10 Best Things To Do In North Port, Florida

With freshwater canals, a warm mineral spring, and a state forest, North Port, Florida is a great spot for your next nature-focused vacation.

Southerners have a special soft spot for big bodies of water. Lakes, oceans, even rivers—if we can dip our toes into it—or get a boat out on it—we’re happy. When most people think of water in Florida, the expansive coast is first to come to mind. Second only to Alaska for total miles of coastline, the Sunshine State is known worldwide for its white-sand beaches and turquoise waters. But if you focus too hard on Florida’s beaches (as awe-inspiring as they are), you run the risk of missing out on some of its other treasures, including a healthy collection of stunning lakes and the outdoor enthusiast’s paradise of North Port.

A city of almost 90,000 in Southwest Florida’s Sarasota County, North Port is famous for its sparkling blueways, also known as 95 miles of freshwater canals. Take a trip to paddle these tranquil, scenic waterways, then stick around to discover all this growing city has to offer. Here’s how to spend a weekend in North Port, Florida.

Things To Do In North Port, Florida

Paddle In North Port

There’s absolutely nothing more serene than an early morning paddle in North Port. Start on the Myakka River, the Myakkahatchee Creek, or on a freshwater canal and prepare to be transported by the stillness of the water, the natural beauty that surrounds, and the unmatched peace of the experience. There are plenty of places to rent a kayak, canoe, or paddle board, and still more places to put in. Glass Bottom Rentals offers guided kayak and paddleboard tour launching from McKibben Park. If you’ve got your own watercraft, you can put it at Marina Park and create a custom adventure following Sarasota County’s Paddling Blueways Guide. Along your route, you might spot manatees, mangroves, diving birds, and even alligators.

Soak In Mineral Springs

If paddling isn’t quite your speed, there are plenty of other ways to enjoy North Port’s aquatic amenities. North Port is home to the state’s only natural warm spring. The spring at Warm Mineral Springs Park stays at a balmy 85 degrees year-round and is thought to have one of the highest mineral concentrations of any natural spring in the U.S., making it the perfect location to take a dip. With nine million gallons of freshwater that replenishes itself every two hours,  you’ll have a one-of-a-kind experience at this giant natural swimming pool.

Charter A Fishing Boat

North Port is also known for its excellent tarpon fishing. Let Captain Chris Conte of Cash Money Charters take you out for a fun-filled day of fishing on the Myakka River. There’s something to catch in every season, but if it’s tarpon you hope to hook, consider visiting in May, June, or July.

Visit Myakka State Forest

Another of North Port’s unique natural wonders, the Myakka State Forest is one of the country’s only state forests that’s encompassed almost entirely within city limits. Explore the 8,500-acre flatwood and longleaf pine forest via its 40 miles of hiking, biking, and equestrian trails. Camping, fishing, and small-game hunting are also common outdoor activities.

Watch Spring Training

After quality time spent in the wilderness, the return to civilization is always extra special. If you visit North Port during the February or March, you’ll want to snag tickets to CoolToday Park, the spring training facility for the Atlanta Braves. The field is located in the lively Wellen Park neighborhood, so after the nine innings are up, you’ll have easy access to a modern downtown filled with dining, shopping, and entertainment options. You can even check out Kind Vibe Outfitters to rent a paddleboard or kayak from the floating dock, as well as bikes and e-bikes. Families love the waterfront splash pad, playground, and great lawn where kids can run around to their heart’s content.

Make A Splash

Take the kids to cool off at the North Port Aquatic Center, which features a zero-entry pool, multiple water slides, and the Relaxahatchee Lazy River. The snack bar offers hot dogs, ice cream treats, and other basics to tide you over until its time to head out to dinner.

Where To Eat In North Port, Florida

Dine In Wellen Park

A true community hub, Wellen Park is a top spot for dining out in North Port. For breathtaking views of the sun setting into the water, visit The Banyan House. The lunch and dinner spot features both indoor and outdoor seating, plus a creative menu of seasonal dishes emphasizing seafood. For another elevated experience, reserve a table at Villani & Co. The restaurant is known for its steak, seafood, and raw bar; if it’s stone crab season, we recommend ordering it with drawn butter.

For more casual eats in Wellen Park, head to The Yard, a waterfront food hall consisting of casual eateries housed in repurposed shipping containers. Options include casual fresh-caught Florida seafood, paninis, and rice bowls at Lakeside Bites; ballpark fare at PopDawgs; and New England-inspired seafood at Claw & Co.

Taste Cuisine From Around The World

Outside of Wellen Park, North Port offers a diverse range of dining options featuring cuisine from around the world. Since 2007, Greek Grille has been a local favorite for authentic Greek cuisine, from moussaka to lamb souvlaki. If you’re lucky, you may catch one of the restaurant’s Greek Wine Tasting Dinners that pairs four Greek wines with a four-course dinner. At Que Rico Colombian Flavors, located in an unassuming strip mall, you’ll find an uncomplicated and extremely affordable menu of delicious Colombian dishes. For an expansive introduction to the cuisine, order the Bandeja Paisa, a platter that includes grilled steak, Colombian sausage, fried pork belly, rice, beans, salad, eggs, arepas, and plantains.

Grab Some Barbecue

For a Florida spin on traditional Texas barbecue, Marlowe’s BBQ and Smoked Meat Pizza is your spot. What started as a roadside barbecue stand in 2020 has evolved into an order-at-the-counter restaurant specializing in two things: house-smoked barbecue and homemade pizza. On the barbecue side of the menu, you’ll find smoked brisket, pork butt, chicken, ribs, and sausage, plus all the fixings (street corn, smoked pit beans, smoked mac ‘n’ cheese, potato salad, and coleslaw). If a Meat Lover’s is your go-to pizza order, you’ll love the pizza specials that eschew fresh veggies for carnivorous toppings like brisket, bacon, and pulled pork. The Texas Trio trades marinara for barbecue sauce and is covered with mozzarella and gouda, plus smoked brisket, smoked chicken, smoked pork, and housemade pickles.

Enjoy A Sweet Treat

Dessert or a sweet start to your day can be found at Abbe’s Donut Nook, a family-owned business that’s been serving its sinfully sweet bites of fried dough for more than 30 years. And because it wouldn’t be a Florida vacation without a frozen treat, head to The Shiver Shack for Hawaiian snow cones, ice cream, and milkshakes.

Where To Stay In North Port, Florida

It’s easy to set up a comfortable home base at The Hampton Inn & Suites in North Port, which is located just 15 minutes from CoolToday Park and five minutes from Warm Mineral Springs Park. North Port is also open to private vacation rentals, so there are plenty of options for Airbnb and VRBO homes to suit any group size.

Related: The Best Things To Do In Tarpon Springs, Florida

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