Florida is known for its beaches, and none are better than the beaches in the Sarasota and Manatee area. Whether you prefer lounging in the sun, participating in watersports, or collecting treasures, there is a beach in Sarasota perfect for you. Parking is free for all Sarasota and Bradenton beaches, as an added perk. With so many great beaches to choose from, you can visit a different one on each day of your vacation. Here are the top beaches in Sarasota and Bradenton to get you started.
Related Blog: Best Water Activities in the Sarasota and Bradenton Area
Siesta Key Beach
Siesta Key Beach on Siesta Key has been continually ranked at the top both nationally and internationally. It has the softest, finest white sand found in the U.S., made almost entirely of pure quartz. Staying cool on your feet, this sand is ideal for walking, jogging, and other beach activities. Offshore, you can explore with a kayak, or taking an exciting jet ski or parasail ride. There is an area for volleyball, picnics, and a children’s playground. With 40 acres for your beach enjoyment, you are sure to find your very own spot in the sand and surf, even in peak seasons.
Venice Beach
Walking along Venice Beach, you’re likely to find shark teeth washed up along the shore, making it one of the best beaches for combing for treasures. There is even a Shark Tooth festival in the spring, and local shops sell special baskets to help you sift through the sand. Divers love the coral reef located ¼ mile offshore, and everyone enjoys the antics of the bottle nosed dolphins that frequent the area. This large beach gives you plenty of room to stretch out and enjoy the beautiful scenery, and plenty of amenities including concession stands, picnic areas, and a pavilion shelter.
Lido Key Beach
Made up of 3 interconnected beaches, Lido Key Beach offers something for everyone. It has soft white sand similar to Siesta Key Beach, but is typically less crowded. At the southern end, you can look out over the waterway that separates Lido Key from Siesta Key, leading out to the Gulf of Mexico. Lido Key Beach has some of the best sand dunes in the area. Lido Key Beach offers several amenities including a public swimming pool, excellent walking paths to enjoy the stunning wildlife, and kayak rentals that you can take through the mangrove tunnels.
Anna Maria Island Beaches
Anna Maria is home to many different beaches including Holmes Beach, Bradenton Beach, Coquina Beach, and Anna Maria Beach. All are connected but vary in terms of what they’re close to. Anna Maria is just a short stroll from a local favorite restaurant, The Sandbar, while Holmes Beach is more private and secluded, great for when you want to relax and not be disrupted by a crowd of people. Coquina Beach is the longest stretch of beach on Anna Maria Island, with plenty of free parking, concessions, lifeguards, playgrounds, and restrooms. No matter what you’re in the mood for, you’ll find what you’re looking for at one of the many pristine, beautiful Anna Maria Island beaches.
Brohard Beach
If you don’t want to leave your four-legged friend out of the vacation fun, bring him down to Brohard Beach on Venice Island. This dog-friendly beach is sure to bring smiles to the faces of dog owners and lovers alike, as the dogs frolic in the sand and surf. With 84 acres to spread out in, you and your dog can be as friendly or secluded as you like. For the humans, there is a picnic area as well as a picturesque fishing pier.
These are just 5 of the amazing beaches you will find in the Sarasota area, known for white sand, clear blue waters, and lots of family fun. To find out how you can live a short drive from all of these beaches and more, contact The Islands today to set up a tour!
