Beaches
Sarasota’s fantastic weather makes beach weekends a very popular pass-time. Really, no matter what beach you go to, you can’t go wrong. We’re extremely lucky to have warm waters and clean beaches. Enjoy the relaxing ambiance of Sarasota’s Gulf coast, and don’t forget to submit your favorite spots, too.
Lido Beach
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If you want to visit the beach without the no-man's-land feel of some areas, head over to Lido Beach. It's very close to St. Armand's Circle, so after a long day in the hot sun, you can get a bite to eat or go shopping. Lido Beach boasts lots of facilities, including food, restrooms, and even a gift shop.
Key words: Lido Key, near St. Armand's Circle, facilites, good for families
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Nokomis Beach
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Nokomis is actually south of Sarasota, but it's worthy of mention because it's one of the few places on the Gulf coast that's actually a surfing spot. The jetties around here make it popular to hang ten, even without a hurricane passing through.
Key words: Nokomis, surfing
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Crescent Beach
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Crescent Beach has a nice public park, ideal for families, and the water is deliciously warm here. You'll enjoy plenty of sand room to park your stuff, too. You can even hit the showers before you leave to get rid of all the sand.
Key words: Siesta Key, public park, family friendly
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Palmer Beach
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Palmer is further south from Turtle Beach, and runs the southern tip of Siesta Key to the northern area of Casey Key. Take a nice stroll from Siesta Key to Casey Key, now that Midnight Pass is open. Palmer Beach is a popular boating spot, but there aren't any restrooms or concession stands.
Key words: Siesta Key, Casey Key, boating spot
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Turtle Beach
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Turtle Beach is located on Siesta Key, further south from Siesta Beach. The sand here isn't as fine and white as that of Siesta Beach, but it's fairly popular as a local shelling spot. Turtle Beach is barebones, with no public restrooms or any of that fancy stuff. But it does tend to be quieter than Siesta, making it a nice place to spend a relaxing Sunday.
Key words: Siesta Key, shelling spot, place to take visitors, quiet beach
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Siesta Beach
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Drive along Ocean Blvd. into Siesta Key. You're there. Siesta Key's beaches are a sight to see-- beautiful, pure white sand as fine as baby powder. So fine, it sticks to you and won't let go. Drive slowly along Ocean Blvd. and look for free parking in the small beach access lots along the boulevard. If you're heading there anytime after Memorial Day, you're well advised to get there very early, or else arrive at an odd time when people might be leaving. Siesta also has a nice concession and restroom area (and the restrooms are actually clean). By the way, if you're not a year-round resident, you'll be pleased to know that our Gulf waters are swimable even as early as February or March.
Key words: Siesta Key, local favorite, place to take visitors