Sarasota's Beautiful Islands
Beaches | Islands
Beaches | Islands
Sarasota is known for its beautiful beaches and barrier islands, such as Siesta Key, which has been named the “Best Beach in the United States.” With 36 miles of coastline and 8 barrier islands, there are always places to explore and things to do.
Longboat Key is a barrier island located off the coast of Sarasota and Manatee counties in Florida, United States. It is a narrow, 11-mile-long island that stretches from Sarasota Bay on the east to the Gulf of Mexico on the west. The island is known for its luxurious resorts, high-end dining options, and beautiful beaches.
Longboat Key is a popular tourist destination, with a mix of permanent residents and seasonal visitors. It is home to some of the most exclusive resorts and private communities in the Sarasota area, offering amenities such as golf courses, tennis courts, marinas, and spas. The island's high-end restaurants feature a variety of cuisines, from seafood to Italian to Japanese.
The beaches of Longboat Key are a major attraction, with 12 miles of pristine, white sand and clear, blue water. The island's beaches are often less crowded than other nearby beaches, making it a popular spot for relaxation and solitude.
Longboat Key also has several parks and natural areas, including Joan M. Durante Community Park, which features walking trails, a playground, and picnic areas. The island is also home to the Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium, a research and education institution that features marine life exhibits, touch tanks, and interactive displays.
Lido Key is a barrier island located off the coast of Sarasota, Florida. It is situated between Longboat Key to the north and Siesta Key to the south. Lido Key is known for its beautiful beaches, upscale shopping, and dining options, as well as its natural beauty.
The main attraction of Lido Key is Lido Beach, which offers white sand beaches and clear, turquoise water. The beach is popular with locals and tourists alike and offers a variety of activities such as swimming, sunbathing, and beach volleyball. Lido Beach also has several amenities, including showers, restrooms, and picnic areas.
St. Armand’s Circle is another popular attraction on Lido Key. It is a shopping and dining district that features over 130 stores, galleries, and restaurants. The Circle is known for its European-style architecture and upscale retail offerings, including designer clothing stores and high-end jewelry shops.
In addition to its beaches and shopping, Lido Key has several parks and natural areas, including South Lido County Park, which offers hiking trails, kayaking, and wildlife viewing. The park also has a beach area with shallow waters, making it popular with families.
Bird Key is a small, exclusive island located off the coast of Sarasota, Florida. It is situated between the mainland and Lido Key and is connected to the mainland by a bridge. Bird Key is known for its luxurious homes, beautiful views, and upscale lifestyle.
Bird Key is a gated community that is home to some of the most exclusive and expensive homes in the Sarasota area. The island's real estate includes waterfront properties, many of which offer stunning views of the Sarasota Bay and the Gulf of Mexico.
The island is also known for its boating and fishing opportunities. Bird Key Yacht Club, located on the island, offers members access to a marina, boating and fishing activities, and social events.
In addition to its high-end residential offerings, Bird Key has a small park that features a walking trail, picnic tables, and a playground. The park also offers access to a small beach area, which is popular with locals.
Overall, Bird Key is a small but exclusive island that offers a luxurious lifestyle, beautiful views, and access to some of the best boating and fishing opportunities in the Sarasota area.
Siesta Key is a barrier island located off the coast of Sarasota, Florida, United States. It is known for its world-renowned beaches, stunning sunsets, and laid-back island vibe.
Siesta Key's main attraction is its beaches, which are consistently ranked among the best in the world. Siesta Beach, Crescent Beach, and Turtle Beach are the island's main public beaches, all of which offer pristine white sand and clear, turquoise water. Siesta Beach is particularly well-known for its powdery, quartz sand that is soft and cool to the touch, even on the hottest days.
In addition to its beaches, Siesta Key has a lively commercial district known as Siesta Village. The Village offers a variety of shops, restaurants, and bars, as well as live music and entertainment. The atmosphere in the Village is casual and relaxed, reflecting the island's laid-back vibe.
Siesta Key is also home to several parks and natural areas, including the Point of Rocks, a popular snorkeling spot, and the Siesta Key Village Gazebo Park, which hosts live music events throughout the year.
Casey Key is a long, narrow barrier island located off the coast of Sarasota County, Florida, United States. It is a 7-mile-long island that stretches from the town of Nokomis on the north end to the city of Venice on the south end. Casey Key is known for its secluded beaches, exclusive residential areas, and natural beauty.
The island is primarily residential and has a limited number of public access points to its beaches. This makes Casey Key a popular destination for those seeking privacy and tranquility. The beaches on Casey Key are pristine, with clear, turquoise waters and soft, white sand. Swimming, sunbathing, and beachcombing are popular activities on the island's beaches.
Casey Key is also home to several state parks and natural areas, including Oscar Scherer State Park and the Blackburn Point Park and Recreation Area. These parks offer hiking and biking trails, fishing opportunities, and wildlife viewing.
The island is known for its exclusive and luxurious residential properties, many of which are situated on the beach or the bay. The island's private and gated communities offer amenities such as tennis courts, private beaches, and marinas.
Manasota Key is a barrier island located off the coast of Englewood, Florida, United States. It is known for its beautiful beaches, pristine natural areas, and opportunities for outdoor recreation.
The main attraction of Manasota Key is its beaches, which are known for their natural beauty and tranquility. Manasota Beach and Blind Pass Beach are the island's main public beaches, both of which offer soft sand and clear, turquoise water. These beaches are popular for swimming, sunbathing, and beachcombing.
Manasota Key is also known for its natural areas and wildlife. Stump Pass Beach State Park is a popular destination for hiking, fishing, and birdwatching. The park offers nature trails, a fishing pier, and a boardwalk that leads to the beach. Visitors to the park can also kayak through the mangrove-lined waterways and spot a variety of wildlife, including dolphins and sea turtles.
Manasota Key is also home to several restaurants and bars, many of which offer waterfront dining and live music. The atmosphere on the island is casual and relaxed, reflecting its laid-back beach lifestyle.
Overall, Manasota Key is a peaceful and secluded destination that offers visitors a chance to escape the crowds and enjoy the natural beauty of the Gulf Coast of Florida.
Anna Maria Island is a barrier island located off the coast of Bradenton, Florida, United States. It is known for its pristine beaches, laid-back atmosphere, and Old Florida charm.
The island's beaches are its main attraction, with miles of soft, white sand and crystal-clear water. Coquina Beach, Bradenton Beach, and Anna Maria Beach are some of the island's most popular beaches, offering visitors opportunities for swimming, sunbathing, and beachcombing.
Anna Maria Island is also home to several parks and nature preserves, including the Robinson Preserve, a 600-acre nature preserve that offers hiking trails, kayaking, and wildlife viewing.
The island's commercial district is located in the cities of Anna Maria and Holmes Beach, and offers a variety of shops, restaurants, and bars. The atmosphere on the island is casual and relaxed, with a focus on outdoor activities and natural beauty.
Anna Maria Island is also known for its historic sites and landmarks, including the Anna Maria Island Historical Society Museum, which features exhibits on the island's history, and the Anna Maria City Pier, which has been a popular fishing spot since 1911.
Overall, Anna Maria Island is a peaceful and charming destination that offers visitors a chance to experience the natural beauty and laid-back lifestyle of Old Florida.
Venice Island is a barrier island located off the coast of southwestern Florida, in the Gulf of Mexico. It is a part of the city of Venice, Florida, and is connected to the mainland by two bridges, the John Ringling Causeway and the Venice Avenue Bridge.
Venice Island is known for its beautiful beaches, including Venice Beach, which has been named one of the top beaches in the country. The island also features a charming downtown area, with a variety of shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions, such as the Venice Theatre and the Venice Art Center.
One of the unique features of Venice Island is the abundance of shark teeth that can be found on its beaches. The area is known as the "Shark Tooth Capital of the World," and visitors can often find prehistoric shark teeth that have been washed up on the shore.
Venice Island is also home to several parks and nature preserves, including the Venetian Waterway Park and the Caspersen Beach Park, which offer opportunities for hiking, biking, and wildlife viewing.
Beaches | Islands
You’ve got questions and we can’t wait to answer them.