Discover Osprey

Located south of Sarasota on mainland Florida’s Gulf Coast, Osprey is a small town packed with lots of history. The area is primarily residential, but offers much to see, do, and experience! Miles of sundrenched coast affords breathtaking views of the Gulf of Mexico and dazzling multi-hued sunsets, while key historical and natural attractions heighten interest.

Historic Spanish Pointe tells the rich tale of Ospery’s history. The 30-acre museum and environmental complex walks visitors through Osprey’s story from prehistoric to early twentieth century eras. Its “A Window to the Past” exhibit is the only place in the U.S. where visitors can enter an archeologically preserved prehistoric shell midden. Walking forward in time, visitors can explore buildings from pioneer times, including the 1867 Webb homestead, a citrus packing house, a chapel, and a boatyard. Today, these historic buildings are connected by three of the grand, courtly gardens and lawns first laid down by the Chicago-born socialite Bertha Palmer: the Sunken Garden, Duchene Lawn, and Jungle Walk. The house that Bertha built upon moving to what is now the town of Osprey, called “The Oaks”, also lies in the museum grounds, and one of Osprey’s modern residential communities is named after this historic home.

Historic Spanish Pointe also features a butterfly garden and an impeccable mangrove-covered shoreline. The beauty and character of Historic Spanish Pointe attracts photographers from the surrounding area, as well as couples searching for an aesthetically pleasing wedding location. Part of Oscar Scherer State Park lies within Osprey’s border, and the park’s main entrance is directly accessible from the town.