Florida's Gulf Coast is renowned for its stunning beaches, and the area surrounding Port Charlotte, North Port, Englewood, Nokomis, Osprey, Sarasota, and Venice offers some of the most beautiful stretches of sand in the state. Here's a guide to the local beaches in and around these cities:
Sarasota Area Beaches
Siesta Key Beach
Known for its powdery white quartz sand, Siesta Key Beach is consistently ranked among the best beaches in the United States. With clear turquoise waters and plenty of amenities, it's perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and picnicking.
Lido Beach
Located on Lido Key, this beach offers a more relaxed atmosphere compared to Siesta Key. It's great for shelling and features a public pool and concession stand.
Venice Area Beaches
Venice Beach
Famous for its shark teeth fossils, Venice Beach is a treasure hunter's paradise. The Venice Fishing Pier provides excellent fishing opportunities and stunning sunset views.
Caspersen Beach
This secluded beach is perfect for nature lovers. It features a coastal habitat trail and is another hotspot for finding shark teeth.
Englewood and Manasota Key Beaches
Englewood Beach
Also known as Chadwick Beach, this family-friendly spot offers volleyball courts, a playground, and beautiful Gulf views.Manasota Beach
Located on Manasota Key, this quiet beach is ideal for swimming and snorkeling. It's also a great place to watch for nesting sea turtles during the summer months.
Nokomis and Osprey Beaches
Nokomis Beach
The oldest public beach in Sarasota County, Nokomis Beach offers a laid-back vibe and is popular with locals. It's great for swimming, fishing, and kayaking.
Oscar Scherer State Park
While not directly on the Gulf, this park in Osprey offers a freshwater lake beach perfect for swimming and canoeing.