Beaches
Abandon your shoes . . . . and visit our world famous beaches. Perhaps Siesta Key Beach, with its legendary white crystal sands, cool to your feet on the hottest days, or Anna Maria with plenty of public access and that "old Florida" feel. So many choices with something for everyone - pick the beach that fits your personality - from small and intimate to large with extensive amenities. It's all part of the Sarasota lifestyle.
ANNA MARIA ISLAND
Fun and active, with long stretches of public beach access and plenty of dining and live music - Anna Maria is all of these things and more! AMI may have the most public access and public parking of all our barrier islands, but you can also access all of the Manatee beaches via the FREE trolley that travels the length of the island from 6am-10:30pm daily. You'll love the relaxed, vacation lifestyle.
LONGBOAT KEY
Heavily residential, both resort-style condominiums and single family, Longboat Key's lifestyle can be best described as quiet and serene, with a small variety of dining options. Most of the beach access is private, available to guests of the resorts or the local residents. Limited public access to Manatee Beaches and Sarasota beaches is available on the northern two-thirds of the island.
LIDO KEY
Within easy walking or biking distance from the St. Armands Circle lifestyle, Lido Key offers everything from busy multi-faceted beaches to quiet natural, "crowdless" beaches. Largely residential on the east side of the island, the west side boasts several resorts, including the Ritz Carlton Beach Club, all with easy access to downtown Sarasota.
SIESTA KEY
VENICE ISLAND
Siesta Key first became a popular swimming and picnic destination after the first bridge was built from the mainland in 1917. Today Siesta Key is a favorite among Sarasota beaches for people from around the world, featuring restaurants and bars, live music, shops, vacation homes, and of course, phenomenal beaches.
CASEY KEY
VENICE ISLAND
VENICE ISLAND
Heavily residential, driving the length of Casey Key is a fabulous peek into the seaside lifestyle. Many of the properties extend from Little Sarasota Bay and Blackburn Bay across the island to the Gulf of Mexico, with private boardwalks bridging the dunes and leading down to the beach. Though public access is available on only the island's southernmost 3/4 of a mile, it is possible to walk the entire 14-mile length of the beach (or as far as your ambition and stamina will allow.)
VENICE ISLAND
VENICE ISLAND
VENICE ISLAND
The beaches of Venice Island are unique in the chain of barrier islands off the coast of Southwest Florida, including a pet friendly beach and a 720 ft. fishing pier directly on the beach.
MANASOTA KEY
MANASOTA KEY
MANASOTA KEY
Relaxed and relatively undeveloped commercially, Manasota Key is a true escape from reality. Largely residential, beach access is limited and used mostly by local residents. Expansive estates stretch from gulf to bay along Manasota Key Road. The south end of the island is in Charlotte County and is more developed, with condominiums and some shopping.