Best beaches in Sarasota

Posted By Always Florida / 19 de February de 2025 / News, Tips / 0 Comments

Longboat Key has a long, storied history. Originally inhabited by Calusa and Timucuan tribes thousands of years ago and landed on by Spanish explorers in the 16th century, it was established as a town in 1955. Today, it’s home to about 7,000 permanent residents and welcomes visitors to its discover past, pursue outdoor sports or just relax.

 

Lido Key is just over the bridge from downtown Sarasota and boasts three beaches: North Lido, Lido Beach, and South Lido. There’s also easy access to Sarasota Bay via Ted Sperling Park, luxurious shopping and dining on St. Armands Circle, and the coveted Lido Shores neighborhood filled with historic mid-century modern architecture.

 

Siesta Beach’s 99% crystal-quartz sand helped earn it the distinction of TripAdvisor’s Top Beach in 2020, 2017, and 2015, and its colorful lifeguard stations are iconic. Siesta Key has a village with dining, nightlife, and shopping opportunities. You can also set up camp at Turtle Beach or explore the island on the free trolley.

 

On Casey Key, visitors will find million-dollar homes and more laidback attractions, including Casey Key Fish House, a local restaurant and watering hole, and North Jetty Park, where anglers can buy bait and families can enjoy picnics.

 

Venice-area beaches are a nature-lover’s delight. Caspersen Beach’s hiking trails and boardwalks allow for birdwatching and views of plant species. Shark teeth are a favorite souvenir that can be picked up on the beaches here, and the entire family – even the dog – will love Brohard Paw Park.

 

Those looking for an Old Florida retreat should head to Manasota Key, where four quiet beaches have everything from mangroves to outdoor sports facilities. Stump Pass Beach is a state park perfect for hiking and exploring Florida’s natural flora and fauna.

 

 

Beach Highlights

 

Sarasota County has six barrier islands and more than 35 miles of coastline. Gulf of Mexico NORTH North Port Longboat Key St. Armands Circle Lido Key Siesta Key Casey Key Venice Manasota Key Englewood SARASOTA Myakka River

Siesta Beach has been among TripAdvisor’s Top Beaches several times in the past decade.

Venice Beach is a Blue Wavecertified beach, awarded by Clean Beaches Coalition.

Nokomis Beach on Casey Key is Sarasota County’s oldest public beach.

Lido Beach is where Black residents waded peacefully to fight beach segregation in the 1950s.

 

by Visit Sarasota County