Best Beaches &
Hidden Gems
Everyone knows about Siesta Key. But the stretch of coast from Sarasota through Nokomis to Venice is full of beaches and local spots that most visitors never find. These are the places I return to myself — the ones that remind me why I chose to call this area home. Siesta Key Beach was named the Best Beach in the U.S. for 2026 by multiple travel publications, and the late summer and early fall season is the absolute best time to experience them: the summer crowds have thinned, the water is still warm at 85 degrees, and the sunsets arrive at a more civilized hour. Labor Day weekend is the perfect time to explore our beaches and hidden gems. Whether you are a first-time visitor or a longtime resident, there is always a new stretch of sand or hidden corner of coast to discover.
Our Best Beaches
Each beach has its own personality. Here's how to choose the one that fits your day.
Siesta Key Beach
The world-famous quartz-crystal sand beach that consistently ranks among the best in the world. The sand is 99% pure quartz, which means it stays cool underfoot even on the hottest days. The beach is wide, the water is shallow, and the sunsets are extraordinary.
Local tip: The parking lot fills early on weekends. Use the main access at Beach Road and follow the path — it's worth the walk.
Crescent Beach
The quieter southern end of Siesta Key with equally beautiful sand but fewer crowds. Access is more limited, which keeps it peaceful. A favorite of locals who want the Siesta Key experience without the parking lot battle.
Local tip: Access points at Shell Road and Stickney Point Road. Bring your own chairs and cooler.
Nokomis Beach
The oldest public beach in Sarasota County, Nokomis Beach has a relaxed, community-oriented feel. The jetty area at the north end is a local gathering spot, and the Saturday evening drum circle is a tradition that dates back decades.
Local tip: The drum circle starts around sunset every Saturday. Bring a chair and a drink — it's a Sarasota institution.
Venice Beach
Known as the Shark Tooth Capital of the World, Venice Beach offers a unique experience: you can hunt for prehistoric shark teeth right on the sand. The fishing pier adds character, and the Mediterranean Revival architecture of the downtown area gives Venice a distinctive old-Florida feel.
Local tip: Go at low tide for the best shark tooth hunting. The mesh bags from the gift shops near the pier are worth the few dollars.
South Lido County Park Beach
A hidden gem at the southern tip of Lido Key with views of both Sarasota Bay and the Gulf of Mexico. The beach is framed by a mangrove preserve, and the sandbar at the southern tip is a local favorite for calm, shallow water.
Local tip: Weekday mornings are magical here. The light on the bay is worth waking up for.
Casey Key Beach
A narrow barrier island with a mix of public beach access points and private estates. Casey Key feels like a different world — no commercial development, no traffic lights, just a winding road, beach access, and some of the most expensive real estate in Sarasota County.
Local tip: Public access points are limited. Casey Key Road runs the full length of the island and is worth driving just for the scenery.
Brohard Beach & Dog Beach
Venice's main public beach area with a fishing pier, pavilion, and one of the few off-leash dog beaches in the area. It's popular with families and locals, and the sunsets from the pier are spectacular.
Local tip: The Venice Fishing Pier is free to walk and offers some of the best sunset views in the area.
Local Favorites & Day Trips
These are the places locals love — the spots that don't make the top-10 tourist lists but absolutely deserve your time.
Oscar Scherer State Park
Osprey
A 1,400-acre state park tucked away between Sarasota and Venice. It's one of the best places in the area to see scrub jays — a threatened species found only in Florida. The park has hiking trails, canoe launches, and campsites.
Historic Spanish Point
Osprey
A 30-acre archaeological and historical site with a prehistoric shell mound, pioneer-era buildings, and gardens overlooking the bay. It's a quiet, fascinating window into thousands of years of human habitation on the Gulf Coast.
Celery Fields
East Sarasota
A regional stormwater facility that doubles as one of the best birdwatching spots in Southwest Florida. Over 200 species have been recorded here, and the elevated viewing platform offers panoramic views.
The Bay Park
Downtown Sarasota
A relatively new waterfront park along Sarasota Bay with walking paths, kayak launches, and open green space. It's become a gathering place for the community and a beautiful addition to the downtown waterfront.
Myakka River State Park
East Sarasota
One of Florida's oldest and largest state parks, with over 58 square miles of wetlands, forests, and the Myakka River. Airboat tours, canopy walks, and excellent fishing make this a full-day adventure.
Pinecraft Amish Community
Sarasota
A unique neighborhood where Sarasota's Amish and Mennonite community lives and works. Yoder's Restaurant is a beloved institution — homemade pies, comfort food, and a dining experience you won't find anywhere else in Florida.
The Legacy Trail
Sarasota to Venice
A nearly 13-mile paved trail that runs from Sarasota to Venice through preserves, residential areas, and scenic corridors. It's perfect for cycling, running, or a long walk, with multiple access points along the way.
Venice Historic Downtown
Venice
The Mediterranean Revival architecture of downtown Venice gives it a character unlike anywhere else on the Gulf Coast. Independent shops, local restaurants, and a weekly farmers' market make it worth exploring on foot.
Discover the real Gulf Coast
The best part of living here is discovering something new every week. If you're thinking about making the move to Southwest Florida, I'll help you find not just the right home — but the right life.
Talk to Julie