What people do here
- Walk, run and bike around the lake
- Row, kayak and stand-up paddleboard
- Fish and picnic
- Attend regattas and community events
- Use the open green space for everyday recreation
Sarasota outdoor lifestyle
Nathan Benderson Park is right beside UTC
A large lakefront park for walking, biking, rowing, paddling, events and open-air recreation—immediately adjacent to University Town Center and Mote SEA.
Why it matters
Outdoor recreation in the middle of the UTC area
Nathan Benderson Park is unusual because a major recreational lake sits directly beside one of the Sarasota area's busiest shopping and dining districts.
Bill's Take
This is the kind of place that helps explain Sarasota beyond the beaches. You can be shopping or dining at UTC and, only minutes later, be walking or biking along the water.
For someone considering Sarasota or Lakewood Ranch, that mix of convenience and outdoor space is worth seeing in person.
Bill's local video
See Nathan Benderson Park in under a minute
Bill's own footage shows the lake, paved paths, cycling and the park's open waterfront setting.
The experience
A park for both everyday use and major rowing events
The park's official site describes activities ranging from casual walking and biking to rowing, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding and fishing. It also hosts organized rowing competitions and community events.
Everyday recreation
The paved loop makes the park easy to use for a walk, run or bike ride while staying close to the water. Dogs are also permitted on a six-foot leash according to the park's current FAQ.
Rowing and paddling
The lake is designed for water sports and is used for rowing, kayaking, dragon boating and stand-up paddleboarding. Swimming is not permitted.
What's next door
UTC and Mote SEA are immediately adjacent
Nathan Benderson Park's official visitor information specifically describes the park as immediately adjacent to Mote Science Education Aquarium and University Town Center.
University Town Center
The broader UTC district brings shopping, dining and entertainment into the same local cluster.
Mote Science Education Aquarium
Mote SEA opened nearby in 2025 and adds a major marine-science attraction to the same part of Sarasota.
Visitor information
Know before you go
Core details below were checked against Nathan Benderson Park's official website on September 8, 2026.
Location & access
Address:
5851 Nathan Benderson Circle
Sarasota, FL 34235
5851 Nathan Benderson Circle
Sarasota, FL 34235
Admission:
No general admission fee.
No general admission fee.
Parking:
No general parking fee, except during select special events.
No general parking fee, except during select special events.
Current park hours
The park currently lists seasonal hours, generally opening at 6 a.m. and closing later during the longer-daylight portion of the year. Because event schedules and seasonal hours can change, check the official site before a specific visit.
Truth-mode source check: Nathan Benderson Park's official site currently describes the park as 550 acres with a 400-acre lake and a 3.5-mile paved trail. It lists rowing, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, fishing, walking and other recreation, and states that general admission and parking are free except during select special events. The park also states that it is immediately adjacent to Mote SEA and University Town Center. Always verify current hours, event access and parking before a specific visit.
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