for wheelchair users or anyone else who may need them. These features include an accessible fishing dock, beach wheelchairs, tour listening devices, easily accessible picnic pavilions, benches, and more. Attractions like the Nature Center and the Lake Osprey Trail are accessible as well. 

If you’re planning to get in the water, you’ll be happy to know that there are two launch areas for kayaks. One is near the ranger station and is relatively easy to get to, but it can be challenging to launch during low tides. There is an additional kayak launch at the South Creek Picnic Area. This launch is ADA compliant and is where personal canoes and kayaks must be launched. 

When you get hungry, head to one of the convenient picnic pavilions. The Lake Osprey pavilion offers a bathhouse and nature center with exhibits about the park’s unique animal and plant life. The South Creek picnic area provides a restroom, pavilion, and canoe launch. You’ll find picnic tables, a playground, and charcoal grills at each pavilion. 

After you’ve taken a dip in the water or worked up a sweat on the trail, you may want to take advantage of the shower station at the Lake Osprey picnic area. Five restrooms and hot showers are available for use for a small fee, which can be paid at the visitor center. 

Your Siesta Key Luxury Rental

Oscar Scherer State Park will offer your family a truly unforgettable experience. Once you’re done exploring this destination and other outdoor activities in Siesta Key, Florida, you will want to return to your rental. You can relax and unwind, get a well-deserved shower, and rest up for another day of fun ahead of you.

When planning your vacation, selecting a rental should be the last thing you have to worry about. That’s where we come in. Siesta Key Luxury Rental Properties offers an abundance of rentals for you and your group to choose from, so you’re guaranteed to find a home you love. You’ll have plenty of space for even the largest of groups, as well as luxurious amenities like ample backyard space, high-speed internet throughout the home, gorgeous views of the area, fully stocked kitchens with upscale appliances, and so much more.

In addition to the unparalleled rentals in our vacation homes, you’ll also enjoy being so close to many area attractions. Most of our homes are within walking distance of the beach and Siesta Key Village, so you can enjoy the area’s sunshine, shopping, and dining any time you please. Finally, you’ll rest assured knowing that our team is easy to reach whenever you have a question. We aim to provide the best vacation possible for every group, which is why we welcome repeat guests yearly to enjoy the shores of Siesta Key.