5. Sarasota Beach
Sarasota Beach is located on Siesta Key and is one of the first beach accesses with decent parking that you come across. Sarasota Beach is for nature lovers. The wide beach is backed by extensive areas of sea oats and cabbage palms. Condos and hotels, which can sometimes crowd the shoreline at other beaches, are fortunately located a significant distance back from the beach area.
Sarasota Beach is a hidden treasure of a beach. Wide-open but protected at the same time, this beach is a perfect place to visit if the winds start to whip up out of the north. If you are faced with a north wind problem, just tuck yourself in behind the tall vegetation and luxuriate in the sun’s warmth without the chill created by the wind.
This is an excellent beach if you love to walk along the shoreline. Pack your walking shoes, or go barefoot, and head north. If you make it to Sarasota Point (you’ll know you’ve made it by the large rock wall), the views across to Lido Key with Longboat Key in the distance are your reward.
6. Point of Rocks Beach
One of the more unique beaches near Sarasota, Point of Rocks is a rare geological anomaly. Just offshore, 4,000-year-old rocks and shelves lie just below the clear waters and attract a variety of marine life. Be sure to pack your snorkeling gear, flippers, and underwater camera if you have one – this is the best place for snorkeling near Sarasota.
Finding the snorkeling area is easy. Just walk south towards the graffiti-filled breakwater, and duck below the water. Your underwater friends will include triggerfish, snapper, snook, and other colorful denizens of the deep.
Located on Siesta Key, the access is via beach laneway #12 (limited parking) or #13 (no parking). Since it can be tricky to secure a parking spot, a better option may be to jump on the free trolley, or ride your bike.
