My Favorite Beaches in Sarasota/Manatee County
We have so many options when it comes to visiting the beach for the day. Siesta Key, Longboat Key, Anna Maria Island, Venice Beaches, and Manasota Key. It’s actually a really great problem to have - an unlimited amount of beaches within reach. On today’s blog, i’m talking about my go-to beaches for a day in the sun.
Turtle Beach, Siesta Key
Turtle Beach is located on the southern end of Siesta Key and this is one of my go-to spots for a full beach day. This beach is known for the large number of sea turtles that nest along the shore and has roughly 2,600 feet of public beach front. It’s also great for camping & picnics. In addition to all of this, this beach offers two boat ramps with trailer parking. This is one of my favorite beaches on Siesta Key because it’s less crowded than the main beach and features some of the tallest sand dunes in the area. Parking is generally easier than the main beaches on Siesta, they offer bathrooms and showers, and have two waterfront restaurants directly across from the beach.
Whitney Beach, Longboat Key
Whitney Beach is located at the Northern end of Longboat Key and is one of my favorite beaches to visit if I need a day to myself. It’s a little bit of a drive if you live in Sarasota but it’s totally worth it. Whitney Beach is less than 11 miles long and there are only a few public access points with limited parking, so get there early or go during the week. This is one of my favorite spots because it’s quite relaxing and not busy, the sand is super white and the water is a turquoise blue and very calm. There are no restrooms on this beach so be prepared for that. I usually park at the public access on Broadway and am always breathtaking as I enter the beach. I always stop by Whitney’s after a few hours on the beach for lunch which is directly across the street from Broadway parking.
Lido Beach, Sarasota
Lido Beach is an infamous Sarasota landmark. It’s the closest beach to Downtown Sarasota and is located just west of the Ringling Bridge, right off of St. Armand’s Circle. I go here when I have family in town, want to spend a few hours in the sun, or want a beach with concessions. Parking can be tricky so you have to get here early, especially on weekends and during peak season but this beach is totally worth it. Lido beach has all of the amenities you could need including restrooms, a full service bar and restaurant, lifeguards, and a pool. This is a great beach to enjoy the sunshine and gulf.
Brohard Paw Park, Venice
This beach is for dog parents or people that enjoy dogs because it’s a beach dedicated to our four legged friends. Located in Venice, Florida, about 20-25 minutes south of Downtown Sarasota, this is a great beach to spend the day with your doggo while enjoying the sun and gulf. The beach itself is absolutely stunning with white sand and gorgeous greenish blue water and it’s packed with many breeds and sized of dogs. What’s unique is it’s completely off-leash so your dog can frolic the beach and swim in the water and run with friends. There is plenty of parking, restrooms, and a dog wash near the parking lot so you can wash your dog before leaving for the day. The sand does get hot during peak hours of the day, so be sure to go in the morning or evening if it’s warmer outside to protect your dogs paw pads.
