Sarasota area beach?

[GEM]

We will be in Sarasota for one day and we're looking for a good beach to visit....me, DH, and our 6 year old. We're interested in a natural, quiet kind of beach. We don't care about (or want) concessions, activities, etc. Just somewhere nice and relaxing. The problem is it's spring break time, so we want to stay as far away from that scene as possible. Any suggestions for a quiet, out of the way, less popular, more natural kind of beach in that area?

Thanks!

 

[3floridarays]

We used to live in Venice, which is about 35 minutes south of Sarasota. There are some wonderful, uncrowded beaches in southern Sarasota County. Our favorite is Manasota Beach. There are no concession stands, no hotels, no high-rise condos. They do have some covered picnic tables, restrooms, and outdoor shower area. The spring break crowds never go there because, like I mentioned, no hotels or condos.

Our second favorite beach is the south end of Venice Beach. The north end does have some condos, but if you go to the south end, where the Venice Pier is at, there is a great beach. It does have a restaurant there called Sharky's, which has a great outdoor deck right on the beach. It's also fun to visit the jetties on the north end of Venice Beach. There are usually dolphin and somethimes manatee that hang around there.

If you go to Google maps and put in Manasota Beach it will take you right to it. Same for Venice Pier.

And remember - don't tell anyone! We want to keep these beaches to ourselves!

 

[i3utterfli82]

Turtle Beach is much more quiet and relaxed, just a few miles south of Siesta Key

 

[RyanFernandez]

Hi gem, “Siesta Beach” is also one of the beautiful beaches and it’s BIG! The sand actually remains cool under your feet even at the hottest time of day. It really is beautiful!

 

[cjb71870]

Our "Siesta Key Beach" is one of the best..............

 

[jkelly86]

I vote for Anna Maria Island-
Specifically Coquina Pubic Beach at the south end.
Take the free trolley up and down the 7 mile island for a peek.
You will fall in love. It's very close to Sarasota.

 

[mh1973]

I vote for Anna Maria Island-
Specifically Coquina Pubic Beach at the south end.
Take the free trolley up and down the 7 mile island for a peek.
You will fall in love. It's very close to Sarasota.

this is my favorite too!