Lakewood Ranch

  • Lakewood Ranch

    Colorful outdoor shopping center with palm trees and a fountain in the town square.

Lakewood Ranch: Your Guide to Florida’s Premier Master-Planned Community

Experience Lakewood Ranch Award-Winning Living with Three Town Centers, 150+ Miles of Trails & World-Class Amenities

Lakewood Ranch is where thoughtful community planning, natural beauty, and modern amenities create Florida’s best-selling master-planned community. Spanning over 31,000 acres across Manatee and Sarasota counties, this award-winning development features three distinct town centers, 150+ miles of interconnected trails, 33 parks and nature preserves, and over 300 dining options. From the Sunday Farmers’ Market at Waterside Place to championship golf and the Premier Sports Campus, residents enjoy an exceptional quality of life in a community that’s been ranked America’s top-selling multi-generational community for seven consecutive years.

Dining & Restaurants

Lakewood Ranch boasts over 300 dining options spread across three town centers and neighborhood plazas. Main Street features intimate bistros and international cuisine in walkable settings, while The Green and Waterside Place offer waterfront dining and family-friendly restaurants. From French patisseries to Mexican cantinas, you’ll find the perfect spot for any occasion.

Shopping Districts & Boutiques

Lakewood Ranch offers over 300 shops and restaurants spread across three main town centers and several neighborhood plazas. Main Street serves as the community’s vibrant shopping hub with boutiques, specialty stores, and entertainment options in a walkable setting. Just minutes away, University Town Center provides upscale shopping with luxury retailers. The variety ranges from local boutiques to national chains, ensuring convenient access to everything from everyday necessities to unique finds.

  • Main Street at Lakewood Ranch – Pedestrian-friendly town center with 30+ boutiques, specialty shops, Lakewood Ranch Cinemas, and The Fish Hole mini-golf
  • Wish Boutique – Women’s clothing, jewelry, handbags, and accessories (relocated to University Town Center)
  • The Mall at University Town Center – Premier shopping destination with 140+ retailers including Saks Fifth Avenue, Macy’s, Dillard’s, and diverse dining options
  • The Green – 37-acre walkable shopping center at SR 70 featuring The Fresh Market, LA Fitness, shops, dining, and apartments
  • Waterside Place – Waterfront town center with restaurants, retail shops, offices, and weekly Sunday Farmers’ Market
  • San Marco Plaza – High-end salon, clothing boutique, spa & wellness center, and restaurants with distinctive architecture
  • University Corners – Anchored by Publix and Aldi with CVS, hair and nail salons, and Libby’s Café + Bar
  • White Eagle Shopping Center – New Publix-anchored retail center along SR 64
  • Shoppes of Summerfield – AAA Auto Club South, The UPS Store, dining, nail salon, and banking at SR 70 and Lakewood Ranch Blvd
  • Market Square – Publix-anchored center with First Watch, Chili’s, and neighborhood services off University Parkway
  • Shoppes at Business Park – Small retail center on Lakewood Ranch Boulevard

Parks & Waterfront

Lakewood Ranch’s extensive park system and preserved natural areas create a true resort-style living environment. The community features over 150 miles of trails connecting neighborhoods to parks, preserves, and town centers. These thoughtfully designed spaces range from active recreation facilities with sports courts and playgrounds to peaceful nature preserves where you can spot wildlife along scenic boardwalks. The parks transform throughout the day from morning fitness destinations to evening gathering spots for concerts and community events.

  • Lakewood Ranch Community Park – 44-acre flagship park with dog park, splash pad, playgrounds, sports fields, and pavilions
  • Northeast Community Park – County park with aquatic center, sports complex, trails, and natural areas
  • Waterside Park – Urban park at Waterside Place with great lawn for events, interactive fountains, and waterfront dining
  • Lake Uihlein Park – Scenic lake with walking trails, fishing dock, and picnic areas
  • Summerfield Crossing Park – Neighborhood park with playground, basketball courts, and covered pavilion
  • Greenbrook Adventure Park – Nature-based playground with treehouse, slides, and exploration areas
  • Premier Sports Campus – State-of-the-art athletic complex hosting tournaments and community sports programs

Cultural Venues & Entertainment

Lakewood Ranch offers a growing array of entertainment options right within the community. Main Street and Waterside Place host regular live music, outdoor movies, and seasonal festivals that bring residents together. The community cinema shows both mainstream and independent films, while restaurants feature live performances throughout the week. This hometown entertainment creates a vibrant social scene where neighbors gather for everything from farmers markets to holiday celebrations.

Planning Your Lakewood Ranch Experience

Most visitors are surprised by just how much Lakewood Ranch has to offer. What starts as a day exploring Main Street or catching a game at the Premier Sports Campus often turns into regular visits back. The community’s thoughtful layout means everything feels accessible without the sprawl, and the abundance of parks and trails creates a natural rhythm to daily life here. Many people find themselves exploring different neighborhoods, checking out the weekly farmers’ market, or simply enjoying the walkable town centers. This isn’t just a place to visit once and move on. It’s a community that invites you to return, explore deeper, and understand why so many have chosen to make it home.

Discover more about Lakewood Ranch and get to know our community through Visit Sarasota.