One of the greatest attributes of the Suncoast is of course it's famed beaches.  In fact, what would a trip to Sarasota be without visiting its world-class beaches?  Not much, we know.  Many consider this picturesque natural resource to be the focal point of Sarasota Florida.  The beaches of Sarasota, with their tepid water and gentle waves, span more than 35 miles along the coast of the Gulf of Mexico, and are revered for their cleanliness and pure sparkling white sand.

For your safety, the State of Florida has implemented a Beach Warning Flag System, that is in use at beaches throughout the Sunshine State.  The colored flag displayed at the lifeguard stand will let you know what the current surf condition is at that particular beach.  Please pay close attention to the color of the flag, as it could possibly save your life and those around you.

Except during inclement weather, there's never a bad time of the day to drop by a Sarasota County beach.  Walking along the shore during a mild morning hour, lazing in a beach chair during a warm sunny afternoon, gazing out at a serene sunset or taking a romantic midnight stroll are all popular round-the-clock beach activities.

Most public beaches in Sarasota County have snack bars, restrooms and outdoor showers for your convenience.  We've listed the main amenities of each beach below.

Is today going to be a beach day?  How about tomorrow or the weekend?  Find out what the weather will be like for the days ahead by viewing the Sarasota 7-Day Forecast on our Local News Page.

Whether it's a sunny, partly sunny or somewhat cloudy day, don't forget to put on a sunscreen with a SPF of at least 30 to protect your skin from the pleasant but damaging and intense rays of the Florida sun.

For some more great ideas about how to spend quality time outdoors in the area, please visit our Outdoor Adventures Page.

At the current time, you do NOT have to pay to park at any of the Sarasota owned beaches.  A beach parking permit program is in the works, but as of May, 2008 has not been passed by the Board of County Commissioners.  You may find more information here: Sarasota County Government Online.

Listed below are the main beaches in Sarasota County with the amenities they offer.  Clicking on each photo will display a Google Map detailing the exact location of that particular beachfront.

Just north of Sarasota are the beautiful beaches of Tampa Bay, and they too are worth checking out if you happen to be in that vicinity.

Casey Key Beach Nokomis Beach Lifeguards, Boat Ramps, Restrooms and Snack Bar North Jetty Park Lifeguards, Snack Bar, Fishing, Bait Shop, Horseshoe Courts and Restrooms Location Between the towns of Nokomis and Osprey

Manasota Beach Blind Pass Beach Canoe launching area, restrooms and playground Manasota Beach Lifeguards, Restrooms, Picnic Facilities and Boardwalk Location On Manasota Key Road between the towns of Englewood and Venice

Lido Key Lido Beach Lifeguards, snack bar, gift shop, playground equipment, handicapped-accessible, observation decks, picnic areas and restrooms South Lido Beach Park Restrooms and playground equipment North Lido Beach Very secluded with no amenities Location is just West of St. Armands Circle

Longboat Key The good news and the bad news about Longboat Key: Some of the best beaches around are in Longboat Key, but you'll find limited parking with almost no amenities. Let the blue "beach access" signs be your guide when heading down Longboat Key's Gulf of Mexico Drive. Location North of Lido Key along Gulf of Mexico Drive

Siesta Key Turtle Beach Picnic Tables and Restrooms Siesta Beach Lifeguards, Concession Stand, Restrooms, Volleyball, Ball field Beach accesses are along Beach Road with parking Location South of Lido Key on Midnight Pass Road between Roberts Bay and Little Sarasota Bay

Venice Beach Lifeguards, Restrooms, Snack Bar and Picnic Areas Brohard Beach Sharky's Restaurant, Snack Bar, Municipal Fishing Pier, Bait Shop, Restrooms and the nearby "Paw Park" Dog Beach Caspersen Beach Known to be the place to hunt for shark teeth - picnic tables and restrooms are available Location On the coast of Venice Florida, near Downtown Venice