Bayfront Park - Sarasota

​When in Sarasota, my husband and I sometimes like to visit Bayfront Park on Bayfront Drive. The famous statue of the sailor kissing the nurse is there. On the peninsula that creates the cove sheltering the marina is this very nice little park. Walkways meander under large trees and, along the way, many benches encourage people to sit and enjoy the view.

​While the inner curve faces the marina, on the outer edge of the peninsula waves gently lap the shore, and sandpipers search for dinner among the rocks. A statue of four children playing, entitled "Olympic Wannabees" is by the playground. Their childish, happy abandon could almost be felt.

We strolled out to the point where there is a fountain featuring dolphin figurines cavorting in the pool. Here we unpacked our lunch and enjoyed it while we sat and watched the small boats come in. Big yachts at the marina were across from us. After a while, we walked to the other end of the park where we watched a pair of pelicans diving, in unison, for fish. They each caught one almost every time. As the sun moved closer to the horizon, and the breeze got cooler, we headed home after a relaxing afternoon.
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Bayfront Park is located just off Route 41 just north of where it meets 301.

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Written by Lucille Noe