I captured this shot as a passenger going over the Siesta Key Bridge (Siesta Dr., SR 758) in Sarasota, Florida. It connects Siesta Key with the mainland. Looking north, just the open waters straight ahead. Off in the distance you can see condo high rises and the John Ringling Bridge which connects the mainland with Lido and Longboat Keys and lots more Gulf of Mexico beachfront.
It was a lot of fun checking out Bayfront Park in Sarasota. Lot’s of greenery, kid’s having fun and palm trees, boats and high-rise condos dotting the landscape around Sarasota Bay. It was time to quench our thirst and relax after walking around the parks peninsula. My girlfriend and I noticed a bunch of tiki huts in the one part of the park we’d yet to scope out.
We walked over and saw the entrance to Oleary’s Tiki Bar and Grill.
Palm trees and tiki huts galore.
We sat down on some stools at the outside bar, luckily right next to a cooling fan. The sunglasses came off and it was Rum Floaters time. It’s one of their signature drinks yum.
They had a good selection of appetizers but we decided to just drink and enjoy the tropical atmosphere.
Doing a 180 on our bar stools this was the view in front of us. Palm trees, boats and Sarasota Bay, what could be better?!
After facing the water for a minute or two we turned around I immediately smirked. A bottle of Jagermeister was now sitting right in front of me. Jagermeister has been my shot of choice over the years. The bartender must have sensed I wanted that haha. I resisted the urge. 🙂
Oleary’s offers plenty of picnic style seating along the bar and the water as well.
Like many places around here, people were coming to the bar not just on foot or by car, they docked their boats along the nearby shore as well.
We’re at a tiki bar so of course you’re going to see some tiki torches. There’s plenty of room for kids to play and have fun in the sand. A little further down the sand and shoreline…
…you’ll find water sport renting opportunities at Enticer Water Sports. Sailboats, jet skis, paddle boats and kayaks you’ll find. Will have to get out on the open water next time. More high-rise condos to look at off in the distance.
Oleary’s Tiki Bar and Grill was a great way to relax and cool down. Great cocktails and paradise indeed as their sign indicates. I would recommend stopping in if hanging around Sarasota Bay and Bayfront Park (Island Park). What is your favorite tiki, tropical, outdoor, beach bar in Florida? Anywhere?
Tagged bay, Bayfront Park, beach bar, Florida, Island Park, Sarasota, tiki bar, tropical
All my time in Sarasota, Florida up until now has been at Siesta Key. My girlfriend and I recently took a day trip there and decided to explore downtown and the coastline without the guidance of a map or GPS. Just outside of the historic downtown we stumbled upon Bayfront Park (Island Park) amidst the tropical paradise.
We walked into Bayfront Park with cameras in hand and eyes wide open. Bayfront Park sits on a peninsula right in the heart of Sarasota that goes out into Sarasota Bay. We set out on the walking/biking path that runs the perimeter.
Entering the park you’ll immediately notice the marina, all the boats and all the high-rise condos off in the distance.
You’ll also see plenty of dining opportunities around the park and marina. Grab some seafood from Marina Jacks, pictured in the middle down below opposite the marina. Arrive by car or on foot or dock your boat.
Sit on one of the many romantic bench spots overlooking the bay. Gotta love palm trees!
Walking around the park we came across this cool looking dolphin fountain. I heard you might actually see jumping dolphins in the bay as your walking along. We also saw lots of children having water fun in a children’s fountain.
Looking out from the tip of the parks peninsula, the Golden Gate Point Condos caught the eye. Golden Gate Point is a luxurious destination with lots of condo options right near all the action. You’ll see boat slips all along the shoreline.
The John Ringling Bridge to the left of Golden Gate Point connects the mainland with St. Armonds, an up-scale shopping paradise. Beyond that you’ll find Lido and Longboat Key and beaches, driving along the Gulf of Mexico.
Parts of the shoreline around the park are coated in seashells. They are mostly broken, but I managed to secure a few whole ones. Score! 🙂
On a nice day you’ll find plenty of boats out on the open waters of Sarasota Bay. Unfortunately we were there right after tropical storm Debbie, which produced lot’s of rain and wind, so we saw a few boats capsized along the shoreline, one of which is pictured above. 😦 We walked by someone who was repairing their boat.
Sand, the open water, a tree overhang and a tropical setting, what more could you ask for in a photo and a scene to just stand and stare at for several minutes.
It was a standard hot and humid day in Florida, so we needed something to quench our thirst and relax. What did we do? Part II, a future post, will feature tropical drinks, tiki huts, checking out the water sport rental opportunities and showcase more tropical pictures and great times from Sarasota Bayfront Park.
Have you been to Sarasota? What other water lined parks in Florida would you suggest scoping out?
