Sarasota, Lido Key & Longboat Key: Best Beaches

Longboat Beach

Explore the Charm and Beauty of Florida Gulf Coast Beaches..

Explore the pristine shores and unique features of Longboat Key Beach, Lido Beach, Coquina Beach, and Ted Sperling Park. Each offers a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure, making your Sarasota stay truly unforgettable.

Discover the Beauty of Local Beaches

Browse vibrant photos capturing the unique charm and natural splendor of Florida Gulf Coast beaches.

Inn on the Beach

Discover Stunning Gulf Coast Beaches

These beaches are directly in the location of our rental properties.

Longboat Key Beach

Longboat Key Beach

About 10 miles of quiet, uncrowded Gulf beach running the length of the island. Public access points are few and parking is limited, but most of our Longboat Key condos have private beach access. No restrooms or concessions at most accesses; no dogs or alcohol.

Lido Key Beach

Lido Key Beach

Sarasota’s main public beach on Ben Franklin Drive: a large free parking lot, year-round lifeguards, restrooms, showers, a beach café and a heated public lap pool. About a 10 minute walk from St. Armands Circle.

Ted Sperling Park at South Lido Beach

Ted Sperling Park at South Lido Beach

A wooded park at the south tip of Lido Key with picnic shelters, nature trails, kayak launches and the mangrove tunnels, looking across Big Pass to Siesta Key. Currents in the pass are strong, so enjoy it for walks and paddling rather than swimming.

Discover Stunning Gulf Coast Beaches

These beaches are moments to the North of our rental properties.

Holmes Beach

Holmes Beach

The middle of Anna Maria Island, just north across Longboat Pass. Manatee Public Beach here has lifeguards, a café, restrooms and parking, with a relaxed old-Florida feel.

Coquina Beach

Coquina Beach

At the south end of Anna Maria Island, just over the Longboat Pass bridge from north Longboat Key. Shaded picnic areas under the pines, lifeguards, restrooms and plenty of free parking make it an easy family day.

Anna Maria Beach

Anna Maria Beach

The north end of Anna Maria Island, with Bean Point beach, the rebuilt Anna Maria City Pier and the shops of Pine Avenue. The free island trolley runs the length of the island.

Discover Stunning Gulf Coast Beaches

Beaches to the South of our rental properties

Siesta Key Beach

Siesta Key Beach

About 20 to 30 minutes south of Lido Key, famous for its soft, powder-white quartz sand. The main public beach has lifeguards, a large parking lot, restrooms and concessions, and gets busy on weekends and in season.

Turtle Beach

Turtle Beach

At the quieter south end of Siesta Key, with coarser sand that is good for shelling, a park with picnic areas and a boat ramp, and a calmer feel than the main Siesta beach.

Venice Beach

Venice Beach

About 40 minutes south of Sarasota, Venice is known as a place to hunt for fossilized shark teeth along the shoreline. Caspersen Beach and Venice Beach are the favorite spots.

Begin Your Dream Beach Escape Today

Discover the charm of Florida’s Gulf Coast beaches and start planning your perfect getaway now.

  • Longboat Key Beach: Pristine and Secluded
  • Lido Beach: Vibrant and Family-Friendly
  • Coquina Beach: Nature’s Coastal Haven
  • Ted Sperling Park: Adventure by the Shore
  • South Lido Beach: Scenic and Serene

Beach questions

What is the best beach near Longboat Key for families?

Lido Beach, about 10 minutes south of Longboat Key, has year-round lifeguards, restrooms, a café, a public pool and free parking. Coquina Beach, just north over Longboat Pass, is another easy family beach.

Are dogs allowed on Longboat Key beaches?

No. Dogs are not allowed on Longboat Key public beaches, and alcohol is prohibited there as well.

Which beach is quietest?

Longboat Key’s beaches are the least crowded in the area, especially away from the public access points. On Lido Key, North Lido Beach is the quietest stretch.

How far is Siesta Key Beach from Longboat Key and Lido Key?

Siesta Key Beach is about 20 to 30 minutes by car from Lido Key and 30 to 40 minutes from mid Longboat Key, depending on traffic.

Staying nearby? See our Longboat Key, Lido Key and St. Armands vacation rentals.