A Best-of Award for Every Sarasota County Beach

With nearly 40 miles of shoreline, Sarasota County is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, each with unique characteristics. Depending on what you want to do—from building sandcastles to surfing to shopping and more—you'll want to choose your beach wisely. 

Here’s a list of local beach “awards” to help give you an idea of where to start your vacation.

Most Relaxing Beach: Longboat Key

While all of our beaches can be relaxing, Longboat Key is one of the least crowded due to its limited public access.  The 11 access areas, indicated by “Public Beach Access” signs, are just a short walk to stunning Gulf views. There are a few small parking areas along or across from the public beach entrances, like Whitney Beach at the north end, but most hotels and rentals have designated their slices of sand for their guests.

Keep in mind that Longboat Key beaches have no lifeguards or public facilities, but you'll find a few local coffee shops, an ice-cream shop, a grocery store and a handful of restaurants on the bayside for refreshments. 

Best Beach for All-Day Fun: Siesta Beach

Ranked the No. 1 Beach in the U.S. multiple years running by TripAdvisor’s Traveler’s Choice Awards™, Siesta Beach's powdery crystal-quartz sand will have you falling in love in just a few footsteps. Thanks to a massive revamp in recent years, visitors have access to hundreds of free parking spots, washrooms and concession stands offering refreshments at the public beach, plus equipment rentals and toys for the kids. For even more leisure and action-packed entertainment, there are multiple beach volleyball nets, barbecue grills, a sandcastle-shaped playground, lounge areas, a weekly Drum Circle and a rotating list of pop-up vendors (think hair braiding, frozen treats, jewelry and more).

Siesta Beach is also where you'll find the most access to water sports operators, including parasailing, skimboarding, Jet Skiing and powerboat rentals. With the free Siesta Key Breeze Trolley to get around the island and fun nearby in Siesta Key Village, you can plan your whole trip around this gorgeous key without getting bored. 

Most Connected Beach: Lido Beach

If you want to try several things in one day, Lido Beach is the place to go. You can visit the beach, grab a bite to eat, shop for a bit, go on an e-bike tour, stroll through art galleries, even go for a spa treatment—all within the same pedestrian-friendly area. Lido Key's main public beach is within walking distance of St. Armands Circle, Sarasota’s own mini Rodeo Drive. Throughout the year, you can find festivals, car shows and holiday-themed events hosted right on the Circle. 

On the beach itself, enjoy plenty of free parking, a concession stand with refreshments and washrooms, and lifeguards on duty. Lido Beach is especially great for sifting through mounds of seashells or watching the surfers catch small waves on a windy Gulf day. 

Best Beach for Kids: Caspersen and Venice Beaches

Shark-tooth hunting is the main attraction at Caspersen Beach and Venice Beach. Venice is known as the "Shark Tooth Capital of the World," and aficionados flock to these beaches to find fossilized teeth that have been washing ashore for thousands of years. Bring a sand sifter (or rent one nearby), arrive early and wear comfy sandals, as some parts of Caspersen are rocky. Once the kids get their fill of shark-tooth hunting, they can run around on the nearby playground.

For more family fun, the Venice Fishing Pier stretches 700 feet and offers a panoramic view to spot a mix of native species, like seabirds, schools of fish, rays and manatees. The best part is that anyone can fish from the pier for free and without a fishing license. Need supplies? Papa’s Bait & Snack Shop is located in the middle of the pier and offers rentals for rods and sand sifters.

Best Beach for Paddling: South Lido Beach

Not far from the main public entrance at Lido Beach is South Lido Beach, tucked away and offering equally spectacular views with a quieter vibe. On one side, you have the park overlooking Sarasota Bay and offering plenty of room to swim, kayak, canoe or paddleboard. Local operators are nearby for either equipment rentals or guided tours.

The other side of the park provides a wide beach with magnificent Gulf views and plenty of space to spread out or take a long walk in the powdery sand. Ted Sperling Nature Park and its famous mangrove tunnels make a memorable route off the shoreline—cherished by those fond of paddling to spot wildlife such as turtles, crabs, manatees, dolphins, various wading birds (herons, egrets, ospreys) and small fish species that inhabit the seagrass beds. 

Best Beach for Dogs: Brohard Paw Park

A touch off Venice Beach is Brohard Paw Park, which stands out as the Gulf Coast’s ultimate dog-friendly beach, as it’s designed specifically with pups (and their humans) in mind. This sandy stretch offers leash-free play in designated areas, gentle Gulf waters perfect for splashing and practical perks like dog showers, drinking fountains, waste stations and shaded seating.

With plenty of room to roam and a welcoming, social vibe among fellow dog lovers, it’s less of a quick walk and more of a full-on beach day where muddy paws and wagging tails are not just allowed—they’re the whole point.

Quietest Old-Florida Escape: Manasota Beach

If you’re craving a beach day that feels wonderfully unplugged, Manasota Key's public beach is your spot. Known for its laid-back, less-developed shoreline, Manasota Beach is ideal for visitors seeking space to spread out, hunt for shells, sunbathe and soak in a more natural Gulf Coast vibe. The mix of soft sand, coastal vegetation and peaceful stretches of shoreline makes it perfect for sunset walks, low-key picnics and anyone who prefers tranquil scenery over crowds and concessions.

Best Beach for Pictures: Any Beach in the Sarasota Area

Whether you’re looking for a location to take your next family photo or capture a stunning sunset for socials, our beaches are primed and ready. 

Siesta and Lido beaches are known for their iconic colorful lifeguard stands that are sure to brighten up your feed. Venice Fishing Pier (especially underneath) can make for Insta-worthy shots. For family photos, the sand dunes of Turtle Beach, the jetties of Nokomis Beach or the coastal forestry of Blind Pass Beach Park make for picturesque backdrops—just be careful not to stand too close to environmentally protected areas. And sunset pictures are gorgeous along any of our Gulf Coast beaches.

As you explore our coastline, be sure to check out the Sarasota Beach Pass to find area beaches and earn prizes!