Top Family-Friendly Beaches in Sarasota, Florida
Located in the city of Sarasota, Lido Beach is one kilometer in length and is a white sand beach on the Lido Key island facing the Gulf of Mexico. Lido Beach is a pet-friendly beach that offers many amenities including ATMs, barbecue, boat ramps, free parking lot for 400 cars, lifeguards, restrooms, showers, picnic tables, and playgrounds.
Located at the southwestern end of the island of Lido Key, South Lido Nature Park has a one-mile-long and narrow situated at the western end of the city of Sarasota and faces the Gulf of Mexico. Also known as Ted Sperling Park, South Lido Nature Park is spread across 100 acres – it has beautiful white sand, is backed by many mangrove trees and old fallen tree stumps. South Lido Nature Park is filled with families, boaters, kayakers, paddle boarders, and fishermen. South Lido Nature Park is a family-friendly beach as it features spacious picnic areas and is a 15-minute walk from the very famous St. Armands Circle area.
North Lido Beach is located in Sarasota County, Florida. Visitors can find abundant shells and little crowds as North Lido Beach is not as crowded as other Gulf-facing beaches. Pets are not allowed on this beach. Also, watch out for alligators as they have been known to frequent the area.
Located in the city of Siesta Key, Turtle Beach is a half-mile long, wide, and rocky beach situated on the southernmost end of the city. As the name suggests, Turtle Beach is a habitat for nesting sea turtles as well as many other sea creatures and birds. Turtle Beach is a well-known destination for boating, hiking, birdwatching, and wildlife watching.