12 Best Things to Do in North Port, FL: 2023 Guide

Continue reading to learn about the top twelve things to do in North Port, Florida, and take in the sights and sounds of this magnificent city.

North Port, which is situated along the Gulf of Mexico in the middle of Florida’s west coast, had just under 60,000 people living there as of the time of the most recent census. There is no shortage of breathtaking beaches in the region for those who prefer to relax by the ocean and soak up that famous Florida sun, and the city is close enough to many of the state’s most popular natural and cultural areas to make day trips a practical option.

The twelve activities in and around North Port, Florida are listed below.

Myakka River State Park

Myakka River State Park is one of the biggest and oldest parks in the area, situated in Sarasota and Manatee Counties just east of Interstate 75. The park is known for its 100+ foot deep sinkhole, aptly named “Deep Hole,” as well as a variety of natural habitats like wetlands, marshes, and cypress swamps.”

The park, which has rustic campsites and a number of trails open to hikers, bicyclists, and horseback riders, is a favorite destination for novice bird watchers who come to get a glimpse of some of the rare and solitary birds that live nearby.

Atwater Community Park

In many parts of the Sunshine State, particularly in the summer, the combination of heat and humidity can be downright uncomfortable. Splash parks are ideal places to cool off for people traveling with kids.

Atwater Community Park in North Port is one such location with all the water-related activities you’d anticipate; it has been known to keep kids entertained for hours.

For parents who’d rather watch from a safe distance without getting wet, there are seating areas nearby, though some guests have claimed there wasn’t enough shade, so consider taking a pair of sunglasses, a wide-brimmed hat, and some sunblock.

North Port Performing Arts Center

Community performing arts centers are great places to get out of the harsh elements, support the local economy, and expose yourself to performing arts you might not have access to otherwise.

The North Port Performing Arts Association offers close to 20 annual events, with a wide range of concerts from band and symphony to choral; tickets can be purchased singly or for the entire season.

The auditorium has nearly 1,000 seats, cutting-edge lighting, and a sound system that is completely handicap accessible, and has been operational for almost 20 years. For information on tickets and their schedule of events, visit their website.

West Coast Auction Company

Checking out an estate auction at West Coast Auction Company would be a great way for intrepid travelers to both explore new horizons and have a unique experience.

As one of the largest and most successful auction houses in the area, West Coast specializes in business and estate liquidations and holds regularly scheduled auctions that are open to dealers, collectors, and the public.

Art, jewelry, home goods, electronics, and sporting goods are all possible estate auction items. Like shopping at flea markets and antique stores, there might be a rare treasure or two; that’s half the fun.

Warm Mineral Springs

Located on San Servando Avenue in North Port, Warm Mineral Springs may not be the Fountain of Youth sought by Spanish explorers in centuries past, but according to many who’ve submerged themselves in its therapeutic waters, it’s darn close.

The springs not only offer a soothing environment and stress-relieving waters, but they also have a fascinating geological past that many visitors find fascinating.

A few previous guests have claimed that it’s all hype, and that you’re better off taking a dunk in a hotel hot tub, but they’re in the minority. Although it’s not the most affordable attraction in town, it’s a local landmark that’s worth a visit, and admission tickets are valid all day.

The John & Mable Ringling Museum of Art

The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, which is situated in Sarasota, Florida, is the state museum of Florida. As a gift to the people of Florida, it was established in 1927 as Mable Burton Ringling and John Ringling’s legacy. Florida State University assumed governance of the museum in 2000.

This is the place you might want to visit if you’re up for checking out one of North Point’s most incredibly cool attractions. With hundreds of pieces of art from the medieval, Renaissance, and ancient Greek and Roman periods, it is a well-known local attraction.

Heron Creek Golf Course

The Heron Creek Golf Course was opened in 2005 and is the finest facility in North Point and the South Sarasota County area. Get your swing on at this golf course that’s popular among locals and tourists for its top-notch training facility and premier landscape.

It provides difficult and entertaining plays for golfers of all skill levels. You can go to a grill restaurant if you get hungry after playing golf while taking in the breathtaking scenery.

Deer Prairie Creek Horseback Riding

With 10 horses, Deer Prairie Creek Horseback Riding initially operated as a guide for unofficial trail rides in 2006. At Palma Sola Bay in Bradenton, Florida, the business first started providing beach rides in 2008. It is owned by Great World Adventures, LLC.

Riding a horse along the beach will be like something out of a movie. As you ride the horse, take in the waves and the breathtaking scenery. Your list of attractions to visit this weekend will undoubtedly include it.

Wade through the beach waters on your horses or gallop on the sand like a hero from a Greek movie. This is a fantastic activity for family and friends, whether you choose to go horseback riding or swimming in the ocean.

Legacy Trail

The 10-mile-long Legacy Trail runs alongside the CSX railroad. It starts in Palmer Ranch and ends in Venice. This is a great trail for exploration. It’s nice to spend some time in nature after you’ve finished exploring the downtown attractions.

But on hot days, bring plenty of sunblocks or heat protection since there isn’t much shade. On this peaceful trail, you can stroll, jog, skate, ride a bike, or all of the above.

Marie Selby Botanical Gardens

Once the private gardens of an amateur gardener, the Marie Selby Botanical Gardens have been open to the public for nearly a half-century, and feature thousands of varieties of plants, trees, and flowers spread throughout many distinct gardens and greenhouses.

The gardens are renowned for their tranquil setting and breathtaking views of the nearby Sarasota Bay. The butterfly and rainforest gardens are particular favorites for families traveling with young children, and many visitors come just to admire the magnificent collection of exotic plants, including orchids and banyan trees.

The gardens are open daily and include a café and tea room. Children’s tickets are significantly less expensive than those for adults.

Sarasota National Cemetery

Numerous veterans from the state are laid to rest at the nearly 300-acre Sarasota National Cemetery, which is open every day from sunrise to sunset. It has been a public place for more than 15 years and is one of the most meaningful places in the region.

The cemetery is free to visit and often holds military funeral services which are quite dramatic spectacles to behold, especially for those who’ve never seen one. Most Tuesdays at 10:00 AM, free guided tours of the cemetery are offered. The cemetery has a theater where a variety of works by veterans and those with military themes are on display.

Wicked Dolphin Distillery

Although it has only been operating for a short while, Cape Coral’s Wicked Dolphin Distillery has made a name for itself by making some of the most delectable and sought-after small-batch rums in the Gulf region.

Their products, which are made from sugarcane grown in Florida, have a devoted following and have also received numerous honors. You must call or make your reservation online in advance if you want to take a guided tour to learn more about the distilling process.

For those who left the kids with a babysitter or locked them in the hotel closet, distillery tours and tastings are the ideal adult-only activities.