10 Best Beaches in Sarasota, FL
Sarasota is endowed with great immaculate sands, glistening waterways, and sunshine.
This county is renowned for its expansive coastline and abundance of beaches, each with its unique natural beauty and personality.
In addition, we are assisting you in planning an epic vacation by emphasizing the top beaches in Sarasota, Florida.
- Siesta Beach
This award-winning beach on Florida’s Gulf Coast is renowned for its sugar-white quartz crystal sand.
Why We Recommend This Beach
There is no beach in Sarasota that is as magnificent as this one.
With its clean, fine quartz sand and turquoise waves, it is frequently considered one of America’s most beautiful beaches.
In addition, a visit to this beach affords many possibilities to observe animals, such as pelicans, dolphins, and manatees.
In addition, the beach makes for a delightful and attractive evening promenade.
Expert Tip
The expansive, free parking area at Siesta Key Beach can accommodate over 800 vehicles.
Nevertheless, we encourage that you arrive early (before 10 a.m.), as parking quickly fills up.
- Lido Beach Park
From 1940 through 1969, Lido Beach Park was home to a historic casino.
The sand and water here make it a great spot for families to hang out in Sarasota.
Why We Recommend This Beach
Looking for family-friendly beaches in Sarasota?
Don’t forget to put this park on your list of the top Sarasota activities.
This is the safest beach for children with calm waves and on-duty lifeguards.
As with most of the top beaches in Sarasota, this retreat is loaded with facilities.
Expert Tip
Indulge your taste senses at this beach with the delectable treats served at the Seabreeze Cafe.
The hot dogs and fish tacos with zesty pico de gallo are our faves.
- Caspersen Beach
This beach stretches for 1.5 miles along the Gulf of Mexico and is ideal for wildlife viewing and shelling.
Why We Recommend This Beach
Caspersen is undoubtedly one of the best beaches in the region for shelling.
In addition, when you search for shells on this beach, you may come across ancient shark teeth and sea turtle nests.
In addition, there is an ADA-accessible playground, pathways, a canoe launch, outdoor showers, and a boardwalk.
Expert Tip
Check it out when the tide is out when the beach is covered with smalls, shells, and petrified shark teeth.
- Longboat Key Beaches
Longboat Key, located between the Gulf of Mexico and Sarasota Bay, features some of the finest beaches in the vicinity of Sarasota.
Why We Recommend This Beach
Access to these beautiful beaches may be restricted, but trust me, they are well worth the effort.
Once you reach these havens of white sand, you’ll be rewarded with 10 miles of uninhabited and pristine beaches.
Did we mention that these beaches provide spectacular views?
Expert Tip
These beaches have no concessions or services available.
Be careful to pack food, beach chairs, beverages, and other necessities before visiting these coastal destinations.
- Brohard Paw Park
This Venice beach area provides a variety of services for your animal companions.
Why We Recommend This Beach
Are you looking for dog-friendly beaches in Sarasota, Florida?
Why not visit Brohard Paw Park?
With designated dog showers and drinking fountains, it’s a paradise for your canine companions.
There are even leash posts and walled areas on this beach segregating large and little dogs.
Expert Tip
Make your way to the adjoining 700-foot-long Venice Fishing Pier for breathtaking sunset views.
On this pier, you can fish and catch fresh ocean bounty.
- Coquina Beach
This 22-acre beach on Anna Maria Island offers the ideal combination of fun and relaxation.
Why We Recommend This Beach
Coquina Beach has everything needed for a nice getaway by the water.
White sands and crystal-clear water?
Check!
What about lifeguards and conveniences?
Yep!
You may even spot leaping dolphins in the Gulf if you’re lucky.
Expert Tip
Are you looking for a break from swimming and sunbathing?
You may like to ride your bicycle along the vast and attractive multi-use route in the vicinity.
Additionally, a cafe on the beach offers an assortment of delectable snacks.
- Nokomis Beach
Nokomis Beach is the oldest public beach in Sarasota County, boasting deep azure waters and a 14-mile expanse of white sand.
Why We Recommend This Beach
Nokomis Beach is a surfers’ paradise.
With its constant swells, this beach is considered the premier surfing location on the state’s West Coast.
In addition, the beach offers a variety of other activities, including fishing, swimming, and the search for shark teeth.
Expert Tip
If you want to see some interesting cultural events, go to the beach on a Saturday or Wednesday night.
This one-hour, family-friendly event was organized by the Nokomis Beach Drum Circle and allowed viewers to sway and dance to hypnotic drum sounds.
- Venice Municipal Beach
This Certified Blue Wave Beach, managed by Sarasota County, will enthrall you in several ways.
Why We Recommend This Beach
Numerous beachcombers visit Venice Municipal Beach in search of shark teeth and fossils.
There are many scuba divers who travel there to examine the expanding reef.
This beach features a picnic area, boardwalk, sand volleyball courts, and concessions.
Expert Tip
If you cannot find parking here, proceed to the intersection of Apalachicola Road and Barcelona Avenue.
- Turtle Beach
This public beach on Siesta Key is renowned for the sea turtle’s nest on its 2,600-foot-long beachfront.
Why We Recommend This Beach
Turtle Beach has more to offer than its lovely nesting residents.
You may spend the entire day at this beach swimming, lounging, and kayaking in the neighboring natural wetlands and lagoon.
In addition, the beach features a boardwalk, a playground, and horseshoe courts.
Expert Tip
Pitch a tent and sleep beneath a million stars at this beach’s popular campground.
There are shelters, picnic tables, showers, and public restrooms at the campground.
- South Lido Park Beach
This 100-acre park, situated on the southernmost tip of Lido Key, offers an outstanding beach excursion.
Why We Recommend This Beach
This waterfront sanctuary is missing from every list of the most incredible beaches in Sarasota, Florida.
This park’s laid-back atmosphere and white sand beachfront are sure to satisfy your beach desires.
It is also the best beach in Sarasota for swimming due to its warm, crystal clear waters.
In addition, the park features a children’s playground, picnic areas with shade, BBQ grills, nature walks, and an observation deck.
Expert Tip
Avoid swimming in the “Big Pass” canal channel in the park’s northwest region.
This site has strong currents, so even experienced swimmers will have a difficult time
