15 Best Things To Do In And Near North Port, Florida

1. Warm Mineral Springs

If you’re feeling weary and tired then perhaps a nice soak in North Port’s Warm Mineral Springs is just what you need. This top North Port attraction is rich with 23 minerals that some believe can help rejuvenate a person’s body. It’s almost like a real-life fountain of youth. Large oak trees and lush grass surround the hot spring. The area is entirely closed off so you never have to fear alligators. It’s safe and always monitored. The hot spring is very popular with eastern Europeans. Russian immigrants and tourists speak highly of the healing nature of this alternative therapy.

Warm Mineral Springs in North Port

Address: 12200 San Servando Ave, North Port, FL 34287-1229

Website: Warm Mineral Springs in North Port

2. Heron Creek Golf Course

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Need things to do in North Port this weekend? Visit Heron Creek Golf Course - it is one of the premier golf courses in Florida. It offers challenging and fun play for golfers of all skill levels. There is a top-notch training facility on-site, and the course has 27 holes. So, it feels like you’re playing three different courses at once. There’s also a grill restaurant in the club in case you work up an appetite. The golf pros on-site can help you perfect your swing and your short game. You will be much improved after a lesson.

Heron Creek Golf Course

Address: 3401 S Sumter Blvd, North Port, FL 34287-7330

Website: Heron Creek Golf Course

3. Atwater Community Park

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Have an amazing time with the whole family in this splendid community park in North Port. Kids would surely enjoy the open grounds and water area. Play baseball or just enjoy the playground, and after a busy day, cool off and splash around by the fountain. The park grounds have designated picnic areas with tables and seats as well, so everyone can share a meal together after playing the whole day. Pick a shady spot under the huge tree, or just sit on its well-maintained grass - just don’t forget to bring your sunscreen! You won’t run out of free things to do in North Port, and having fun in the park’s Splash Pad is one of them!

Atwater Community Park

Address: 4475 Skyway Ave, North Port, FL 34288, United States

Opening hours: 10am - 6pm (daily)

4. North Port Performing Arts Center

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

This magnificent theater is known to be the second-largest theater in the whole county. With nearly 1,000 seats available, a number of citywide events are held here. From off-broadway shows to musical performances by North Port Concert Band, North Port Chorale, and Symphony echo, this theater is truly an important part of the community. So the next time you find yourself in the area, make sure to check their scheduled shows and drop by to catch the locals performing.

North Port Performing Arts Center

Address: 6400 W Price Blvd, North Port, FL 34291, United States

Website: North Port Performing Arts Center

Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 10am -1pm (closed on Sat & Sun)

5. West Coast Auction Company

Try something out of the ordinary. West Coast Auction Company is definitely a unique experience for locals and visitors alike. The auction company has a reputation as South West Florida’s most popular auction house in the Gulf Coast region. Hosting live auctions on real estate, antiques, collectibles, and more, many people flock to North Port for the chance to participate in bidding for these loots. Anyone can join - just make sure you register beforehand. West Coast Auction Company also has furniture consignment showrooms that are available by appointment.

West Coast Auction Company

Address: 1001 Corporate Ave, North Port, FL 34289, United States

Website: West Coast Auction Company

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6. Myakka State Forest

Myakka State Forest is just south of North Port, and it’s a great spot to visit if you’re a nature lover. There are hiking trails and great opportunities for camping. You can rent a waterfront campsite for a mere 10 USD. There’s a bird sanctuary on site with many local species. Be safe and watch out for alligators. The forest is about 10 minutes from both North Port and Englewood. The Myakka River offers anglers a chance at landing a huge bass fish.

Myakka State Forest

Address: 2000 S River Rd, Englewood, FL 34223

Website: Myakka State Forest

7. Deer Prairie Creek Horseback Riding

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Just a 20 minute drive from North Port you will find the Deer Prairie Creek Nature Preserve. There are many exciting opportunities for horseback riding in this part of Florida. Professionally guided horseback riding sessions are available to children and adults. It’s perfect for those who have never even been on a horse before.

Deer Prairie Creek Horseback Riding

Address: 7001 Forbes Trail, Venice, FL 34292

Website: Deer Prairie Creek Horseback Riding

8. Blind Pass Beach

Check out the nearby popular beaches on Manasota Key - which is just a short 20-minute drive away. Located in Englewood, Blind Pass Beach has white sand and very clear water, which makes it a perfect spot to collect seashells along the beach. This beach is busy, but it’s never too crowded like some of the other beaches in the region.

Blind Pass Beach

Address: Manasota Key Road, Englewood, FL 34223

Website: Blind Pass Beach

9. Ann Dever Memorial Regional Park

Ann Dever Memorial Regional Park is just a 20 minute drive from North Port. There is plenty to do here including a dog park, skate park, biking and walking trails, and even tennis courts. Bird watching and hiking are popular activities in this park too. It’s clean, well-maintained and picturesque.

Ann Dever Memorial Regional Park

Address: 6791 San Casa Dr, Englewood, FL 34224-3100

Website: Ann Dever Memorial Regional Park

10. Stump Pass Beach

Stump Pass Beach is a short 20 minute drive from North Port in Nearby Englewood. This state park has super clear waters and soft sand. The sea shells and shark teeth are abundant on the beach. There is a 1 mile (1.6 km) nature trail, bird sanctuary and an abundance of wildlife. The beach is popular, so arrive early so you can get a parking space before it fills up.

Stump Pass Beach

Address: 900 Gulf Blvd, Englewood, FL 34223

Website: Stump Pass Beach

11. Catania's Winery

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

All this exploring in North Port and the surrounding Keys probably has you desperate for a nice glass of wine, right? If that’s the case, then you should head over to Catania’s Winery and relax. Wine tasting enthusiasts new and old will enjoy sampling the wines made here. This small family-run winery has a nice selection of bottles available to purchase, and the owner is extremely helpful and knowledgeable. The owner also specializes in olive oil. That sound like a perfect pairing to some delicious wine!

Catania's Winery

Address: 524 Paul Morris Dr Ste B, Englewood, FL 34223-3972

Website: Catania’s Winery

12. The John & Mable Ringling Museum of Art

Also known as “The Ringling”, this museum was established in 1927 to commemorate the legacy of Mable Burton Ringling and John Ringling. Known to be an avid art collector, Mable Burton Ringling along with her husband built the museum to house their extensive collection. These include notable Baroque artworks by Peter Paul Rubens and numerable artworks brought in from Venice, Italy. The museum is located just outside the borders of North Point in Sarasota. It is currently under the management of the Florida State University and is about a 40-minute drive from North Port. If you’re a fan of art, or just want to see a different side of Florida, then you should definitely drop by and check it out.

The John & Mable Ringling Museum of Art

Address: 5401 Bay Shore Rd, Sarasota, FL 34243, United States

Website: The John & Mable Ringling Museum of Art

Opening hours: 10am - 5pm (daily)

13. Marie Selby Botanical Gardens

Marie Selby Botanical Gardens is a gorgeous 15-acre (6 ha) botanical garden also known as “The Living Museum”. It is home to numerous plants and specializes in epiphytes - or plants that grow on other plants - specifically ferns, orchids, and bromeliads. This botanical garden is both a premier attraction and educational institution that focuses on the research and preservation of these intriguing rainforest plant species. With several exhibits and shows available monthly, you’re bound to find one that might just pique your interest.

Marie Selby Botanical Gardens

Address: 1534 Mound St, Sarasota, FL 34236, United States

Website: Marie Selby Botanical Gardens

Opening hours: 10am - 5pm (daily)

14. Wicked Dolphin Distillery

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

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If you’re 21 years old or older and have a penchant for rum - whether it’s drinking rum or just learning how to distill it, Wicked Dolphin Distillery might just be the place for you. Located in Cape Coral, this distillery produces artisan rum from sugar cane. They also offer free tasting and distillery tours for those who are interested. Just make sure you call and reserve in advance as this activity can be quite in demand for both locals and tourists. Find out more about how they come up with their creative rum flavors, and maybe even bring a bottle home for your own consumption. Wicked Dolphin Distillery is truly a unique activity you have to try out when in the area.

Wicked Dolphin Distillery

Address: 131 SW 3rd Pl, Cape Coral, FL 33991, United States

Website: Wicked Dolphin Distillery

Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 9am - 5pm; Sat: 11am - 5pm (closed on Sun)

15. Tom Allen Memorial Butterfly House

Another interesting attraction near North Port is Tom Allen Memorial Butterfly House in Cape Coral. Apart from the beautiful butterflies housed in this butterfly garden, one more great thing about it is that it’s an activity you can do for free. The place offers tours every Monday to Saturday, free of charge, making it one of the best educational trips for both parents and kids. Learn more about the butterflies of Florida and appreciate nature just a bit more - all they ask is for you to participate and appreciate the programs. If you’re truly impressed and feeling a bit generous then a small donation is more than enough.

Tom Allen Memorial Butterfly House

Address: 5505 Rose Garden Dr, Cape Coral, FL 33914-8052

North Port is a relaxing experience

Soak your tired old bones in the local hot spring, and then relax with a nice bottle of red at the nearby winery. The numerous beaches nearby, particularly down south at Port Charlotte, offer you a chance to collect seashells or see some phenomenal marine birds. A peaceful horseback ride through a state park or a round of exhilarating golf awaits you in North Port, Florida.