10 Best Beaches In Sarasota, Florida: Complete Guide 2022
Sarasota is truly blessed with an abundance of pristine sands, sparkling waters, and sunshine. Famous for its long coastline, this county boasts many beaches, revealing its natural beauty and personality. And we help you plan an epic getaway here by highlighting the best beaches in Sarasota, Florida. The prettiest ones!
Contents
- 1. Nap Beach
- 2. Lido Beach Park
- 3. Caspersen Beach
- 4. Longboat Key Beaches
- 5. Brohard Paw Park
- 6. Coquina Beach
- 7. Nokomis Beach
- 8. Venice Municipal Beach
- 9. Turtle Beach
- 10. South Lido Park Beach
Nap Beach
948 Beach Rd
Sarasota, FL 34242
(941) 861-5000
Located on Florida’s Gulf Coast, this award-winning beach is known for its sugar-white smooth crystal quartz sand.
Why do I recommend this beach?
There is no beach in Sarasota as luscious and beautiful as this seaside gathering spot. With its pure, fine quartz sand and azure waters, it is often voted one of the most beautiful beaches in America.
Additionally, this beach will give you ample opportunities to spot wildlife such as pelicans, dolphins, and manatees. Also, the beach is a pleasant scenic evening stroll.
What do I advise you on this beach?
Siesta Key Beach has ample free parking for over 800 vehicles. We recommend that you arrive early (before 10 in the morning), as the car park fills up quickly.
Recommended hotel nearby: Hyatt Residence Club Sarasota, Siesta Key Beach
Lido Beach Park
400 Ben Franklin Drive
Lido Key, FL 34236
Lido Beach Park was home to a historic casino between 1940 and 1969. Today it is one of the most popular beaches in Sarasota, especially for families.
Why do I recommend this beach?
Are you looking for family-friendly Sarasota beaches? So, don’t forget to include this park in your list of Sarasota’s best things to do. With gentle waves and lifeguards on duty, it’s even the safest beach for kids.
And, like most of Sarasota’s best beach spots, this hideaway is packed with amenities.
What do I advise you on this beach?
Satisfy your palate on this beach with the delicious delicacies served at Café Seabreeze. Our favorites are the hot dogs and the fish tacos with pico de gallo.
Recommended hotel nearby: The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota
Caspersen Beach
4100 Harbor Dr
Venice, FL 34285
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This beach, which extends for 1.5 miles along the Gulf of Mexico, is a privileged place for sighting fauna and flora and collecting shells.
Why do I recommend this beach?
When it comes to shell hunting, Caspersen is genuinely one of the best beaches in the area. And while searching for shells on this beach, you may also see prehistoric shark teeth and sea turtle nests. There is also an ADA playground, trails, canoe launch, outside showers, and a boardwalk.
What do I advise you on this beach?
Visit at low tide, when the receding water on the beach leaves behind tiny shells and fossilized shark teeth.
Recommended hotel nearby: Ramada by Wyndham Venice Hotel Venezia
Longboat Key Beaches
Along Gulf of Mexico Drive
Longboat Key, FL 34228
Situated between the Gulf of Mexico and Sarasota Bay, Longboat Key boasts some of the best beaches near Sarasota.
Why do I recommend this beach?
Access to these beautiful beaches may be limited, but trust me, it’s worth it. Once you arrive at these white-sand havens, you’ll be rewarded with 10 miles of pristine, uncrowded beaches. And, did we mention that the views from these beaches are stunning?
What do I advise you on this beach?
On these beaches, there are no concessions or services. So be sure to pack food, beach chairs, drinks, and other essentials before visiting these seaside hangouts.
Recommended hotel nearby: Zota Beach Resort
Brohard Paw Park
1600 Harbor Dr. S
Venice, FL 34285
(941) 861-9830
Located in Venice, this beach park offers plenty of amenities for your furry friends.
Why do I recommend this beach?
Are you looking for dog-friendly beaches in Sarasota, Florida? Why not visit Brohard Paw Park? With dog showers and fountains, it’s an oasis of fun for your canine companions. Even leash posts and fenced areas on this beach separate the big dogs from the tiny puppies.
What do I advise you on this beach?
Head to the nearby Venice Fishing Pier, some 700 feet long and spectacular sunset views. At this pier, you can also fish and catch the fresh bounties of the ocean.
Recommended hotel nearby: Hampton Inn & Suites Venice Bayside South Sarasota
Coquina Beach
2650 Gulf Drive
Bradenton Beach, FL 34217
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Spanning 22 acres, this Anna Maria Island beach offers the perfect mix of fun and relaxation.
Why do I recommend this beach?
Coquina Beach has everything you need for a fantastic oceanfront getaway. Beautiful white sands and transparent waters? Checked! Lifeguards and comfortable services? Yes! You might even see dolphins jumping in the Gulf if you’re lucky.
What do I advise you on this beach?
Do you want to rest from swimming and sunbathing? You may wish to cycle along the long and scenic multi-purpose trail near the area. There is also a beach cafe that will appease your palate with several delicious delicacies.
Recommended hotel nearby: Queens Gate Resort
Nokomis Beach
100 Casey Key Road
Nokomis, FL 34275
Sarasota County’s oldest public beach beckons with its clear blue waters and 14 miles of white sand.
Why do I recommend this beach?
Nokomis Beach is a godsend for surfers. With its constant surf, the beach is considered the best surf spot on the state’s west coast. In addition, the beach offers plenty of other activities, such as hunting for shark teeth, fishing, and swimming.
What do I advise you on this beach?
Try to visit the beach on a Saturday or Wednesday night to attend a cultural event. Hosted by the Nokomis Beach Drum Circle, this hour-long, family-friendly event allows spectators to sway and dance to their hypnotic drum beats.
Recommended hotel nearby: Home2 Suites By Hilton Nokomis
Venice Municipal Beach
101 The Esplanade N
Venice, FL 34275
Managed by Sarasota County, this Blue Wave-certified beach will captivate you in many ways.
Why do I recommend this beach?
Venice Municipal Beach attracts scores of beachgoers looking for shark teeth and fossils. In addition, it is a favorite place for divers who want to venture into its flourishing coral reef. There is also a picnic area, boardwalk, sand volleyball courts, and concessions on this beach.
What do I advise you on this beach?
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If you can’t find parking here, head to the intersection of Apalachicola Road and Barcelona Avenue.
Recommended hotel nearby: Gulf Shores Beach Resort
9. Turtle Beach
8919 Midnight Pass Road
Siesta Key, 34242
Located on Siesta Key, this public beach is known for the sea turtles’ nest on its 600-meter-long shoreline.
Why do I recommend this beach?
Turtle Beach is much more than its beautiful nesting residents. You can spend the whole day swimming, lounging, and kayaking in the nearby natural wetlands and lagoon at this beach. Not to mention that the beach has a boardwalk, a playground, and horseshoe tracks.
What do I advise you on this beach?
Pitch up a tent and sleep under a million stars at the popular campsite on this beach. The campground has shelters, picnic tables, showers, and public restrooms.
Recommended hotel nearby: Turtle Beach Resort
South Lido Park Beach
2201 Ben Franklin Dr, Lido Key
Sarasota, FL 34236
(941) 861-5000
Nestled on the southern tip of Lido Key, this 100-acre park offers an exceptional beach getaway.
Why do I recommend this beach?
No list of the best beaches in Sarasota, FL, is complete without this beachfront haven. With a laid-back vibe and white-sand shoreline, this park will satisfy your beach cravings. With warm, clear waters, it’s also the best swimming beach in Sarasota.
Additionally, the park is packed with amenities such as a playground, shaded picnic spots, barbecue grills, nature trails, and an observation deck.
What do I advise you on this beach?
Avoid the “Great Step,” a water channel in the northwest area, when bathing in this park. The currents are strong on this side, and even experienced swimmers will have a hard time here.
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