1. Siesta Key Beach
On Florida’s stunning Gulf Coast, Siesta Key Beach awaits. This award-winning beach is known for its soft powdery white quartz-crystal sand that never gets hot.
On Florida’s stunning Gulf Coast, Siesta Key Beach awaits. This award-winning beach is known for its soft powdery white quartz-crystal sand that never gets hot…
On Florida’s stunning Gulf Coast, Siesta Key Beach awaits. This award-winning beach is known for its soft powdery white quartz-crystal sand that never gets hot.
Why We Recommend This Beach
Experience the unparalleled beauty of this Sarasota beach! This oasis is unrivaled with its soft, quartz sand and shimmering turquoise waters – no wonder it’s voted one of America’s most stunning beaches. Not to mention plenty of chances to spot amazing creatures such as dolphins, manatees, and pelicans in their natural habitat. An enchanting evening stroll along this shoreline under starlight also awaits you – make your getaway here now for an unforgettable coastal escape like no other!
Local Tip
If you’re heading to Siesta Key Beach, don’t wait until the last minute. The public beach has an expansive free parking lot that can accommodate over 800 vehicles. It does get full fast – so it’s best to arrive before 10 am. If you do not want to wait for parking at prime time or during Spring Break, try one of the “Beach access” points listed on google. Same beautiful sand and water view with simple beach access without the amenities of the public park.
2. Lido Beach Park
Lido Key Beach, located on the Gulf of Mexico in Sarasota, Florida, is a must-see destination for any tourist looking to experience the beauty of the Florida coast.
Why We Recommend This Beach
With its crystal-clear waters and white sandy beaches, Lido Key offers visitors a chance to relax and soak up the sun, while also providing a wide range of activities to enjoy. Whether you’re looking to swim, sunbathe, paddleboard, or simply take in the stunning views, Lido Key Beach has something to offer everyone.
But what really makes Lido Key Beach stand out is the incredible wildlife that can be found there. The beach is home to a diverse array of marine life, including bottlenose dolphins, loggerhead sea turtles, and a variety of colorful fish. Visitors can take a dolphin-watching tour or even go snorkeling to see these fascinating creatures up close.
Free parking adjacent to the beach. Courtesy beach wheelchairs as available. Amenities include a concession stand with covered seating, a 25-meter lap swimming pool, and Restrooms open daily from 7:00AM to 11:00PM. Pets are prohibited in the park, at the pool, and on public beaches.
Local Tip
Furthermore, the area surrounding the beach is also rich in culture and history. Take a stroll down St. Armand’s Circle, a charming shopping and dining district, or visit the nearby Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, which features a wide variety of exotic plants and trees.
3. Longboat Key Beaches
If you’re looking for a tropical paradise, look no further than Longboat Key. This Florida gem boasts 11 miles of pristine beaches, with powdery white sands and calm aquamarine waters that will take your breath away.
Why We Recommend This Beach
Whether you’re lounging on the shore, swimming in the Gulf of Mexico, or taking part in water sports like paddleboarding, kayaking, or fishing, the natural beauty of Longboat Key will leave a lasting impression. But the beach isn’t the only thing that makes Longboat Key so special. The beach is surrounded by lush vegetation and swaying palm trees, creating a peaceful and serene atmosphere for visitors to relax and unwind. With amenities like restrooms, showers, and picnic areas, Longboat Key is a perfect spot for a day out with family or friends. So pack your sunscreen and head on down to Longboat Key for a taste of tropical paradise.
Local Tip
Longboat Key offers a variety of dining and shopping options, from casual beachfront restaurants to gourmet seafood. And lastly, try to visit in off-peak season, from September to May, when many of the hotels and vacation rentals offer special deals and discounts and there is less crowd. Remember to follow these tips, and you’re sure to have an unforgettable trip to Longboat Key Beach.
Check out Mote Marine while you are on Longboat Key!
4. South Lido Park Beach
South Lido Park is a 100-acre natural wonderland located at the southernmost end of Lido Key with natural areas that visitors love to come and see for natural habitat and relaxation.
Why We Recommend This Beach
Admission is free, and parking is free. This hidden gem offers so much more than just a stretch of sand and water. The park has plenty of picnic tables, playground equipment for the little ones, and clean bathrooms. But that’s not all – the park also boasts picnic tables on the bay side, offering a stunning view of Big Pass. While the water currents can be strong here, making it not ideal for swimming, you may still see some adventurous souls venturing in. Just keep in mind that there are no lifeguards on duty at this beach. It’s the perfect spot for a relaxing picnic, letting the kids run around and play, and taking in the beauty of Big Pass and the northern Siesta Key across the way. So pack a lunch, grab the sunscreen and head to Longboat Key Beach Park for a day of fun and relaxation.
Local Tip
At the park, there is one area where we recommend you steer clear: the “Big Pass” waterway channel on the northwest side. This area may look inviting, but the currents can be quite strong and even the most experienced swimmers may have a tough time here. So, when swimming at the park, make sure to avoid this area to ensure your safety and to have a more pleasant swimming experience. Remember, safety first! And with that said, enjoy your swim!
5. Turtle Beach
Turtle Beach has 2,600-foot-long shoreline that serves as a nesting ground for sea turtles
Why We Recommend This Beach
There are also many water sports such as paddleboarding, kayaking, and fishing. Amenities such as restrooms, showers, and picnic areas are also available on-site, making it a great spot to spend the day with family and friends.
The beach provides public restrooms and outdoor showers to freshen up after a swim in the Gulf of Mexico. There are also picnic tables and grills available for a beachside barbecue with friends and family. Beach wheelchairs are available for visitors with mobility issues. Lifeguard stands can also be found in the beach, depending on the specific location, providing a safe environment to swim and enjoy the water.
For those who enjoy beach volleyball, there are beach volleyball courts available for visitors to use. There is ample parking available for visitors. Concession stands can be found on the beach offering snacks and drinks. Benches, and rest areas, are also available for visitors to take a break and relax.
Rental services are also available on the beach such as beach umbrellas, chairs, and kayaks/canoes. For the little ones, playgrounds are also available on-site. Some locations also provide pavilions that can be rented for events. And for the boaters, some locations also have boat ramps and canoe launches.
Where Sea Turtles Nest…
Local Tip
When planning your visit to Turtle Beach, it’s important to be aware of the sea turtle nesting season, which typically takes place between May and October. During this time, it’s crucial to take extra care to protect sea turtles and their nests. This includes not disturbing the nesting areas, not using flashlights or beach umbrellas on the beach at night, and properly disposing of trash. Turtle nests are staked at the boundary and strang with colored ribbons.
6. Nokomis Beach
100 Casey Key Rd, Nokomis, FL 34275
Nokomis Beach is one of Sarasota’s oldest public beaches and extends along both the east and west sides of Casey Key Road.
Why We Recommend This Beach
Nokomis Beach is ranked as one of the best beaches in Florida. One of the main amenities provided by the beach is the public restrooms and outdoor showers, which are conveniently located and well-maintained.
There are also picnic tables, grills, and shaded areas available for visitors to have a beachside barbecue with friends and family. Beach wheelchairs are also provided for visitors with mobility issues. Lifeguards are also present at certain times of the year to ensure the safety of swimmers.
Nokomis Beach offers a variety of rentals, such as beach umbrellas, chairs, kayaks and canoes. For the little ones, playgrounds are also available on-site. And for those who want to escape the sun, there are also pavilions available for rent.
Local Tip
The local drum circle gathers informally near the lifeguard tower on Nokomis Beach on Wednesday and Saturday evenings around 6pm. Find Ice cream and a bait shop just before getting to the beach! Enjoy.
7. Brohard Paw Park
Brohard Paw Park The Brohard Paw Park features a fenced dog play yard that leads to the only beach area in Sarasota County where dogs are allowed.
Why We Recommend This Beach
Simply put …all members of your family can enjoy this beach!
This beach is one of the few that allow dogs to run and play off-leash. But this park is not only for the four-legged members of the family, it also offers a wide range of amenities for visitors of all ages.
Lifeguards are also present at certain times of the year. Rental services are also available on the beach such as beach umbrellas, chairs, and kayaks/canoes.
What really sets Brohard Paw Park apart is its dog-friendly amenities. The park provides a fenced-in dog beach where dogs can run and play off-leash, and there are also water stations and dog showers available. There are also several pavilions that can be rented for events and a playground for the kids. Beach Access with wheelchair-accessible boardwalk.
Local Tip
Don’t kick your shoes off at the end of the boardwalk! The sand is darker than other Sarasota beaches and it gets HOT!!!
8. Venice Beach
Venice Beach is a favorite beach spot, as it is a short walk from downtown. Venice Beach provides a scenic view of the Venice Public Fishing Pier and many opportunities to see dolphins and shorebirds.
Why We Recommend This Beach
The beach offers a variety of amenities for visitors including public restrooms, showers, and picnic areas. Beach wheelchairs are also available for visitors with mobility issues. Lifeguards are present during the peak season to ensure the safety of swimmers. Visitors can also rent beach umbrellas, chairs, and kayaks/canoes.
Recommend This Beach
The beach offers a variety of amenities for visitors including public restrooms, showers, and picnic areas. Beach wheelchairs are also available for visitors with mobility issues. Lifeguards are present during the peak season to ensure the safety of swimmers. Visitors can also rent beach umbrellas, chairs, and kayaks/canoes.
Local Tip
Well known for a great destination to hunt for prehistoric shark teeth. Grab lunch at Sharky’s on the beach by the pier with live music!
9. Caspersen Beach
Located about 25 miles south of Sarasota in the coastal town of Venice, Caspersen is one of the most enjoyable shelling beaches and hunting fossilized shark teeth.
Why We Recommend This Beach
At over 1½ miles in length, this beach offers plenty of room to spread out and soak up the sun. Also a hot spot for outdoor activities like swimming, fishing, and shelling. In fact, Caspersen Beach is known for its abundance of shark teeth, making it a popular destination for fossil hunters. The beach has an ADA kiddie playground, trails, a canoe launch, outdoor showers and a boardwalk.
Local Tip
But the real star of the show at Caspersen Beach is the wildlife. The beach is home to a variety of bird species, including the threatened snowy plover and the endangered sea turtle. Low tide makes shelling and teething hunting a bit more abundant.
10. Coquina Beach
Coquina Beach is the longest stretch of beach on the southern tip of Anna Maria Island on the Gulf of Mexico. You can take a trolley ride to nearby Gulfside Park. Take a moment and have a picnic with your family at one of many picnic tables tucked under majestic Australian pines!
Why We Recommend This Beach
Families enjoy this park because of the convenience of the concession stand, ample parking, picnic facilities, playground, beach volleyball, Covered Pavilion, barbecue pits, restrooms, showers, and lifeguards. Bonus Bicycle Trails, Hiking/Nature Trails.
Local Tip
Afterward, grab some grub from provided grills or challenge kids to an exciting game in the playground – all while admiring stunning views out into cobalt waters just waiting to be explored through snorkeling and shelling activities. Make sure to visit the local restaurants just steps from Coquina Beach.
