Looking for a long paved trail in southwest Florida? Look no further than the Legacy Trail that runs just over 18 miles and connects Venice to Sarasota. This is a paved multi-use rail trail that can accommodate bikes, scooters, strollers, and walkers. It is also a dog friendly trail.
When riding the trail, you’ll find the southern part of the trail vastly more scenic than the northern part closer to Sarasota. Also from the southern end of the trail, you can connect to the east side of the Venetian Waterway Trail if you wish to ride further.
When searching for a place to park, you’ll find many access points all along the route. A list of Trailheads Below (From the Sarasota County Website). The trailheads are listed from North to South. Although Ashton Trailhead is listed first, the trail does continue north past that trailhead for a few miles, but the parking north of Ashton is limited. If you’d like to ride the whole trail out and back, or if you’re planning to just do a small section of the trail, I suggest parking at the southern end in Venice. In addition, if you’re walking, this would be the best choice of a starting point.
Trailheads
| FACILITY NAME | ADDRESS |
|---|---|
| Ashton Trailhead | 4301 Ashton Road Sarasota, FL 34233 |
| Culverhouse Nature Park | 7301 McIntosh Road Sarasota, FL 34238 |
| Laurel Park and Sandra Sims Terry Community Center | 509 Collins Road Nokomis, FL 34275 |
| Legacy Trail Access – McIntosh Road | 7905 McIntosh Road Sarasota, FL 34241 |
| Nokomis Community Park | 234 Nippino Trail E. Nokomis, FL 34275 |
| Nokomis Riverview Park | 251 Riverview Drive S. Nokomis, FL 34275 |
| Osprey Junction Trailhead | 939 E. Bay St. Osprey, FL 34229 |
| Patriots Park | 800 Venetia Bay Blvd. Venice, FL 34292 |
| Pompano Trailhead | 601 S. Pompano Ave Sarasota, FL 34237 |
| Sarasota Springs Trailhead | 4012 Webber Street Sarasota, FL 34232 |
| Shamrock Park and Nature Center | 3900 Shamrock Drive Venice, FL 34293 |
| Skip Stasko Park | 2101 Scenic Drive Venice, FL 34293 |
| Venice Train Depot and Rollins W. Coakley Railroad Park | 303 E. Venice Ave. Venice, FL 34292 |
When going for a long bike ride, you may want to stop for some food and beverages along the way. Here are some recommendations. The following are near Sarasota:
- Clark Street – Original Egg (breakfast) or Oak and Stone (for beer/pizza)
- Off Ashton – Calusa Taproom
- In Bee Ridge – Peach’s Restaurant
- In Webber – The Parrot Patio Bar and Grill
On the South end of the trail, you can cross over Venetian Waterway Park, and eat anywhere in downtown Venice. If you are thinking breakfast, you can try Croissant & Company, Burgundy Café, or Art Café. For a beer or other alcoholic try Off-Trail Bike and Brew, which as it’s name states, is right off the trail.
This is one of the best paved trails in southwest Florida! For more information on the trail, visit Friends of the Legacy Trail’s Website. Looking for more to do in Sarasota? Visit our page on Sarasota and Bradenton.
