Sarasota, located on Florida’s Gulf Coast, is a beach lover’s paradise. I hadn’t been to Sarasota beaches since I was a kid, so I was excited to go back and see all the development in this region. From the upscale elegance of Longboat Key to the St Armands circle on Lido Key, to the family-friendly vibes of Siesta Key, these barrier islands have grown into their own local culture and blend to make this a unique community that has something for everyone.
Longboat Key: Exclusivity
Longboat Key is the northernmost of Sarasota’s barrier islands, known for its luxurious resorts, quiet beaches, and sophisticated atmosphere. The vibe here is exclusivity, and it’s where you’ll find upscale dining, private homes, and a more exclusive feel compared to other Sarasota beaches.
Longboat Key has a tight-knit, residential community with a focus on leisure and culture. It is very difficult to get to the beachfront if you are not living or staying in one of the homes or resorts. This is nice for residents and guests along this stretch to have more private beaches and secluded ambiance, but not ideal for those of us looking to explore the beaches via public access. I think the idea is that there are plenty of opportunities at Lido and Siesta Keys, that this area represents a more privacy away from the crowds.
When you do get to the beach, the sand and shoreline is pristine with soft white sand stretching for miles and miles with very few people. It makes for a peaceful, relaxing walk.
Lido Key: A Balance of Beach and City
Lido Key offers the opposite vibe from Longboat Key. Located just west of downtown Sarasota, it’s a mix of laid-back public beaches and urban convenience. As you enter the key, you drive right into St. Armands Circle, a hub of shopping, dining, and art galleries. This it literally a circle with a park in the middle where arts festivals and events are held. You can park here and enjoy the shopping and dining, and then take a short short walk to the beach, or drive past the circle and park directly at the beach!
The community here feels vibrant and welcoming, attracting both locals and visitors who want to experience the Sarasota lifestyle. I love the uniqueness in this spot and the vibe of Sarasota’s cultural scene.
Lido Beach
When you get to Lido Beach, you better have your sunglasses, because this sand is pure white with wide stretches of sand. It is absolutely glorious to walk in so kick off your shoes and enjoy the sand in your toes.
You can park almost anywhere along the stretch of Lido Beach, but one of my favorite spots is at South Lido Park. This park at the southern tip of Lido Key offers amenities with shaded trails, picnic areas, and access to the serene waters of Big Pass. It is one of my all time favorite spots to start a walk on the beach. Park here and walk over to the Big Pass side, then walk around the tip to the beach side. It is just spectacular!
Siesta Key: Family-Friendly and Iconic
Siesta Key, just south of Lido Key, is perhaps the most famous of the Sarasota beaches, and for good reason. It’s home to Siesta Beach, which has been named the #1 beach in the U.S. multiple times. The laid-back, island vibe of Siesta Key is perfect for families, beachgoers, and anyone looking for a lively yet relaxed atmosphere.
The downside? It’s often crowded and can take sitting an hour in traffic to get there. The upside? Siesta Key has a thriving local community that caters to both residents and visitors with Siesta Key Village and a fun, beach-town vibe. The community is incredibly friendly, and it’s easy to strike up a conversation with fellow beach lovers or locals who are passionate about their island or their visit.
Siesta Beach
The sand on Siesta Beach is made of 99% pure quartz, which means it stays cool underfoot even on the hottest days. The sand is so fine it feels like powdered sugar between your toes. Siesta Beach is wide and spacious, with shallow waters that are perfect for going for a swim. There’s always alot of activity here and plenty to do with events happening all year long.
There are just a few spots to access the beach. When my daughter and I went here the first time, there was an event happening and we were stuck in traffic that wasn’t moving, so we parked at the south end and figured we’d walk along the beach. The problem was, there were no public access points for over a mile! So be sure you can get to the beach when you park so you can enjoy the shoreline on your walk.
Crescent Beach
As you head further south on Siesta Key, you break away from the crowds towards the middle section of the key. Much of this stretch is residential, until you reach Crescent Beach, and this is part of what sets it apart. Its serene, more private atmosphere is a favorite spot for both locals and visitors who want to avoid the larger crowds but still enjoy the famous powdery white sand that Siesta Key is known for. The beach stretches along a crescent-shaped coastline, which gives it a more intimate, secluded feel.
The sand at Crescent Beach is the same stunning white quartz that you’ll find on Siesta Beach, cool to the touch and incredibly soft. The water here is typically calm and shallow, making it perfect for walking along the water’s edge. One of the coolest features of Crescent Beach is Point of Rocks, located on the southern end. This area is a rocky limestone formation extending into the Gulf of Mexico, making it an incredible spot for snorkeling. I didn’t have my goggles, but I did enjoy wading in the water here.
Turtle Beach
Just south of Crescent Beach is Turtle Beach was so named in that it is a prime nesting spot for sea turtles. The area is a haven for those who enjoy quieter, less developed shores, and it feels like a step back into Old Florida with its unspoiled landscape.
The most notable thing when you walk onto the beach at Turtle Beach is the difference in the sand. Unlike the sugary-soft sand at Siesta and Crescent Beaches, Turtle Beach has coarser, darker sand, mixed with tiny shells. It is the start of the dark sand beaches of Venice Beach. I absolutely love this spot for taking a long walk in the sand on this less groomed, less crowded shore. But note, it is a harder walk because the beachfront here is narrow and the shoreline gets deeper faster so you can’t walk too far out into the water without swimming! I’d recommend keeping on your water shoes and walking in the shallow waters along the shore. This spot is a lesser known treasure trove for beachcombers looking for seashells and marine artifacts.
