10 Best Beaches in Sarasota, Florida

Many travelers enjoy exploring Sarasota, Florida and the surrounding waters of the Gulf of Mexico. This area of Southwest Florida offers beautiful beaches and six barrier islands. In addition, there are five keys in Sarasota, including Lido Key, Longboat Key, Anna Maria Island, Siesta Key, and Casey Key. Boating in the area offers easy access to local keys, spoil islands, and beaches to enjoy sun, sand, and water.

Start your adventure at these 10 top beaches in and around Sarasota, FL:

1. South Venice Lemon Bay Preserve
2. Manasota Scrub Preserve
3. T. Mabry Carlton, Jr. Memorial Reserve
4. Scherer Thaxton Preserve
5. Myakkahatchee Creek Environmental Park
6. Siesta Key Beach
7. Lido Beach
8. Nokomis Beach
9. Caspersen Beach
10. Manasota Beach

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Does Sarasota Have White Sand?

There are more than 35 miles of beach in Sarasota, offering beautiful views of the Gulf of Mexico. The beaches in this area of Southwest Florida offer some of the finest and whitest sands in the world. The picturesque view of this area during the daytime is fabulous, but the red, orange, and yellow colors glow over the white sands when the sun sets. 

Does Sarasota Have a Boardwalk?

The nearest boardwalk to Sarasota is at Johns Pass Boardwalk and Village, a short boat ride from the area. Johns Pass is a treat and worth the excursion from Sarasota.

 This old fishing village is home to many unique restaurants, shops, and entertainment venues, perfect for a day of exploring and then getting back out on the water or hanging out at the nearby sandbar. Plus, at night, the sunsets from the area are breathtaking.

Quiet Beaches in Sarasota

Sarasota is home to many quiet secluded beaches, offering opportunities to experience nature, relaxation, and beach time without the heavy crowds.

• The South Venice Lemon Bay Preserve is not very popular among beachgoers, which offers a secluded setting to enjoy the beach life and see wildlife, such as bald eagles and gopher tortoises.
• Another great beach to enjoy that is not overrun with tourists is near Manasota Scrub Preserve, which offers 179 acres of scrub habitat, pine Flatwoods, soft beachy sands, and seasonal wetlands.
• The next quietest beach in the Sarasota area is the T. Mabry Carlton, Jr. Memorial Reserve, which offers more than just a beach experience. This reserve is home to hiking trails, backcountry trails, horseback riding, and oak hammocks.
• Other quiet beaches in the Sarasota area accessible by boat include Scherer Thaxton Preserve, Myakkahatchee Creek Environmental Park, and Venice Urban Forest.
• Finally, the beaches found on Sarasota’s Siesta Key and Venice Island provide a quiet beachside experience.

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Best Family Beaches in Sarasota, Florida

Sarasota is a popular family vacation destination, offering many family-friendly attractions, restaurants, shops, and beaches. Spend the day having fun in the sun and digging your toes in the sand with your family at one of the many local family-friendly beaches.

• Siesta Key Beach is one of the most popular beaches families love to visit and explore in the Sarasota area. This beach was named the Best in the U.S. in 2020 by TripAdvisor Traveler’s Choice Awards. Visiting Siesta Key gives you and your family access to a powdery white sandy beach with a year-round lifeguard and concessions.
• Lido Beach comes in a close second to Siesta Key Beach when it comes to the best beaches for families. This beach has year-round lifeguards, clean restrooms, and a snack bar. Kids love playing in the sand at Lido Beach while their parents sit back, relax, and enjoy the Florida sunshine.
• Nokomis Beach is nestled further south on Casey Key, offering families a beautiful, quiet beach with a playground, lifeguards, and picnic areas.
• Finally, Caspersen Beach and Manasota Beach offer families beautiful beaches perfect for shelling and shark-tooth hunting. However, these beaches do not have the bells and whistles expected of a family beach, but it does offer a quiet place to toss a Frisbee, build a sandcastle, or relax in the sand.

Explore Boat Rentals in Sarasota, FL

Exploring Sarasota with your friends and family has never been easier than with a Boatsetter boat rental. Rent local sailboats, pontoons, fishing boats, yachts, catamarans, and many other boat types!

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