DoubleClick Spotlight Tag
Sarasota And Her Islands
Search Site
71° Cloudy
more weather

Sarasota Florida Beaches

 

Sun, Sand, and Water on Florida's Gulf Coast

Sun, sand and water are three things Sarasota has an abundance of, but not all Sarasota beaches are the same. Six islands line Sarasota's extensive coastline, each revealing its own personality, recreational options and natural beauty. Don't worry, you don't have to choose just one.

Named number one in the world in 2011 by Dr. Beach, Siesta Key's beaches are the beach benchmark for which all other beaches are judged. Miles of fine white sand stretch along the calm waters of the Gulf of Mexico on Siesta's western shore, perfect for blemish-free sandcastles, long walks, or a soft place to soak up the sun. For something different, try the more laid-back atmosphere at Crescent Beach in the middle of Siesta Key, or find fertile ground for shell collecting in the coarser sand at Turtle Beach on Siesta's southern end.

Although smaller than Siesta, Lido Key's beaches pack a surprising variety into a compact area. Lido's north end features unspoiled beach backed by a public park, with nature trails from the water to the tranquil Florida pine forest. Head south and you'll find a popular public beach that's similar to Siesta, with white sands and many recreational amenities. On the island's southern tip is South Lido Park, bordered by Sarasota Bay on the east, Big Pass to the south, and the Gulf of Mexico to the west. There, boaters drop anchor in the calm waters of the pass to come ashore and picnic in the park or enjoy the waves crashing on south Lido's Gulf side beaches.

Longboat Key is a more private beachfront community than many areas of Sarasota, geared more to people staying at the island's fabulous resorts than to casual visitors. Still, Longboat's world-class dining scene draws people from all over.

Venice Beach is one of the best places in the world to find shark's teeth, easily sifted from the sand and shells by people of all ages. (Don't worry; these pointy, triangular fossils -- naturally shed by sharks over their lifetime -- are due to a quirk of ocean currents, not sharks off the coast.) There's also a massive fishing pier that extends into the Gulf, as well as dining options overlooking the beach.

Also in Venice is Caspersen Beach -- easily the largest in Sarasota -- featuring an unbroken vista of rolling dunes as far as the eye can see. Even your furry friends can get in on the action at Brohard Paw Park, a Venice beach where dogs can frolic in the surf and dig to their hearts' content.

Casey Key is regarded as a private refuge studded with multi-million dollar homes, including one belonging to famed author Stephen King. That privacy has its advantages for visitors, as well. Casey Key's public beaches -- including North Jetty Park and Nokomis Beach -- feel like a burst of old Florida. Each Casey Key beach is a cozy nook packed with amenities without the hassle of crowds or development.

The beaches on Manasota Key off the coast of Englewood in southern Sarasota are hidden gems. Even the two most popular beaches on the island -- Manasota Beach and Englewood Beach -- are rarely crowded. But Blind Pass Beach and Stump Pass Beach are so unknown you can pretend to be stranded on a deserted island. At least until it's time to drive into Englewood for dinner, that is.

No matter where you're staying, or what your particular beach personality is, Sarasota's sandy shores offer enough options to satisfy even the most exacting beachcomber.

view all related articles

Beaches Articles

Planning Your Trip to Sarasota and Her Islands

Planning Your Trip to Sarasota and Her Islands

Areas of Interest: Casey Key, Englewood, Lido Key, Longboat Key, Manasota Key, Nokomis, North Port, Osprey, Siesta Key, St. Armands Key, Venice. Population: City of Sarasota: 52,715 residents City of Venice: 17,764 residents City of North...

Holiday Happenings on Florida's Gulf Coast

By Mary Ellen Mancini
Holiday Happenings on Florida's Gulf Coast

The most wonderful time of the year is here again and the holiday merriment  found on Florida's Gulf Coast  will warm your spirits in more ways than one. From boat parades to nights of lights and candy lands, our not-so-wintery wonderland will have you remembering why...

Sarasota Welcomes the Baltimore O's...and You!

By Mary Ellen Mancini
Sarasota Welcomes the Baltimore O's...and You!

Take Me Out to the Ballgame...Spring Training 2012 is Upon Us!What better way to enjoy the sun-sational spring weather here in Sarasota than being outdoors and enjoying one of the nation's favorite pastimes? 2012 begins the third consecutive spring training for the...

Live from the Beaches

view all

Places to Stay - Beaches

Find your home away from home

  • Individually owned efficiency, one and two-bedroom units with full kitchens. Charming old Florida...

    A well-kept secret since the 1950's. The Gulf Surf sits in the center of five miles of private beach...

  • Eleven acres of lush, landscaped grounds, Midnight Cove is a unique family vacation destination. ...

    Favorite beach-front family condos directly on the beaches of Siesta Key. Step right into the sand...

  • Just another beautiful day in Paradise. Vacation suites just steps from the beach and shops on Lido...

    1/4 block to Crescent Beach. Apartments are self catering non smoking units. Linens, dishware,...

  • All condo units are Gulf-front with spectacular views. Enjoy the heated pool, balcony and patio....

    Full condominiums across from Lido Beach. Great location. Walk to St. Armands.

  • Villas are on a private Gulf beach. Heated pool, recreation room, shuffleboard and tennis courts and...

    Siesta Key vacation rentals. Wonderful Key West-style, beach accessible condominiums located on...

  • Beach View Suite and tropical island cottages on Siesta Key Beach. Enjoy the island life, bike,...

    Timeshare gulf-to-bay resort comprised of 30 units. Amenities include tennis, boats, putting green,...

  • Managing luxury vacation accommodations on Longboat Key, Siesta Key, Manasota Key, St. Augustine...

    Modern ground-floor efficiencies and apartments with fully furnished kitchens and linens. Located...

  • Contemporary, luxurious and fully furnished studios, one and two-bedroom condominiums with complete...

    Welcome to Tivoli by the Sea Resort...your ultimate vacation getaway. Tivoli is a luxurious private...

  • Beachcomber rental condominiums provide the perfect atmosphere and location for your beach vacation...

    Two and three-bedroom Gulf and bayside deluxe condos. Two-week minimum.

  • Across from beautiful Siesta Key Beach with heated pool, four laundry facilities, fully equipped...

    This Island Resort offers true island living with the comfort and convenience of your contemporary...

  • Located directly on world famous Siesta Key. The Palm Bay Club is a unique rental resort condominium...

    Luxury "Waterside" and "Beachside" accommodations on Siesta Key! Completely furnished studios and...

  • Full-service resort right on the Gulf of Mexico with 600-feet of private beach. Enjoy the pleasures...

    The place for vacation paradise. 58 two-bed/bath units on Crescent beach. Fully furnished with...

  • Situated on a barrier island, off the coast of Sarasota, The Holiday Inn Lido Beach is just steps...

    16 one-bedroom condos (sleep four) directly on the beach all with full Gulf views. Common Gulf-side...

  • The Perfect Place to Stay When You Need to Get Away! Overlooking World Famous Siesta Key Beach...

    Newly renovated units situated directly on the aqua-blue waters of the Gulf of Mexico. Studio, one-...

  • Siesta Key is considered the most beautiful of Florida's barrier islands. Siesta Dunes Beach condos...

    Vacation Rental Villas on the Island of Venice. Short walk to Historic Downtown Venice restaurants...

  • 175 units, Studios, one- and two- bedroom units. Mid-rise, gulf-side condos and garden view villas....

    Luxury four-diamond beachfront resort. 218 recently renovated suite accommodations, six restaurants,...

  • Resort ideally situated on approximately three acres spanning 180 feet of prime beach to 180 feet on...

    Veranda Beach Club is a five-star resort on Longboat Key near St. Armands Circle offering weekly...

  • Siesta Key Beach has been rated one of the top three beaches in the US. Our vacation condos are...

    Large efficiencies on the Gulf. kitchen, pool and barbecue. No pets.

  • ResortQuest invites you to live large on vacation. In every ResortQuest property, you'll have the...

    The Ringling Beach House - A Siesta Key Suites Property offers JUST UPDATED accommodations - Brand...

  • Vacationers can relax at the Limetree Resort and soak up the beauty of Lido Beach and the calming,...

    49 individually owned and decorated units located directly on Lido Beach. Motel rooms, small and...

  • Condo Style resort located directly on Siesta Key. Daily rentals available. All units totally...

    An acre of lush tropical garden overlooking unspoiled, private Longboat Key Beach. Each apartment...

  • Gulf-front condominium resort with 500 feet of beach right outside your door. Heated pool, sundeck...

    Fully-furnished timeshare condominium on the Gulf of Mexico. Hot tub and pool with Tiki Bar. Laundry...

  • We've got the perfect room for you! Located directly on Siesta Key! Offering three beautiful beach...

    Located directly on the powder white sands of Lido Beach, the Lido Beach Resort sits nestled just...

  • Discover the new standard of vacation ownership at Hyatt Siesta Key Beach- A Hyatt Residence Club,...

    Beachfront apartments and villas available right on Crescent Beach. Beautiful, fully equipped units....

  • Beachfront location. Washer and dryer in each unit, heated pool, tennis and shopping.

    The Silver Sands Beach Resort is located beachfront on beautiful Longboat Key. Relax on their...

  • Welcome to Charter One Hotels & Resorts! We manage and feature some of the finest hotels on...

    Small, luxury resort with pool and lush tropical gardens. Steps from the white sand beach. Newly...

  • Quaint resort located directly on the Gulf of Mexico. Quiet tropical setting, private, clean and...

    Spacious studio and suite accommodations in a tropical beachside setting. Full kitchenettes and...

  • Situated just steps from the powdery sands of Longboat Key and a short distance from the shops,...

    Located directly on the sands of legendary Longboat Key, The Beach on Longboat Key resort is the...

  • Siesta Key's premier family beach & tennis resort located directly on the Gulf of Mexico along the...

    Luxury resort condominiums located directly on the beach.

  • Great vacation properties on Longboat Key and Lido Key. Choose from private homes and condominiums...

    Come enjoy the quiet charm of Casey Key, a barrier island unlike any other.Experience a bit of "Old...

  • Siesta Key bayside condos with access to Crescent Beach.

    Our tropical heated pool, waterfalls and hot tub

  • Each spacious condominium at Crescent Royale offers a spectacular view of the Gulf of Mexico.

    Pristine Lagoon tropical island getaway 10 bungalows nestled by coconut palms. Our one-bedroom...

view all

Places to Play - Beaches

What to see, what to do

  • Luxury four-diamond beachfront resort. 218 recently renovated suite accommodations, six restaurants,...