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How to Get from the Braves to the Beach

In town for an Atlanta Braves spring training game or another event at CoolToday Park? You’ll want to make time to visit Sarasota’s famous beaches during your stay.

When you’re looking for some sun and surf after an exciting spring training game, here’s how to maximize your afternoon by cruising straight to one of Sarasota County's six keys from CoolToday Park in North Port.

cooltoday park in north port florida

 

Whether you're looking for a secluded spot to catch a Gulf Coast sunset or a popular access for swimming and shelling, this should help you choose the right beach for your interests and time – with barrier island beaches ranging from 20 minutes to an hour from the stadium. 

Manasota Key Beaches

Just 10 miles away from CoolToday Park via U.S. 41 and S.R. 776, Manasota Beach is your closest option to get those toes in the sand. Located on Manasota Key, it’s a beautiful and understated spot for shelling, birding, sunbathing and beachside grilling near four concrete picnic shelters. Start up a game on the volleyball court or rent paddleboards for the afternoon and set off from the canoe and kayak launch. Find plenty of parking, showers and newly renovated restrooms. 

 

Venice Beaches

Located on the island of Venice, these popular beaches are about 12 miles away from the ballpark. Head north on U.S. 41, then travel over the Circus Bridge on Business 41.

 

At the western end of Venice Avenue, enjoy an afternoon shelling and shark tooth hunting at Venice Beach. Find tiny, fossilized treasures that make this area known as the “Shark Tooth Capital of the World.” There’s also a playground and canoe/kayak launch on the Intracoastal side of the site, where folks can also connect to Venetian Waterway Park’s paved walking and biking trail. Throughout the day you’ll find plenty of activity on its wide stretch of sand, from free morning and sunset yoga classes to surfing at the South Jetty. There’s a snack bar tucked under its 1960s-era pavilion, where you might also find local musicians playing some tunes.

At the more southern end of the island, find Brohard Beach & Paw Park, conveniently located near the Venice Fishing Pier to cast a line and Sharky’s on the Pier, a fun spot for a waterfront lunch or cocktail. Its Paw Park is the only beach in Sarasota County where folks can bring their four-legged friends along for a doggie day at the beach. Although you may not have had your dog at the ballpark for the game with you, it's still a fun place to come and watch other dogs play and run free. 

brohard dog beach in venice fl

Casey Key & Nokomis Beaches

Keep heading north on U.S. 41, then head towards the coastline to sight-see the luxury Florida mansions tucked away on Casey Key via Albee Road. While most of these beaches are private, it's still a scenic detour through beautiful neighborhoods on your way to the area beaches.

 

Further north on Casey Key is the popular Nokomis Beach, about 15 miles from CoolTody Park. There’s lots of room on the sand here for sunbathing, sandcastle sculpting and volleyball. If you take a walk north along the shoreline, you can admire some of the waterfront mansions that have been built along the barrier island. Utilize the canoe launch for an afternoon paddle, play volleyball or fish off the Venice Inlet pier. You can also post up to watch the sunset or Gulf Coast surfing from the picnic tables with snacks.

Siesta Key Beaches

Siesta Key is about 30 miles north of CoolToday Park. Time of year will impact how long it will take you to get out to the Key, which you’ll access via Stickney Point Road off of U.S. 41. If you’re heading up there during high season (a.k.a. the winter months), expect a longer drive.

 

Acclaimed as one of the top beaches in the United States year after year, Siesta Beach is a must-see for most folks visiting Sarasota County. Its powdery white sand stays cool even during the hottest of days, and makes for a nice backdrop on Instagram and other social media sharing. Ample parking spaces, picnic tables, a playground, tennis courts, a public pavilion, and restrooms only enhance the visitor experience.

siesta beach public pavilion

 

Turtle Beach is a lesser-known option on the south end of Siesta Key. Named for its sea turtle nesting habitat, it’s often less crowded and more conducive to kayaking, paddleboarding, and even camping! Find quiet waterfront dining here, such as Ophelia's on the Bay.

Lido Key Beaches

Lido Key in Sarasota gets its name from the Italian word for beach. About 35 miles from the stadium, the beach area at the southern end of the key sits at the confluence of the Gulf of Mexico, Big Sarasota Pass, Sarasota Bay, and Brushy Bayou. 

lido public beach pavilion

 

The main Lido Beach area is in the center of the key and is the closest beach option to Downtown Sarasota, providing large parking lots, restrooms, showers and a newly renovated pavilion. Head to the shaded picnic area of Lido Island Grill for seaside food and drinks. Beachgoers enjoy taking long shoreline walks from the popular South Lido area up to the more remote North Lido.

To get here, all you have to do is head north on U.S. 41 all the way into downtown, then drive over the Ringling Causeway out to Lido Key. The drive will take you through St. Armands Circle, where travelers frequent the walkable circle of boutiques, ice cream shops, and restaurants when they need a break from the sun and salt.

Longboat Key Beaches

Longboat Key offers several public beach access points along this quiet and kept barrier island. The beaches here draw lots of sea turtles during nesting season (May through October) as well as folks looking for a more secluded beach-going experience (which means no lifeguards or public facilities). 

 

It’s the furthest from the stadium, about 40 miles from CoolToday Park, to the southernmost Longboat Key Beach access point, called Whitney's Beach. But that's certainly not to say it's not worth the drive. If you're in no rush, end your day with a meal on the tropical terrace of Lazy Lobster to top off your trip.