Plan Your Visit

The Bay is open daily from 5:00am – 11:00pm.

• The Bay address is 1055 Blvd of the Arts, Sarasota, FL 34236. (Printable Park Map)
• The park is located in downtown Sarasota along North Tamiami Trail (US 41) between 10th Street and Blvd of the Arts (6th Street).
• The Bay can be accessed via the 10th Street Roundabout (at the intersection of 10th Street and N. Tamiami Trail) and via Blvd of the Arts (6th Street).

Take pressure off the environment by visiting The Bay in other ways:

• Walk to the park.
• Ride your bike.
  The City of Sarasota Multi-use Recreational Trail (MURT) is located on N. Tamiami Trail to the north and south of the park.
• SCAT to The Bay.
  Nearby bus stops include: #2671 (on Blvd of the Arts), and #2672 and #1284 (on N. Tamiami Trail, just north of the park).
• Ride Share (e.g., Uber, Lyft).
• Arrive on a Veo scooter or bike.
  Veo corrals are available along Blvd of the Arts and in front of the Blue Pagoda Welcome Center (655 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota FL 34236).

• Free public parking is located along Blvd of the Arts, Van Wezel Way, in front of the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall and the Blue Pagoda Welcome Center (655 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL 34236) on a first-come, first-served basis. Please avoid parking in designated Sarasota Orchestra parking areas.
• Drop-off and 30-minute parking is located in the parking lot next to the park (1055 Blvd of the Arts, Sarasota, FL 34236).
• Parking is also available along the street in the nearby Rosemary District (just east of N. Tamiami Trail).
• Handicapped Parking is available in the parking lot located at 1055 Blvd of the Arts (next to the park), on the north side of Blvd of the Arts, in front of the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall and the Blue Pagoda Welcome Center (655 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL 34236).

• The Bay is designed to be “One Park for All” and is built to full ADA compliance. The Bay is committed to providing an open and accessible, free and welcoming experience for all park guests.
• Handicapped Parking is available in the parking lot located at 1055 Blvd of the Arts (next to the park), on the north side of Blvd of the Arts, near the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall and by The Bay Welcome Center at the Blue Pagoda (655 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL 34236).
• All park entrances, lawns, playgrounds, walkways and bridges are accessible. All restrooms are accessible for guests using wheelchairs – including those requiring companions.
• Accessible water fountains are located next to The Nest Café.
• For guests with special dietary needs, The Nest Café offers allergy-friendly options.

• The Nest Café (operated by Venice Pier Group) serves made-to-order options, as well as a variety of beverages including: gourmet Kahwa Coffee, bottled water, Coca-Cola products, cocktails, wine and beer. See The Nest Café menu here.
• Stunning public restrooms featuring piped-in music, a changing station and automatic toilets and fixtures are located next to The Nest Café.
• Help keep The Bay green and fill your reusable water bottle at the Hydration Station next to The Nest Café and at stations throughout the park.
• Picnic tables are located under a shade structure near the Ibis Playground and are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
• See other Park Features.

• Wear comfortable clothing and shoes.
• Protect yourself from the sun – wear SPF/ UV protection, sunglasses and a hat.
• Some events attract large crowds. Arrive early, be kind, and please be patient.
• For outdoor performances and movies, bring a chair or blanket to ensure a comfortable seat.
• Food and drinks, as well as The Bay merchandise (e.g., t-shirts, ball caps, reusable beverage tumblers) are available for purchase at The Nest Café.
• Bring reusable water bottles to help keep The Bay green. Water stations are available near The Nest Café and throughout the park.

Yes! Coolers are welcome at The Bay.

If you’ve lost or found an item, please visit The Nest Café in the park (1055 Blvd of the Arts, Sarasota, 34236). Click here to view the park map.

There’s so much to enjoy at The Bay!

• Take a walk to be with nature or watch a movie under the stars. Enjoy a free concert in the park or kayak into Sarasota Bay. Get your heart pumping at a fitness class or get your feet moving at a dance party.
• There’s something for everyone of every age to enjoy at The Bay. Check out the current Calendar of Events.

Yes! The Bay offers an ADA-Accessible paddle launch with direct bayou and bay access for kayakers and paddle boarders – complete with a spray station and drying rack to rinse off your vessel after an enjoyable time out on Sarasota Bay.

Park guests may bring their own kayak or paddle board or rent on-site Saturdays & Sundays from 8am to 3:30pm. For more information about Kayak Rentals, visit www.rideandpaddlethebay.com

• All pets must be non-aggressive and on a leash at all times.
• Owners are expected to pick up after their pets. Doggie waste stations are located throughout the park.
• Pet-level water fountains are located throughout the park.

Yes! However, please be respectful and mindful of the safety of nearby park guests.

• Your safety and the safety of others is important.
• Keep pets leashed and by your side at all times.
• Be kind, say hello, and ride slowly as you bike throughout the park. Please walk your bike over the Bayou Bridge.
• Enjoy the playground, but please do not climb on top of the birds (Sara and Zota).
• Be considerate of others. Do not engage in activities (e.g., skateboarding) that create an unreasonable risk of harm or danger to other park guests; that are inconsistent with the intended use of the park; that unreasonably interfere with the use of the park by others; or that are likely to damage personal or park property.
• Please report any risky or unsafe behavior to the Sarasota Non-Emergency Police 24 hours a day (941) 316-1199.‬

• All spaces and places in the park that are open to the public are available on a first-come, first-served basis during park hours. The Bay does not accept public reservations within the park.
• Please clean up during and at the end of your visit. Please place all litter and recycled items in appropriate receptacles located throughout the park.
• Take photos, leave only footprints. Please note: Commercial photography and professional photographers and videographers must submit a request to photograph or film at The Bay. See Sarasota County Photography & Film Permits for more information.
• Photography and video and audio recording occasionally occur in the park. By entering the park, you consent to the recording, use, release, and publication of any such photographs and video and audio recordings.
• Park Guests at The Bay are subject to the rules and regulations of the City of Sarasota Parks and Recreation which prohibit:
  • Smoking of any type.
  • Alcoholic beverages brought on the premises from outside of the park.
  • Skateboarding.
  • Open flames or grills.
  • Staking into the ground.
  • Signage of any kind other than those designed by and/or approved for use by The Bay Park Conservancy.
  • Commercial activity or selling goods except by The Bay Park Conservancy permit.

Click for a downloadable Park Map here.

Walkway North of 10th Street

The walkway around the Rusty Anchor just north of 10th Street is closed due to the recent installation of a fence in this area to ensure your and others’ safety as Phase 2 efforts in the Canal District get underway. The park is designed with multiple pedestrian/ bicycle routes to enable people to move safely within and across the site during the various construction phases of the park. Currently, both Van Wezel Way and the striped and painted multi-use path in front of the Blue Pagoda and Municipal Auditorium along US-41 remain open to those desiring to walk or bike North and South through the site.