Siesta Key

Whether novice or expert, there are numerous paddle boarding opportunities in Sarasota County. This leisure activity is a great way to exercise and see Sarasota County’s beautiful coast.

Whether standing up, lying down or kneeling on a board, finding one’s groove in the sport of coastal paddle boarding is an individualistic experience. Lovers of this form of leisure appreciate fresh air, saltwater and wildlife.

If the waves are big enough to surf, wakeboard can be a fun alternative. Learn more about the sport and where to rent and ride wakeboards in Sarasota County.

No matter what your distraction from the shoreline, the Sarasota area has a multitude of activities beyond the beach. 

There's far more to Sarasota than white sandy beaches. Stroll through an art museum where the Venetian-style architecture is as much an art form as the masterpieces within. Gaze upon exotic orchids. Find the perfect gift in one of the most renowned shopping areas in the world. Paddle through lush tropical forests. Listen to a full orchestra ensemble.

If you want top-of-the-line, more-bang-for-your-buck, you may as well go with No. 1.

It's that time of year again—time for family vacations, reunions and weddings. And there's no better place to host a family getaway than the beach. It has something for everyone: natural playgrounds of water and sand, miles of seashells, seafood restaurants galore, surf shops and souvenirs, tiki bars and live music. Thing is, which beach is best?

Enjoy a sampling of upcoming sporting events. See all events here.

There are many reasons why Siesta Key, an eight-mile island minutes south of Sarasota, is a favorite vacation destination for so many people in America and abroad. Here are just three of the most popular reasons to visit:

Hands-on or off, anyone can sail in Sarasota

Sarasota is a sailor's delight. Dolphins leap along side starboard and port, and manatees lumber in our tepid waters; exotic birds nest on mangrove islands and scamper along sandy beaches. Our picturesque gulf, bays and inlets are perfect for dropping anchor, and reveal the secrets of Sarasota’s beauty by sea. There are many ways to explore paradise from this peaceful point of view. From dyed-in-the-wool sailors to babes in the woods, anyone can get on board. 

How to play it safe when you visit Sarasota Couny's various beaches

Sarasota County’s beautiful beaches bring lots of visitors to our shores. To help ensure that you stay safe while having fun in the sun, here are some important rules and recommendations to follow for a restful and relaxing beach day.

Start Smart

Live for the night?

Continuously named one of the best beaches to visit year after year, there isn't a better place to go than the white sands of Siesta Beach for spring break.

Spring break is the perfect time to escape the snowy cold and embrace the warm southern sun – and not much beats the crystal-quartz sand, which – get this – was carried down by ancient rivers from the Appalachian Mountains over millions of years. The quartz flowed down to west coast Florida and over time, the sand accumulated on the shores of Siesta Key.