At 50 square miles, the master-planned community of Lakewood Ranch is really the size of a town, filled with shopping, dining, arts, entertainment, nature, and recreation—as well as all the new home choices you can imagine. Here’s a look at the top 10 things to do in Lakewood Ranch.

1. Horsing around

The 2022 Sarasota Polo Season is in high gear, bringing with it the thrilling live matches the legendary Sarasota Polo Club is known for. Every Sunday afternoon from now until late April, the Polo Club is the place to see and be seen. Gather your family and friends, and head over for a divot-stomping good time! For tickets, visit sarasotapolo.com.

2. Un-fore-gettable

With its abundance of lush courses, Lakewood Ranch is a golfer’s dream. Of our nine courses, three are exclusive to members of the Lakewood Ranch Golf & Country Club, one is open for public play, and another is for member use only. The remaining four courses are semiprivate within individual villages, limited to use by residents—but day passes are available for purchase if you are looking for a change of greenery in your game.

3. What a racquet

Golf isn’t the only game at the Lakewood Ranch Golf & Country Club. The club’s professional-quality tennis center offers a full range of racquet sports for all levels and ages, including pickleball and a children’s program. More than 80 leagues play on the center’s 20 courts, and certified pros run private and semiprivate lessons and group clinics. Visit lakewoodranchgolf.com/tennis for details.

4. Social butterfly

Residents in each resort-style village have an unending calendar of activities available to fill their days, nights, and weekends. Between organized clubs, philanthropic events, and social mixers, there is sure to be a meeting, worship, or workshop that piques your interest. Get involved.

5. House beautiful

Stunning master retreats, exquisite designer kitchens, modern open floor plans, and innovative great rooms that span the entire back of a house: the Florida homes in our villages are like no others. Whether your dream home is a sustainable property in an all-solar community, one equipped with a smart-home package, or an outdoor oasis that is a private retreat in your own backyard, the layouts and outdoor living spaces here are superb and make home entertainment a cinch.

6. Head of the class

Education is a cornerstone of our community, with The Ranch boasting top-ranked schools that serve students from infancy to adulthood. Start your little ones off in one of our 15 day cares and preschools before they move on to one of our seven A-rated mainstream public schools or five private institutions that focus on specialized education. The Ranch is also home to nine institutes of higher education, offering residents a lifetime of learning opportunities.

7. The main event

Clear your calendar every first Friday, because you won’t want to miss the monthly Music on Main block parties! Featuring free live concerts, a DJ dance party, food vendors, beer trucks, and sponsored booths, Main Street becomes ground zero for fun—and all for a good cause, as proceeds benefit a different local nonprofit each month.

8. Good chives only

Since 2017, the Lakewood Ranch Farmers’ Market has been a must-make stop every Sunday for shoppers seeking the best produce, meat, seafood, baked goods, flowers, jewelry, crafts, and more. The year-round market is held each Sunday from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. at Waterside Place. For more information and a vendors list, visit TheMarketLWR.com.

9. Take a hike

Since 40 percent of Lakewood Ranch’s acreage was specifically designed for open space and recreation, there’s plenty of room to explore the great outdoors just steps away from your own front door. With over 150 miles of mixed-use trails winding through the community, you can observe the area’s wildlife in their natural habitats, take a leisurely stroll around the lakes, or set off on a family bike ride after dinner.

10. Paw patrol

Even your family’s four-legged members have a place to run free at Lakewood Ranch’s popular dog parks! The 3-acre canine corral at Greenbrook Adventure Park features a separate small/puppy/elderly area, as well as a “time out” spot for dogs who may need a break. And over at Bob Gardner Community Park, your pooch can run to their hearts’ content on the agility training course or go for a dip in the dog swimming lake! Yearly membership is required.

Looking for your dream home?
Laura Stavola, REALTOR
941.447.4875
[email protected]
LauraStavola.com