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- Siesta Key
Siesta Key Beach is one of the premier beaches in the country - and we recommend you find the time to experience it while you are here.
Since 1987 the sand on Siesta Key's beach has been judged as among the whitest and most powdery in the world in the "Great International White Sand Contest." The sand actually remains cool under your feet even at the hottest time of day.
As the map shows Siesta Key is easy to reach from two main roads in Sarasota. You can either take Bee Ridge Rd west (Exit 207 from I-75). Stay on Bee Ridge, cross over US 41 and follow the twists and bends - then over the bridge. Or take Clark Rd west (Exit 205 from I-75) which becomes Stickney Pt Rd then passes over Stickney Pt Bridge. Midnight Pass Rd is the long road that runs North & South on Siesta Key.
Siesta Beach, the public beach in the center of the Key has lifeguards on duty all year round, volleyball nets, tennis courts, a playground and shady spots for picnics.
There are bathrooms and also food and concession available - so it is quite comfortable to stay at this beach for an extended period of time.
There is an 800-car parking lot, but it fills up quickly. Arrive early or be prepared to follow people that are leaving to get their spot (not much fun - but we've all done it).
The beach's amenities include:
- food and concession
- rest rooms
- picnic tables - you can reserve these (941) 316-1172
- public tennis courts
- volleyball courts (on the beach)
- soccer field
- 20 station fitness trail
- playground equipment
- lifeguards are on duty year round
- Siesta Key / Crescent Beach
A short walk south along the beach from the Siesta Key Public Beach is Crescent Beach - which is a popular starting point for snorkelers.
- Siesta Key / Turtle Beach
At the southern end of Siesta Key is Turtle Beach. The sand here is a bit coarser, but that means the shelling is better. Turtle Beach is also quieter, and although there are no lifeguards or food concessions, the site is perfect for family outings with ample parking, abundant picnic areas, dune walkovers, a playground and restrooms.
- Lido Key
One of the most popular tourist destinations in Sarasota is St. Armand's Circle - a series of elegant shops and restaurants arranged around the circle. You can see the small circle in the map of Lido Key above. There is usually plenty of parking on the circle, so you park and walk around and admire all the wonderful shops and restaurants - until you break down and spend lots of money.
The Ringling Causeway which connects Lido Key to Downtown Sarasota is easily reached from Route 41. A scenic ride over the bridge takes you straight to St. Armand's Circle.
If you drive through St. Armand's Circle and continue straight through you will reach Lido Beach.
Lido Beach is a great place to find shells, and fully intact sand dollars are quite common on the beach or in the shallow water at low tide.
At the southern tip of Lido Key is South Lido Beach. This is one of the spots where Sarasota Bay meets the Gulf of Mexico. Big Sarasota Pass (or Big Pass) is a main outlet for boats (fishing boats and sailboats) as they head out to the Gulf. Between the boats and the fishermen, there's plenty of activity to be seen.
A bit further along the beach is a wonderful place for setting up a picnic or a day camp as large Australian pines shade the entire area. Another quarter mile and the beach is on Sarasota Bay itself, next to a cove sheltered by mangroves. The water is not only clear, but also placid here, making it easy to observe the fish and other animals that make their home here. There are also benches here for a bit of relaxing before heading back.
- Longboat Key
Longboat Key straddles the Sarasota / Manatee County Line.
From Sarasota go through St. Armand's Circle and make a right onto Gulf of Mexico Drive (Route 789) which connects directly to Longboat Key.
From the north, Longboat Key can be reached directly from Anna Maria Island.
Public access points to the beach can be found by looking for the blue and white "Beach Access" signs labeled Neptune Avenue Beach or Mayfield Street Beach. Both are right on the Gulf but are less known, and therefore, a bit secluded. The beaches here are also quite wide and the sand is a bit softer than at some other beaches.
There are no facilities on Longboat Key beaches, but they are a great spot to watch the sun set.
- Longboat Key / Beer Can Island (aka Greer Island)
This is a secluded peninsula at the northern tip of Longboat Key. Its 2,000 feet of primitive sandy beach are excellent for shelling. It is best to come by boat or walk to the island at low tide. Limited parking, public transporation drop off/pick up.
- Anna Maria Island
Beautiful beaches and facilities all along the island make this island a very popular and well known tourist destination. This map shows the easy access to Anna Maria Island from two main roads in Bradenton.
From I-75 take exit 220 Route 64 west (becomes Manatee Ave.) all the way to beach. You can also reach Anna Maria Island from Cortez Rd.
The main road on Anna Maria Island connects south directly to Longboat Key.
- Anna Maria Beach
Facing the Gulf of Mexico, this quiet, undeveloped sandy beach offers over three acres of beautiful views.
- Holmes Beach
Found at the center of Anna Maria Island, Holmes Beach presents a full range of amenities including grills, playground, showers and picnic area, as well as 14,400 feet of sandy Gulf of Mexico beach.
- Manatee County Beach
Features 900 feet of sandy beach on the Gulf of Mexico with access at Gulf Drive (S.R. 789) and 40th Street (S.R. 64) in the city of Holmes Beach. 120 parking places as well as public transportation drop off/pick up.
- Cortez Beach (aka Bradenton Beach)
Cortez Beach showcases 140 feet of undeveloped beach. Parking and public transportation drop off/pick available.
- Coquina Beach
Located on Anna Maria's southern tip, Coquina is a popular public beach lined with towering Australian pines. A full-service concession stand, ample parking, barbecue pits, picnic facilities, boat ramp, playground, restrooms, showers and lifeguards make this beach a popular, bustling beach.
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