Life. Love. Beauty. Paradise: Bayfront Park

At the base of Sarasota's beautiful city skyline is a wonderful place to spend an afternoon, it's Sarasota Bayfront Park. It's one of my favorite places to visit on the weekends with my family or friends. This Island Park is fantastic and filled with scenic eye-candy in every direction. Bayfront is situated on an island peninsula right on the waters of Sarasota Bay.

Sidewalks traverse all around the area, making this a great spot for long walks, rollerblading, and bike rides while taking in the scenery and enjoying its natural setting with palm trees, shrubbery and flowering plants all adding to the ambiance. On your walk out to the northern point of Bayfront Park, along the marina side of the pathway, you’ll come upon the Dolphin Fountain, where you can stand, or sit, and watch the boaters pass by on the way into or out of Sarasota City Marina.

Park is pet friendly, so bring along your furry friends and let them enjoy some fun in the sun. My girls love the water fountains to splash in. It's open from April 1 to October 31. Just grab a bathing suit and a towel to enjoy fun in the water. My husband and I typically relax on the bench or a swing. There is also a huge playground zone for the kids right along the water fountains to enjoy. Picnic areas are also accessible. By the playground you can see the Statue of Kids Playing.

Sarasota Bayfront Park has two nice waterfront restaurants, O'Leary's Tiki Bar & Grill and Marina Jacks dockside.

O'Learys is a wonderful place to sit under the thatched roof and watch the Island Park activities taking place on Sarasota Bay. The bartenders are fun and friendly at this Florida beach bar. You will surely strike up a conversation with someone at this Florida beach bar for sure. Yell across the bar and talk to someone on the other side of it. It's done, and it's fun. Some of the most fun you can have at a Florida beach bar is just chatting with the other patrons. There is music daily and, in fact, almost all day. During the day, the musicians are unpaid and work for tips. Mostly they are people just happy to have a venue to play and to hone their skills. So be sure to tip them nicely. You are happy because you are sitting on a bar stool under a Tiki Hut, drinking a tropical drink and watching the jet skiers while listening to a Jimmy Buffett wannabe. Life doesn't get much better. Many boat and Jet Ski rentals are available too along the bay front.

Marina Jack's restaurant features an award winning wine list and an exceptional menu featuring the regions finest steaks, seafood and pasta. Open daily for lunch, Plated Sunday Brunch Dinner the Dining room is a perfect place to relax and enjoy your dining experience overlooking the inter-coastal waterway of Sarasota. They are also offer sighseeing cuises. One of them is Marina Jack II. You can join them for a relaxing narrated sightseeing lunch tour or sunset dinner cruise through the inter-coastal waters and the Gulf of Mexico and enjoy delicious dining, outstanding views, and exceptional service.

One of my favorite cruises at Sarasota Bayfront Park is LaBarge Tropical Cruises. Their casual laid-back atmosphere is enhanced by their tropical decor and yes, palm trees are real. Let the mermaids lead the way through the tranquil waters of Sarasota Bay. They offer you a full menu of cruises, each totally different: the morning Dolphin & Manatee Watch Cruise, afternoon Sightseeing & Nature Cruise, and the world-renowned Tropical Sunset Cruise with live entertainment. All cruises feature a full bar and light food menu.

The 26-foot-tall "Unconditional Surrender" statue on Sarasota's bayfront has been the subject of countless speeches, groans, quips, and kudos since it made its first appearance here in 2005. You just have to see it. Millions of visitors around the world snap countless pictures, especially couples imitate a statue.

❤ Have you visited Bayfront Park? Share in the comments section below! ❤