Escape to Our Sarasota Beaches...and Escape Your Everyday Life!
Beautiful views of the Gulf of Mexico combined with balmy gulf breezes make most beach-going days of the year here in Paradise about as enjoyable as they can be. Bright sunshine, warm air and water temperatures, soft sand, blue water. Mmmm, what more could you ask for, except for, perhaps, someone to rub some more lotion on your back or bring you a cold, refreshing drink or snack? Make sure you pack a cooler and a picnic basket! With six keys, or barrier islands, your Sarasota, Florida beach vacation will present you with so many options for beaches to choose from that you'll be kept busy deciding which of the Sarasota beaches to hit; you'll be exploring, beach combing and sea shell collecting for days.
Included in our suncoast area's miles of Gulf of Mexico beaches are Siesta Key, Lido Beach and another nearby Sarasota, Florida beach: Nokomis Beach, which is my favorite beach for long walks, and many more, which we'll explore together on these pages. I hope you'll enjoy them as much as I do. Oh, and by the way, don't forget your sunscreen, beach blanket, a big fluffy, colorful beach towel and your cooler of refreshments!
Award Winning Beaches...When only the best will do...
In 2007 four Sarasota area beaches received national recognition and were awarded the “Blue Wave” Certification for their cleanliness and environmental conservation; Siesta Beach on Siesta Key, Lido Beach on Lido Key and on Venice Island, Venice Beach and Caspersen Beach.The beaches were judged on water quality, beach conditions, habitat conservation, public information and education and erosion management. All four of these beaches were also certified by Florida International University in their National Healthy Beaches Campaign. Sarasota Beaches were honored again in 2008 when Siesta Public Beach was named the 3rd best beach in America in an annual poll of Top 10 American Beaches. Rated on over 50 categories, Siesta Beach was recognized for, among other things, its sensational white sand, lots of space, shaded recreation areas and barbecue pits. Also in 2008, Venice Beach was recognized as one of the 5 best renourished beaches in the nation by The American Shore and Beach Preservation Association. After a 3 year, $16 million dollar project, Venice Beach was extended by about 130 feet along more than 3 miles of shoreline with about 1 million cubic yards of sand to help prevent future erosion. What all of this says is that we have some really great beaches here on the Sarasota Sun Coast on which you can dream, explore and fall in love...why not take a look for yourself? Sarasota BeachesSiesta Beach / Siesta Key
Siesta Beach is the beach to come to for its fine white powdery sand. With lots to see and do you have your choice whether to participate or to do perfectly nothing at all. With lots of amenities and conveniences nearby you'll easily see why Siesta Beach is a favorite among locals and travelers and why it's the Number two rated beach in all of Florida and 2008's 3rd highest rated beach in the nation!
Click here and read more about and see pictures of Siesta Beach!
Crescent Beach / Siesta Key
Want to stay at one of the best Sarasota Beaches, with the sand just steps from your door? Check out Crescent Beach on Siesta Key. Lined with condos and hotels, this beach is a popular vacation spot for anyone who wants to feel as though they live right at the beach.
Want to take a tour of Crescent Beach on Siesta Key? Click here!
Turtle Beach / Siesta Key
Turtle Beach, on the south end of Siesta Key is less crowded of the Siesta Key, Sarasota Beaches, especially during “low season.” Walk north or south along the shore for miles or just lay back on this family friendly beach. There are nearby picnic shelters and playground areas, boat launches on the Turtle Beach Lagoon and a beautiful, wide expanse of sandy beach.
Click here to read more about and see pictures of the Turtle Beach area.
Lido Beach / Lido Key
Lido Key is about a 12 mile long strand of bright, white sandy beaches. Another one of our gorgeous Sarasota Beaches, “officially,” there are three beaches on Lido Key and it’s a difficult choice as to which beach to spend most of your day at. Each beach is special in its own way and there's a beautiful park also. Want to see?
Click here for a tour of Lido Key, its park and its three white sand beaches.
Caspersen Beach / Venice Island
Caspersen Beach is a secluded area and its natural, unspoiled beauty has been left largely untouched. There are no distractions on this, the longest beach in Sarasota County, except for the occasional Pelican or frolicking Dolphin. A great place to lay back, watch the clouds go by and enjoy a warm breeze while taking in the turquoise clear water.
Here are some pictures of the beautiful Caspersen Beach, one of many Sarasota Beaches!
Venice Beach / Venice Island
Venice Beach is the place where you can become a great hunter of shark's teeth, as this is the best place in the world to find them. Or, you can simply luxuriate on the beach soaking up the sun on your chaise lounge, swim in the clear, warm Gulf of Mexico waters or walk the long stretch of beach. Venice Beach offers the serious sun-worshiper all he or she could ask for in a beach; sun, water, peace and beauty.
Click here for pictures and more about Venice Beach.
Nokomis Beach / Casey Key
At Nokomis Beach you can take a short walk to the south or a long walk on the beach to the north, sunbathe, picnic, or just enjoy a beautiful day on this family-friendly beach, enjoying nature at its finest. If you’re one who’s taken with the fine pastime of sea shell hunting and collecting, Nokomis Beach is a great place to find them.
Click here for pictures and more about Nokomis Beach, one of many Sarasota Beaches.
Whitney Beach / Longboat Key
At the northwestern-most tip of Longboat Key you'll find the somewhat secluded Whitney Beach. With a white sand beach, beautiful Gulf of Mexico blue and turquoise waters, Whitney Beach is ready for your discovery. There are no amenities here as with other Sarasota Beaches, but it is well worth seeing Whitney Beach for it's clean waters, natural beauty and out of the way location.
Click here for pictures and more about Whitney Beach..
Coquina Beach / Anna Maria Island
Coquina beach is full of tall, shady pine trees lining the shore of one of Florida's most beautiful, old style beaches. There's plenty of parking and amenities to make for a comfortable beach side day under the sparkling Florida sunshine. This is a great place to find a picnic table, set yourself up for your day and just kick back and relax on the beach or in the shade of the trees.
Read more about Coquina Beach on Anna Marial Island.
Cortez Beach / Anna Maria Island
Close enough to Sarasota Beaches to take a scenic drive, Cortez Beach on Anna Maria Island Florida is just north of Coquina Beach. On the southwest side of Anna Maria Island, you'll find a long, narrow, in some places, strand of beach. This beach is on the "main drag" of this part of Anna Maria Island, Gulf Drive South. Pull over and into roadside parking and walk down to the beach.
Click here and see and read more about this gorgeous Suncoast Gulf of Mexico beach.
Now it's your turn...What's Your Favorite Sarasota Beach?
Our Sarasota beaches are like sparkling gems, shimmering in the sunlight, along the Gulf of Mexico. Each has it's own unique charm and special feel. Your Favorite Sarasota BeachClick on the links below to read about the favorite Sarasota Beaches of others.
Siesta Key is the Best
I love Casey Key Beach (in Nokomis)
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