The best beaches
Sarasota & Anna Maria

Anna Maria's longest stretch of sand, with a boat launch across Gulf Drive on the Intracoastal side.

Coquina stretches along the south end of Anna Maria Island — the longest run of sand on the island and one of just two county beaches with full amenities, from restrooms and showers to the cafe and pavilions. A boat launch sits directly across Gulf Drive on the Intracoastal side.

Plan it: Pets aren't allowed on the sand. Beach-side parking floods during summer downpours, per the county. Weekday mornings, before afternoon summer storms flood the parking lot.

Sourced: floridadep.gov · mymanatee.org · mustdo.com

Sand so fine and soft Dr. Beach compared it to sugar — twice named America's best beach.

Siesta Beach's sand is nearly pure quartz crystal — soft and fine enough that Dr. Beach compared it to sugar when he ranked it America's best in 2011 and 2017. The crescent shoreline curves past a Sarasota School of Architecture pavilion, with calm, shallow Gulf water for swimming, and it topped Tripadvisor's U.S. list again in 2025.

Plan it: 976 free parking spaces with no time restrictions fill fast on weekends — arrive early. Beach hours run 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Weekday mornings, arriving before 9 a.m. — parking fills fastest on weekends and holidays.

Sourced: visitsarasota.com · sarasotacountyfl.qscend.com · yourobserver.com

Five islands, three miles of Gulf sand, and a fort you can still walk through.

This is 1,136 acres spread across five connected keys, so you get nearly three miles of white Gulf beach plus a mangrove-lined bay side without ever leaving the park. Construction of the fort began in 1898, and a dedicated dog beach means you don't have to choose between the shore and the dog.

Plan it: Parking is $6 per vehicle by mobile app, pay-by-text, or terminal. Gates open at 7 a.m. and close at sunset, so plan around daylight. Weekday mornings beat weekend afternoons, when the causeway and lots fill fast.

Sourced: pinellas.gov · en.wikipedia.org

The north tip of Anna Maria Island: no restrooms, scarce parking, just shorebirds and a clean shot at sunset.

Bean Point sits at the literal north tip of Anna Maria Island, where the sand narrows and the Gulf meets the bay. There's no lot, no restrooms, no snack stand — just a walk in from North Shore Drive, birdwatching that runs from herons and pelicans to spoonbills, and open-water sunset views.

Plan it: No restrooms, no concessions, and only scattered on-street parking — arrive early or expect a walk in from North Shore Drive. Early morning on a weekday, or right before sunset, before parking fills up.

Sourced: floridaculture.wordpress.com · amisland.com

Where Sarasota County surfs: swell wraps the Venice Inlet jetty while boats thread the channel yards away.

This is the county's multi-tool beach: year-round lifeguards, a fishing jetty that produces at tide changes, a bait shop and concession on site, and front-row seats to every boat running between the Intracoastal and the Gulf. When a swell arrives, the jetty shapes some of the only rideable surf on this coast — regulars keep a dedicated surf report on it.

Plan it: Open 6 a.m.–10 p.m. at the south end of Casey Key Road in Nokomis. One of only six Sarasota County beaches with lifeguard towers. Around tide changes — the fishing picks up and inlet boat traffic is steady entertainment.

Sourced: visitsarasota.com · sarasotacountyparks.com · scgov.net · venicejetty.com

Siesta Key's quartz-white sand and clear water, minus the crowds — and the shoreline was rebuilt in May 2026.

Lido shares Siesta Key's pure white quartz sand but sees fewer visitors than its famous neighbor. The shoreline was just rebuilt in a May 2026 renourishment, so the beach is at its widest for summer. Lido Island Grill's walk-up window sits at the pavilion, and about 400 free parking spaces mean you're not circling for a spot.

Plan it: Parking is free along the beach (about 400 spaces) and lifeguards patrol year-round. Lido Island Grill's walk-up window serves 10:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. daily. Summer 2026 — the shoreline was renourished in May, widest and freshest right as the season ramps up.

Sourced: mysuncoast.com · visitflorida.com · sarasotamagazine.com

9.5/10 · 4.8★ · 883 reviews

North-island Anna Maria sand between the piers and Bean Point.

9.5/10 · 4.8★ · 820 reviews

Family-friendly sandy stretch with gentle waves & sunset views, plus cabana rentals & a beach cafe.

Sarasota County's oldest public beach — drum circles at the lifeguard stand every Wednesday and Saturday at sunset.

The county's first public beach still works like a town commons: year-round lifeguards, a boat ramp and kayak launch, shell-thick sand, daily 9 a.m. yoga at the North Jetty, and a drum circle that gathers by the lifeguard stand every Wednesday and Saturday at sunset. Eight hundred reviewers hold it at 4.8 — and show up twice a week to prove it.

Plan it: Free parking fills on weekends and holidays. The shell-heavy sand is rough on bare feet — bring sandals. Lifeguards staff the towers 10 a.m.–4:45 p.m. Wednesday or Saturday, an hour before sunset, for the drum circle.

Sourced: visitflorida.com · scgov.net · floridahealthybeaches.com

Driftwood skeletons, anchored boats, and zero buildings on Longboat Key's walk-in-or-boat-in north tip.

Dead trees and piled driftwood line Longboat Key's north tip — herons and egrets use them as perches while boats anchor just offshore. No restrooms, vendors, or lifeguards; you walk in from the Broadway boardwalk, about 0.8 miles, or arrive by boat. Sea turtles nest in the dunes all summer. Seven hundred reviewers made the trek and call it 4.8.

Plan it: No restrooms or lifeguards. Alcohol and pets are banned on Longboat Key beaches, and beach access closes 11 p.m.–5 a.m. Pack out everything you bring. Weekday mornings — the walk in is cooler and weekend boat traffic hasn't arrived yet.

Sourced: floridabirdingtrail.com · longboatkey.org · floridahealthybeaches.com

The island's most popular beach — lifeguards on duty 365 days a year, free parking, free trolley nearby.

Manatee Public Beach sits at State Road 64 — Manatee Avenue — and Gulf Drive in Holmes Beach, with lifeguards posted 365 days a year and a free lot with ADA spaces right at the sand. A playground, sand volleyball courts, and concessions through the beach cafe mean a full day without leaving.

Plan it: Parking is free but fills fast at the island's most popular beach — beach hours run sunrise to 10 p.m., so arrive early. The free island trolley stops near the island's most popular beaches. Weekday mornings, before the free lot fills — this is the island's most popular beach.

Sourced: mymanatee.org · annamaria.com

Sarasota County's oldest public beach, where drummers play the sun down every Wednesday and Saturday.

The sand runs latte-colored and thick with shells, the water stays clear enough to spot them before you reach down, and a 1950s plaza by Sarasota School architect Jack West anchors the whole scene. Twice a week a drum circle gathers near the lifeguard stand to play the sun down — and a few thousand reviewers back the ritual up.

Plan it: Free parking fills on weekend afternoons. Lifeguards staff the towers year-round, 10 a.m. to 4:45 p.m., and the bottom drops off fairly fast. Wednesday or Saturday, arriving about an hour before sunset for the drum circle.

Sourced: visitsarasota.com · mustdo.com · scgov.net · visitflorida.com