The Wandering Disciple

The hiking trail at Quick Nature Preserve is a great way to get outdoors and enjoy a stroll along the bay. The trail leads you from the parking lot along New Pass and winds through a few saltwater lagoons before passing alongside Sarasota Bay.  Located on the southern top of Longboat Key, the Quick Point Nature Preserve is a hidden gem. Less than a mile in length, this trail is more about taking in the coastal scenery and the wildlife than logging mileage. It is a great place to observe wading birds feasting on the fish that come into the lagoons.  Taken: July 16, 2011 at Quick Point Nature Preserve (Longboat Key, FL)

Down by the bay, there swims some dolphins. On a clear day you can see dolphins jumping, fish swimming and tourists playing in the clear waters of Sarasota Bay. The bay is the main body of water that seperates downtown Sarasota from the barrier islands of Lido Key and Longboat Key. (Photo: July 19, 2011)

This natural lagoon is one of the many great waterscapes within the Quick Point Nature Preserve along Sarasota Bay. The nature trail through the preserve starts along New Pass and goes along the bay through mangroves and lagoons before reaching the bay overlook. (Photo: July 16, 2011)

A tree on the banks of the Sarasota Bay make a great photo op along the nature trail at Quick Point Nature Preserve. The trail winds through mangroves and marshes on the way to the bay. (Photo: July 19, 2011)

A quiet lagoon is just one of the many hidden wonders found within the 34 acre Quick Point Nature Preserve. Located along Sarasota Bay on Longboat Key, the preserve provides many hiking, fishing and wildlife watching opportunities. (Photo: July 16, 2011)