SARASOTA BEACHES & BARRIER ISLANDS Venice Beach 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 popular beach for turtles to nest and lay their eggs. Enjoy relaxing views of the Gulf of Mexico, smaller crowds and a laid-back vibe at this relaxing destination. For easier parking, head to Bayfront Park Recreation Center or nearby Whitney Beach . with lifeguards on duty, parking and a public pavilion with a cafe and bathrooms, is great to post up for the whole day. For those looking to paddle the mangrove tunnels or grill out on the barbecues, South Lido Beach Park delights. Siesta Key The eight-mile island is accessible by two bridges from the mainland and composed of three beaches. Families and sunbathers alike will hit up Siesta Beach —widely regarded as one of the best beaches in the world and 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. Further south, Crescent Beach and Turtle Beach reveal their own charming personality, recreational options and Gulf Coast beauty. Lido Key The key received its name when John Ringling, a fan of Italian culture, referred to its three white-sand beaches by using the Italian word “lido,” which means “beach.” North Lido offers fewer crowds, hiking trails and an unspoiled shoreline while the main Lido Beach —replete 4 O cial Visitors Guide of Sarasota County ®
The Official Visitors Guide of Sarasota County® 2025: Page 4
