Sarasota, Florida, is full of fun outdoor activities, but you simply can’t visit the Sunshine State without spending some time on the beach! When you’re staying in Sarasota or nearby Siesta Key, there are plenty of shorelines to choose from.
We’ve got your ultimate guide for the best Sarasota beaches, as well as where to park and where to stay while you’re in town.
Beaches
Longboat Key
Longboat Key has over 12 miles of shoreline for you to discover and is the northernmost island along the coast of Sarasota. You’ll often find beachgoers enjoying the unmatched views of the Gulf of Mexico and indulging in a slower-paced way of life. Longboat Key tends to be much less crowded than the area’s other islands, and during the summer, you and the other lucky few on the island can watch the turtles come in to lay their eggs!
Lido Key
Lido Key is located between Siesta Key and Longboat Key. This island actually has three separate beaches for you to explore: South Lido, Lido Beach, and North Lido. The word “lido” actually translates to “beach” in Italian, and John Ringling gave this island its iconic name. This spot is where you’ll find upscale crowds looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life.
Siesta Key
Siesta Key is home to Turtle Beach, Crescent Beach, and, of course, Siesta Beach. You can reach these Siesta Key beaches from two bridges connecting the island to the mainland.
This final spot has long been considered one of the best beaches in the entire world and has recently been rated #1 by Trip Advisor, so you have to spend an afternoon on its shores!
Manasota Key
Manasota Key offers visitors four stunning beaches to check out: Stump Pass, Englewood, Blind Pass, and Manasota. Blind Pass is by far the biggest at more than 60 acres wide. Manasota Beach is ideal for those who love nature, while Englewood is a good bet for those who want to get into sports. If you’re interested in animals, make a trip to Stump Pass to see the local wildlife.
Venice Beach
Venice boasts an incredible beach that’s virtually untouched at Caspersen Beach. Many people come here to hike or bird watch! You can also visit Venice Beach and stand in awe of the colorful surroundings while you enjoy a delicious lunch in the shaded pavilion.
Casey Key
Casey Key is Sarasota’s oldest public beach and still remains one of the most popular beaches in Sarasota. You can head to the southern end of the beach for all the amenities you’d want, like on-duty lifeguards, concession stands, and picnic areas. There’s plenty of room for everyone throughout the 18-acre park.
Plan Your Next Visit
We’ve got the ideal rentals for families of any size, so you can totally personalize your vacation. Contact us today to learn more about our Siesta Key vacation properties!
Parking
Any of these beaches have nearby parking for guests to take advantage of. For instance, the Siesta Key Public Beach has 976 spaces in its parking lot! You can reach this particular beach through several different access points, so you should always be able to find a spot.
If you’re worried about the parking situation and would simply rather not deal with it, why not hop on the free Siesta Key Trolley? It’s an easy way to reach the shoreline and not have to worry about finding a parking spot or remembering where you left your car at the end of the day.
Where to Stay
The beaches surrounding Sarasota are all incredible, but after a long day of soaking up the sun, you’ll just want a place to relax and get ready for the evening. Since Siesta Key is regarded as having some of the world’s best beaches, it makes sense to stay as close as possible to the beach in one of our Beachview Condo Rentals in Siesta Key.
