Looking for a beach getaway that is ready for you year round? Sarasota, Florida may be just the place for you. Whether you want to visit for a weekend, a month, or live there permanently, Sarasota offers some prime beach real estate to its visitors and residents. This year, after two years stuck at the #2 spot, Sarasota’s Siesta Key beat out beaches across the world to be named Dr. Beach’s Number One Beach in the World. Sarasota earned the coveted top spot because of its vast space, ranging hundreds of yards wide, the fact that it is nonsmoking, and the amenities it offers its visitors, including bathrooms, a snack bar, grills, picnic tables, and shade trees. At the center of Siesta Key’s beach there is Crescent Beach, with a laid back atmosphere, and the southern end holds Turtle Beach, known for its excellent shell collecting.
But the beaches on Siesta Key are not the only great locations that Sarasota has to offer. Hop on over to Lido Key, which offers a public park at the north end, complete with nature trails leading from the water to a Floridian pine forest. Further south there are more recreational areas similar to Siesta Key, ending in South Lido Park, known as a great place to park your boat and relax. Longboat Key offers a wide variety of fabulous resorts that overlook the beach. Venice Beach is popular as well, known as one of the best places in the world to find shark’s teeth. There is also a massive fishing pier that extends into the gulf where you can walk, relax, or try to catch a fish! Casey Key’s public North Jetty Park and Nokomis beach offer a look at old Florida. You might even spot someone famous on this little island, as author Stephen King owns a home there. Finally, Manasota Key, offers lesser known – but still beautiful – beaches where you can pretend that you’re living on your own personal deserted island.
So no matter where you go in the Sarasota area, there is a beach that is a perfect fit for your mood. And with weather that stays an average of 72 degrees even in the winter, you’ll want to spend as much time at these gorgeous beaches as you can!
