A Traveler’s Guide to Osprey, FL

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Osprey, Florida, is a small town with big things to offer. Known for its stunning natural beauty, this hidden gem boasts miles of picturesque coastline, lush greenery, and wildlife galore.
Imagine a laid-back, sunny day on the water by boat, gently cruising down the Florida Gulf’s calm waters with a cold one in hand. You dock at the Deep Lagoon Seafood and Oyster House near the exclusive Casey Key for delicious seafood gumbo and tantalizing Rockefeller oysters.
Next on the docket? Visit Turtle Beach to witness incredible wildlife like baby turtles and striking herons. Or you may want to chill and enjoy the beach views in the bright, sun-soaked living room in your Osprey vacation rental with your loved one.

Let’s get you up to speed on the beauty of Osprey, FL, the best times to visit, things to pack, and activities to do on your next vacation.

About Osprey, Florida

Osprey, Florida, is a hidden gem of a community located along the Gulf Coast. At just 6,000 residents, it is the more slow-paced alternative to Sarasota or Venice, each within a 15-minute drive.
Known for its stunning natural beauty, Osprey is the perfect place for those who love outdoor adventure, with miles of scenic trails, state parks, and pristine beaches waiting to be explored.
Whether you’re interested in birdwatching, hiking, fishing, or simply soaking up the sun, you’ll find plenty to do in Osprey. In addition to its natural wonders, Osprey is home to a vibrant arts and culture scene, with galleries, theaters, and museums to suit all tastes.

Where to Stay

Osprey is the perfect place for a peaceful getaway or an action-packed adventure to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and experience the best Florida offers.
Nestled between the Gulf of Mexico and Sarasota Bay, Casey Key, an eight-mile-long barrier island off Osprey, is a hidden gem in the Sunshine State. With miles of pristine white sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters, it offers water sports, relaxation, and great proximity to all that Osprey and nearby Nokomis Beach offers.

Things to Do in Osprey, Florida

Marvel at the Dolphins and Manatees

Photo Credit: Brandon Trentler via Flickr CC 2.0

Photo Credit: Brandon Trentler via Flickr CC 2.0

Osprey is home to some of the state’s most beautiful wildlife. From impressive Osprey birds to magical dolphins and manatees, you can experience once-in-a-lifetime animal sightings in this jewel within the state of Florida. This is an excellent activity for a group of friends, a honeymoon couple, or as part of a family vacation.
Our favorite way to see the manatees? A boat tour from Sun Coast Tour and Charters takes you through some of Osprey’s most coveted areas like the Casey Key peninsula, Sand Dollar Island, and Fiesta Key. They’ll take you to the Gulf spots with the most dolphin and manatee sightings and even provide you with snorkel gear to get up close and personal with these incredible creatures!

Indulge in Tiki Cocktails & Seafood at Casey Key Fish House

Photo Credit: Irina Wilhauk

Photo Credit: Irina Wilhauk

Tiki bar cocktails, anyone? How about sesame-crusted seared tuna or decadent crab-stuffed baked shrimp? These are a couple of staples at one of Osprey’s top waterfront restaurants, the Casey Key Fish House. Here you’ll enjoy a casual ambiance with palm trees and gulf views as you indulge in your favorite seafood classics. Come a little later in the evening for some live music or early for happy hour specials!

Hike or Kayak at Oscar Scherer State Park

Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons via Google Images CCL

Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons via Google Images CCL

Maybe you’re looking for a side of nature immersion on your sunny Florida vacation. Swap the wifi for wildlife watching and the speedboat for a kayak in Oscar Scherer State Park. Centering Lake Osprey, this park attracts travelers from far and wide to see bald eagle nests, catch rainbow trout for dinner, and cycle the infamous Legacy Trail.
The South Creek is the perfect spot for a gentle canoe or kayak ride (rentals are available inside of the park), which you can experience with a knowledgeable guide each Wednesday. And if you’re not one for water sports, swap that with a guided hike instead!

Visit the Marie Selby Botanical Gardens Historic Spanish Point

marie-selby-botanical-gardens-osprey-florida

Photo Credit: Cocoabiscuit via Flickr CC 2.0

  • Address: 401 N Tamiami Trail, Osprey, FL
  • Website: selby.org
  • Hours: Daily, 10.00 am to 5 pm
Located in the heart of Osprey, the Historic Spanish Point Campus hosts the Marie Selby Botanical Gardens. The gardens are a paradise for nature lovers and invite visitors to immerse themselves in the beauty of various air plants from around the world.

But Selby isn’t just a place for plant enthusiasts; it’s a sanctum that reconnects us with the region’s natural history. With its stunning native flora and fauna, visitors can take a step back in time and explore some of Florida’s most unique natural treasures through the region’s only native butterfly exhibit as well as virtual tours through Historic Spanish Point.

Whether you’re an avid gardener or just looking for a serene getaway, Selby Botanical Gardens is a must-visit destination.

Best Time to Visit

What’s great about Osprey is that it boasts some of Sarasota County’s best weather. The scorching summer months are slightly cooler than other Florida hotspots on the ocean coast, like Miami and Orlando. On top of that, winters are even milder and never dip below 64 degrees, offering a relatively moderate climate year-round.

But if you’re after that lizard-basking summer sunshine, August has the warmest weather reaching 86 degrees. Our advice? Visit around May to June or October to November. These months skip out the massive tourist crowds in the peak winter and summer months while providing ample sunshine at a reasonable temperature range between 75 to 80 degrees.

Getting Around

tamiami-trail-osprey-florida

Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons via Google Images CCL

Osprey has a public transportation system with buses that go to the busier hubs of Venice and Sarasota. However, you’ll get the most out of an Osprey trip if you either rent a car or use rideshare services like Uber (use the code Lusso Stay for $10 off your next Uber ride).

But if you rent or bring your own car, you’ll enjoy close proximity to the Tamiami Trail, which offers access to other Florida destinations on your vacation itinerary. And if you’re looking for a more relaxed experience? Ditch the car and walk. LussoStay’s rentals are all an easy walk away from the Gulf of Mexico’s pristine shorelines.

What to Pack for Your Osprey Trip

Not sure what to bring? We’ve got all your bases covered. First, our luxurious Osprey rentals offer everything you need to enjoy nights in, from vegan shampoo and ample bath towels to complimentary tea and coffee for calming sunrise mornings.

But you’ll need to pack a few more essentials to get the most out of your trip. Here’s our packing list for your Osprey list.

  • Sunblock
  • Hat
  • Camera
  • Lightweight linen pants
  • Flowy dresses, maxi or otherwise
  • Comfortable walking shoes
  • Bathing Suits and coverups
  • Sunglasses
  • Portable charging blocks
  • Shorts and capris
  • Light dress shirts
  • Sandals

Explore Osprey Florida with LussoStay

Osprey offers travelers the best of Florida’s appeal with a calmer, more sophisticated twist. This lovely town combines Florida’s gorgeous coastline and luxurious fine dining with the laid-back atmosphere of a 4,000–person small town. Plus, you’re only a mini road trip away from other hotspots like Venice and Sarasota.

Ready to experience Osprey, Florida? We’d be delighted to host you. Book your Osprey rental today!

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