Welcome to Lakewood Ranch / Waterside Place
A manicured and convenient neighborhood with a lakeside view.
Lakewood Ranch, Florida, is a 50-square-mile suburban lakefront community northeast of Sarasota County. In the early 1900s, Lakewood Ranch was a working ranch owned by the Uihlein family. After years of learning about wildlife conservation, land conservation, and respect for the land, Lakewood Ranch flourished as a community development. Lakewood Ranch is made up of 14 smaller neighborhoods, all within walking distance, and is surrounded by seven pristine lakes and many acres of nature.
Waterside Place is essential to Lakewood Ranch as it is one of the three town centers. It is the only town center in Sarasota County. Waterside Place at Lakewood Ranch serves as the prime location for retail shopping, dining, and programs catering to the entire family.
What to Love
- The future water taxi
- Diverse wildlife right outside your door
- Great place to ride your bike
- Nine community parks to explore
Local Lifestyle
Lakewood Ranch is a vibrant community that was built like a small town. The neighborhood's needs were carefully considered and filled with an assortment of shopping boutiques, cultural landmarks, and open spaces. There are 150 miles of walking trails and paths ideal for outdoor recreational activities.
Dining, Entertainment & Shopping
Saks Fifth Avenue is close to Lakewood Ranch. It is conveniently located on the west end of the Mall at University Town Center — Sarasota County’s premier shopping and dining location with over 100 stores and restaurants to choose from. Residents frequent Saks Fifth Avenue for the luxury designer brands, fine jewelry, and excellent service.
At The Ritz-Carlton Members Club, the Braden River is the backdrop for lush, manicured golf courses. The Ritz Golf Club is where you can play golf without worrying about your ball landing in someone’s yard. They have a private golf course with a private entrance featuring 18 holes.
The Lucky Pelican Bistro is a short drive from the Mall at University Town Center and is considered the neighborhood fish house. It serves lunch and dinner and is known for its unique twist on New England cuisine. The bistro is famous for its flavorful fish tacos, freshly shucked lobster rolls, and fresh daily options.
Speaks Clam Bar is an Italian Restaurant with a traditional clam bar. Speaks Clam Bar has two locations, one in St. Armands and one in Lakewood Ranch. All dishes are homemade and fresh daily. Bring the family for dinner or lunch to enjoy the speakeasy ambiance.
The Capital Grille is an elegant steakhouse serving nationally renowned dry-aged steak, fresh seafood, and a superior wine list. Capital Grille is unique because it has an in-house butcher that cuts perfect steaks daily. Capital Grille designed an elegant menu to awaken all your senses and is open for lunch and dinner.
Things to Do
Every Sunday through late December and April, people gather around the 130-acre Sarasota Polo Club off University Pkwy. The atmosphere is relaxed, and attracts a variety of age groups dressed in airy dresses and linen shirts. We recommend getting to the grounds early to tailgate. Dogs are welcome as long as they are on a leash!
The Farmers' Market at Lakewood Ranch is a bustling event held every Sunday at Waterside Place. Over 90 vendors participate in the year-round event selling organic produce, baked goods, gourmet ingredients, handmade jewelry, and luxury household decor.
Nathan Benderson Park is the top rowing facility in North America. It is a 600-acre community park with a 2,000-meter sprint rowing course and regatta center. At Nathan Benderson Park, you can explore water and land activities such as learning to row, dragon boat paddling, fishing on the lake, rollerblading, indoor rowing, and fitness classes to keep everyone in the family busy.
The Mall at University Town Center is the most popular shopping center with diverse dining and world-class shopping. No matter the occasion, fine dining, casual dining, cafes, and specialty foods exclusive to the mall are available. The Mall at UTC also hosts a wide range of community activities such as fitness classes and car shows.
Ranch Nite Wednesdays is a community event every Wednesday night from 6-9 p.m at Waterside Place. Taste the culinary dishes Lakewood Ranch offers with new food and dessert trucks introduced weekly. Mingle with your neighbors as you dance to live music from local musicians or play cornhole. On the first Friday of the month, residents enjoy Music on Main, a concert series held at Lakewood Ranch Main Street.
Schools
