7. Turtle Beach
Down at the far end of Siesta Key, Turtle Beach is one of the lesser-known and visited beaches near Sarasota. Ideal for those looking for a different kind of beach, Turtle Beach is a very laid-back place with few crowds. The beach is different from the others just a short distance north in the fact that it has black and white, «salt and pepper,» sand.
Turtle Beach has a unique formation: a bench of sand. This means that you actually sit about four feet above the water, allowing you to see down and easily spot marine life, including colorful fish and, occasionally, small stingrays. To access the water, you just step down through the soft sand to the hard-packed sand at the water’s edge.
Although the beach is always changing, Turtle Beach generally has small points that extend out into the water, these in turn create small coves. The water extending out from these points is especially shallow, and you can easily walk out quite a distance.
8. Nokomis Beach
Nokomis Beach is a below-the-radar kind of beach that is as beautiful as beaches farther north, yet not as busy or tricky to get to. This beach has the distinction of being the oldest beach in Sarasota County and one of the only ones with a beach plaza listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Take a stroll by the recently renovated 1950s-style plaza. Inside is a concession selling typical beach fare. The beach here is relatively wide and has soft sand. Beach walkers and shellers will want to walk south to North Jetty Park for views of Venice and some of the best shells around.
Nokomis Beach has a relatively large parking lot, but plan to go early to ensure you secure a spot. Pack a picnic; barbecues and covered picnic tables are available on-site.
