The Keys - Barrier Islands
- Bird Key
- Casey Key
- Lido Key
- Longboat Key
- Manasota Key
- Siesta Key
- St. Armands Key
Mainland Sarasota
- Cherokee Park
- Downtown
- Harbor Acres
- Lakewood Ranch
- McClellan Park
- Museum Area
- Southpointe Shores
Siesta Key
There is nothing like early morning in Sarasota. Begin your day by devouring a sumptuous breakfast al fresco at one of the restaurants on Siesta Key. Sample the fresh brewed coffee, Norwegian smoked salmon, bagels and crab cakes Benedict from a seemingly infinite menu of creative egg dishes, pancakes and more.
If you have shopping on your mind, Siesta Village is the quintessential beach community: quaint and laid back. If you peek past the thick clusters of palms and sea grapes along the roads, you might glimpse one of many waterfront mansions, where some of the Sarasota’s rich and famous live and play. Yet, despite abounding affluence, locals navigate by bicycle, and flip-flops, T-shirts and cutoffs are de rigueur. Casual outdoor cafés dot the streets amid beach boutiques, art galleries, salons, ice cream parlors and gift
shops.
Picnic areas, concession stands, lifeguards, a playground, trails, tennis and volleyball courts make Siesta Public Beach a family favorite, but its the expanse of floury sand that truly sets it apart; the beaches here are known as the worlds finest and whitest. Unlike beaches elsewhere that are made up of coral, quartz and shell fragments, Siesta's sand is 99% quartz. Even on the hottest days, it is so reflective that it feels cool under foot.
Lido Key
St. Armand's Circle is the place for some serious, sophisticated shopping . The European-flavored complex is world-renowned for its collection of upscale clothing and jewelry stores, art galleries and array of fine eateries. A venue for concerts, contests, art shows and festivals, it seems there is always a celebration underway.
Off-season finds fewer events but fabulous sales. Unique boutiques with catchy names are no less tempting than the homemade fudge at Kelwin's Chocolates, a St. Armand's institution.
The Circle is a charming synthesis of past and present, with lush tropical plantings, courtyards and patios, antique Italian statuary and contemporary architecture, all contributing to an international atmosphere of warmth and elegance. Fringed by lovely Lido Key, St. Armand's is one of the reasons we adore Sarasota; Lido is a favorite spot to watch a sunset. If outdoor dinning is your preference try a leisurely dinner at one of the many outstanding restraints located at St. Armand's.
Anna Maria Island
This quiet island is a beach goers’ retreat. A number of beach front parks offer all you will need for your next vacation. Anna Maria Bayfront Park features more than 1,000 feet of sandy beach that overlooks the waters of Tampa Bay on the northern tip of this quaint island. An abundance of parking, lifeguards, restrooms, showers, picnic shelters and a view of the Sunshine Skyway Bridge make this a family favorite.
Anna Maria Beach is a quiet, undeveloped sandy Gulf beach that offers more than three acres of beautiful views and the soft sound of waves lapping at the shore. It’s a quiet and secluded beach that’s great if you are searching for some privacy.
Holmes Beach
Located at the center of Anna Maria Island, it features a full range of amenities including grills, a playground, showers and a picnic area, as well as, plenty of wide, sandy beach. This is a surfer’s paradise when the waves are high.
North Longboat Key Beach
Longboat Key is for those who prefer seclusion. These pristine beaches are a well-kept secret and public access is at a minimum. Try the undeveloped sandy beach extending from North Shore Road south to the county line, accessible at the ends of residential streets.
Manatee County Beach
Features 900 feet of sandy beach on the Gulf of Mexico. Cortez Beach showcases 140 feet of undeveloped beach. It has free parking, lifeguards on duty, restrooms, picnic tables and showers.
Coquina Beach
Coquina Beach located on the islands southern tip is a popular public beach lined with towering Australian pines. A full-service concession stand, plenty of parking, barbecue pits, picnic facilities, boat ramp, playground, restrooms, showers and lifeguards make this beach a popular.
Beer Can Island Beach
This is a secluded peninsula at the northern tip of Longboat Key. Its 2,000 feet of sandy beach are excellent for shelling. It is best to come by boat or walk to the island at low tide.
North Lido Beach
North Lido Beach is a gorgeous half-mile stretch of golden beach floating on the Gulf of Mexico. This beach is popular for sunbathing and quiet reading.
Lido Beach
Located mid-island on Lido Key, this beach is only minutes from St. Armand's Circle, a popular shopping and dining district. The facilities here are outstanding, including showers, lockers, dressing rooms, concession stand, public meeting rooms, a beachwear/souvenir boutique and playground.
South Lido Park
This park, located on the southern tip of Lido Key, is well shaded by Australian pines. The 100-acre park is surrounded by four bodies of water the Gulf of Mexico, Sarasota Bay, Big Pass and Brushy Bayou. Its a great place to grill-out and chill-out. South Lido is a popular spot for boaters and for family outings. Don't miss the nice view of the Sarasota skyline.
Siesta Public Beach
Judges in Great International White Sand Beach Challenge decided in 1987 that Siesta Beach had the "whitest and finest sand in the world" and no one who's ever visited is likely to dispute that claim. The award-winning sand is 99% quartz and is snow-white and feathery-soft.
The area's most popular public beach, this 2,400 feet of beachfront attracts sun worshipers of all ages. Facilities include beach wheelchairs, tennis courts, volleyball nets, concession stand, ball field and fitness trail. Pine trees shade an area for picnicking with grills for cookouts and a playground.
Crescent Beach on Siesta Key
The clear, warm waters along this gently sloping shore make for ideal swimming. The beach is hundreds of yards wide, and its crescent shape only adds to the picturesque quality. The public park features picnic tables, shelters, showers and restrooms.
Turtle Beach
On the southern end of Siesta Key, Turtle Beach has some of the highest beach dunes in the area. The site is perfect for family outings with picnic areas, dune walkovers, a playground and restrooms.
Nokomis Beach
Nokomis Beach is found off Albee Road on Casey Key. Ample parking, lifeguards, picnic tables, grills and bathrooms lead to this wide beach. This family-oriented beach is also popular for fishing; a public boat ramp is conveniently located across the street.
North Jetty Park
Located on the southern tip of Casey Key, the jetties make this one of the most exciting surfing beaches on the west coast of Florida, as well as a great spot to watch boats go in and out to sea. It is a very popular picnicking spot for families and large groups; this is a popular fishing spot.