The Best Beaches Near Sarasota
By Carson B. · Updated November 5, 2026
Go to Siesta Beach for the famous quartz sand, Lido Beach if you want to pair the beach with St. Armands, Ted Sperling Park at South Lido for trails and quiet, Nokomis Beach for a family day with a playground, and Caspersen Beach in Venice to hunt for shark teeth.
For the sand: Siesta Beach
This is the one everybody's heard of, and the sand is why: it's nearly pure quartz, so it stays bright white and cool underfoot. Parking fills up on busy days, so come early, or take the free trolley or ride service if you're staying on the key.
For a beach and a stroll: Lido Beach
Lido's a wide Gulf beach with a lifeguarded public pool, just minutes from the shops and restaurants on St. Armands Circle. It's an easy pick when you want more than one thing out of the day.
For trails and quiet: Ted Sperling Park at South Lido
At the southern tip of Lido Key, South Lido pairs beach access with trails and water on both the bay and Gulf sides. The county lists park hours as 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Beach, trails, and water access at the south end of Lido
For a family day: Nokomis Beach
Nokomis Beach Park has beach and water access, a playground, a concession area, and a boat ramp, which makes it easy to keep everyone happy. The county lists park hours as 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.
For shark teeth: Caspersen Beach
Venice calls itself the shark tooth capital for a reason. Caspersen is a natural stretch of shoreline where fossilized teeth are a common find, so bring a sifter and some patience. It's less built up than the big beaches, so pack what you need.
For the dog: Brohard Paw Park
Dogs generally aren't allowed on Sarasota County's beaches. The exception is Brohard Paw Park in Venice, where dogs can run on the sand. Check the county's rules before you load up the car.
Questions
What beach is better, Siesta Key or Lido Beach?
It depends on your day. Siesta has the famous quartz sand and more of a scene. Lido is an easier pair with shopping and dinner on St. Armands Circle.
Do any beaches in Sarasota allow dogs?
Brohard Paw Park in Venice is the county's dog beach. Dogs generally aren't allowed on other Sarasota County beaches.
Does Sarasota, Florida have beaches?
Yes. Downtown Sarasota sits on the bay, and the Gulf beaches are a short drive over the bridges on Lido Key and Siesta Key, with more to the south in Nokomis and Venice.