Sarasota FloridaBEACHES & WATERFRONT ESCAPES
Listed below are the best beaches and waterfront escapes near Sarasota, Florida.
1. Siesta Beach
WORLD-FAMOUS WHITE SAND
Siesta Beach is a world-famous destination known for its brilliant-white sand and clear waters. The beach underwent a $20 million renovation in 2016 that added new amenities including a playground, two concession stands, more restrooms, a half-mile long esplanade, and many shelters. Visitors can enjoy swimming, picnicking, volleyball, and various other recreational activities in this premier Sarasota beach setting.
2. Lido Beach
PRISTINE WATERS NEAR SHOPPING
Lido Beach offers brilliant-white sand and clear water just a half mile southwest of St. Armand's Circle on Ben Franklin Drive. The beach features abundant amenities including restrooms, food concessions, a gift shop, picnic tables, playground equipment, a heated swimming pool, and a handicapped accessible observation deck. After enjoying the beach, visitors can walk to nearby St. Armand's Circle for fantastic shopping and dining options.
3. South Lido Park
FOUR-WATER BODY VIEWS
South Lido Park is uniquely situated at the southern tip of Lido Key and surrounded by four bodies of water: the Gulf of America, Big Pass, Sarasota Bay, and Brushy Bayou. The park features a nature trail with scenic overlooks at its north end, while the southern beach offers soaring views of downtown Sarasota's skyline and the Gulf. Visitors can enjoy shaded picnic areas, restrooms, showers, cooking grills, playground equipment, and a canoe trail, though no lifeguards are on duty.
4. Caspersen Beach
SECLUDED FOSSIL HUNTING
Caspersen Beach is a secluded beach offering a more natural, less crowded experience for visitors to Sarasota County. The beach is renowned for fossil hunting, particularly sharks' teeth, making it a unique destination for beachcombers. Visitors can enjoy swimming, wildlife viewing, and exploring unpaved trails while appreciating the untouched coastal environment.
5. Nokomis Public Beach
FAMILY-FRIENDLY COASTAL RETREAT
Nokomis Public Beach offers visitors a relaxed coastal experience with opportunities for sunbathing and swimming just minutes from other attractions. The beach provides essential amenities while maintaining a laid-back atmosphere perfect for families. Visitors appreciate the accessibility and proximity to Gulf Harbor Marina, making it convenient to combine beach activities with fishing adventures.
6. North Jetty Beach
FISHING AND SWIMMING PARADISE
North Jetty Beach combines excellent swimming opportunities with premier fishing spots, making it a versatile destination for water enthusiasts. The beach features amenities including grills, picnic shelters, restrooms, and sand volleyball courts for visitors' convenience. Its location near Gulf Harbor Marina enhances the beach experience by offering easy access to fishing supplies and boat rentals.
7. Venice Beach
FOSSIL-RICH COASTAL GEM
Venice Beach is famous as the "Shark Tooth Capital of the World" where visitors regularly find prehistoric fossils along its shoreline. The beach offers a blend of natural beauty with essential amenities including lifeguards, concessions, and picnic areas. Visitors enjoy swimming in the clear Gulf waters while experiencing the unique thrill of discovering ancient shark teeth and other fossils.
8. Turtle Beach
NESTING TURTLES AND RECREATION
Turtle Beach offers a more secluded alternative to Siesta Beach with darker, coarser sand that serves as an important nesting ground for sea turtles. The beach provides a range of amenities including a boat ramp, picnic areas, playground, and campground facilities. Visitors can enjoy swimming, kayaking, and wildlife viewing, with the possibility of witnessing sea turtle nesting during the appropriate season.
9. Manasota Key Beach
NATURAL COASTAL WILDERNESS
Manasota Key Beach offers a pristine natural setting with minimal development, preserving the authentic Florida coastal wilderness experience. The beach is known for excellent shelling opportunities and fossil hunting, particularly for prehistoric shark teeth. Visitors can enjoy swimming, sunbathing, and wildlife viewing in a tranquil environment away from the more crowded Sarasota beaches.
10. Bradenton Beach
CHARMING ISLAND GETAWAY
Bradenton Beach combines small-town charm with beautiful Gulf coast scenery on Anna Maria Island just north of Sarasota. The beach offers sugar-white sand and clear turquoise waters perfect for swimming, along with a fishing pier, restaurants, and shops within walking distance. Visitors appreciate the laid-back atmosphere and stunning sunset views that characterize this classic Florida beach town experience.