North Port, FL

North Port is a large, mostly residential city in southern Sarasota County, founded in 1959 by the General Development Corporation and now one of the fastest-growing places in Southwest Florida. Visitors come for Warm Mineral Springs, Braves spring training at CoolToday Park and easy access to the beaches around Venice and Englewood.

Where is North Port?

North Port is in the Southwest Florida region, between Venice to the northwest and Port Charlotte to the south. I-75 crosses the city with exits at Sumter Boulevard and Toledo Blade Boulevard, and US 41 (Tamiami Trail) runs along its southern edge. Punta Gorda Airport (PGD) is about 30 minutes away, and Sarasota Bradenton International (SRQ) is about 45 minutes north. North Port itself is inland, so the Gulf beaches at Venice and Manasota Key are about 25 to 35 minutes west.

Things to do in North Port

Warm Mineral Springs Park, owned by the city, centers on a deep, naturally warm artesian spring long popular for soaking and swimming, and it is also an important archaeological site. Myakkahatchee Creek Environmental Park has shaded trails along the creek for hiking, biking and wildlife watching. From late February through March, the Atlanta Braves play Grapefruit League games at CoolToday Park in the West Villages area of the city. The rest of the year North Port is quiet, and winter and spring bring the most comfortable weather for trails and springs.