Visitors Guide Source 2026 - The Official 2026 Visitors Guide of Sarasota County®
The Keys are Calling
2025-12-13 06:41:10
37 MILES OF COASTLINE, ONE HAPPY PLACE
Ride in the gentle, turquoise waves at family-fun beach parks. Sunbathe and unwind on tranquil beaches made of powdery-white sand. Unearth shiny seashells and sharks’ teeth along the shore—each Sarasota key has its own energy and rhythm. Follow the call of the coast to find your perfect patch of paradise.
Longboat Key
This is the northernmost and longest island along Sarasota’s coast, boasting 12 miles of pristine shoreline. During the summer season, Longboat Key is a wellknown beach for turtles to nest and lay their eggs. Enjoy relaxing views of the Gulf, smaller crowds and a laid-back vibe at this relaxing destination. For easier parking, head to Bayfront Park Recreation Center or nearby Whitney Beach.
Lido Key
As one of Sarasota’s most interesting and varied waterfront locations, explore three different beaches here. North Lido offers fewer crowds, hiking trails and an unspoiled shoreline, while the mainLido Beach—replete with lifeguards on duty, parking and a public pavilion—is great to settle in for the whole day. For those looking to paddle the mangrove tunnels or grill out on barbecues, South Lido Beach Park delights.
Siesta Key
The 8-mile island is accessible by two bridges from the mainland and composed of three beaches. Families and big groups will hit up Siesta Beach—annually ranked in TripAdvisor’s Top Beaches in the U.S.—complete with a public pavilion, plenty of parking, volleyball nets and colorful lifeguard stands. Farther south, Crescent Beach and Turtle Beach offer camping, snorkeling and fewer crowds.
Casey Key
Nokomis Beach is our oldest public beach and is a popular spot for shelling, boogie boarding and surfing. The south end of Casey Key, North Jetty Beach, is great for spotting dolphins, manatees and pelicans cruising through the inlet. Picnic areas, concession stands, fishing opportunities and on-duty lifeguards attract families to this 18-acre park year-round.
Venice
With a bustling fishing pier, public pavilion and a relaxed island lifestyle, Venice Beach remains a popular spot to settle in for the entire day. Caspersen Beach is one of the longest stretches of beach still in its natural state and is world-renowned for unearthing sharks teeth on and offshore. Farther south is Sarasota County’s only dog-friendly beach, Brohard Paw Park, where leashes aren’t necessary and pups run free.
Manasota Key
Our southernmost key offers four beaches—Manasota, Blind Pass Beach, Englewood Beach and Stump Pass Beach State Park—and attracts nature lovers and beachgoers alike. From sand dunes and mangroves to driftwood forests and picnic tables, Manasota Key is great for those looking to escape the crowds, explore tucked-away sections of shoreline, and admire Florida flora and fauna.
Dive more into area beaches
©Visit Sarasota. View All Articles.