Sarasota Florida Beaches

With more than 35 miles of beaches, Sarasota, Florida is home to some of the finest beaches in the world. Including the most famous, Siesta Key Beach, Sarasota's beaches offer everything from snorkeling to fishing to surfing. Whether you are looking for the privacy of Caspersen Beach in Venice, Florida or the finest and whitest sand in the world on Siesta Beach, you will not be disappointed with the waterfront recreation in Sarasota.

Sarasota's most popular beach is Siesta Beach. Known as having the finest and whitest sand in the world, the public beach's number of recreation amenities and the natural shallow water depth makes it a great spot for families and young children. The bright white color, (99% pure quartz), of the sand means it is always cool underfoot no matter how hot and sunny it is. It could be mistaken for baking flour. For more on Siesta Key Beach and Turtle Beach, also located on Siesta Key, visit siesta-key.net

Just to the north of Siesta Key and across Big Pass is Lido Key and several popular beaches. South Lido lies on the north side of Big Pass and is a popular boating and fishing spot. Adjacent to South Lido Park are several condominiums and hotels including the Ritz Carlton Beach Club, the Helmsley and the Lido Beach Resort.
As you go north along the Gulf of Mexico you come to the main public beach where you will find a large public swimming pool and Lido Beach. Just off Lido in the Gulf of Mexico is the site of the annual Suncoast Offshore Grand Prix boat race. For more on Lido Key beaches visit lidokey.net

Turning back to the south in Sarasota County are the towns of Osprey and Nokomis. Adjoining Siesta Key, since the closing of Midnight Pass, is Casey Key. While most of Casey Key's beaches are not accessible to the public, at the southern tip of Casey Key are Nokomis Beach and North Jetty Park. Nokomis Beach is known across Florida as the spot for surfers every time there is a large storm in the Gulf of Mexico. The north and south jetties, (pictured above), are popular fishing spots as they jut out into the Gulf of Mexico. For more on Nokomis Beach and North Jetty Park, visit ospreyfla.com

Just to the south of Osprey and Nokomis, FL is the City of Venice, Florida. Venice has several beaches to enjoy, including Brohard Park, which is the only beach that allows dogs. Also on Venice Island is South Jetty Park, (visible in the aerial view above), and Caspersen Beach alongside the Venice Fishing Pier, (pictured to the right), known as the spot to collect fossilized sharks teeth. For more on Venice, Florida beaches visit onveniceisland.com