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The BEACH SCENE...
Anna Maria Island Address: Located at the west ends of streets from White Avenue north to Bean Point in Anna Maria Phone: 941-778-7092
Description: Home to artists, fishermen, retirees and young families, Anna Maria is also home to Bayfront Park, with its 1,000 feet of sandy beach and wonderful views of the Sunshine Skyway Bridge. Contact: Anna Maria Public Works Department
Web site: http://www.annamariaislandchamber.org/
Boca Grande Address: P.O. Box 1150, Boca Grande, Florida 33921
Phone: 941-964-0375 Fax: 941-964-1154
Description: Boca Grande, on the dual county island at the mouth of Charlotte Harbor, is best known as America's tarpon fishing center. Other than a small phosphate export port, Gasparilla Island was famous for its fishing plutocrats.
Contact: Park Manager: Reginald Norman
Caspersen Beach
With two-thirds of its shoreline relatively undisturbed, Caspersen Beach is a secluded and peaceful choice for couples or those seeking a more tranquil beach experience.
Coquina Beach
Beautiful white sand, filled with coquina shells, gave this beach its name. Crowds also enjoy the barbecue pits and picnic tables under huge shade trees. The perfect beach for picnics and fun in the sun.
Englewood Beach
Ample parking, showers, restrooms and picnic tables make Englewood Beach a delightful option for families. No lifeguards are on duty, however. While there are no concession stands, you'll want to visit the numerous restaurants and shops just across the street.
Gasparilla Island
Turtle nesting season begins in May and continues through September. Watch with wonder as you locate nests on Gasparilla Island. Acclaimed as the "Tarpon capital of the world," this is a fantastic place to fish as well as scuba dive, shell and picnic.
Lido Beach
Perfect for walking, North Lido offers a half-mile stretch of virtually undisturbed sand and sea oats. Lido Beach, with its pavilion, ample parking and concessions, is one of Sarasota's most popular beaches, being close to many resturants at St. Armands' Circle.
Longboat KeyBordered by the turquoise waters of the Gulf of Mexico and Sarasota Bay, Longboat Key stretches 11 beautifully manicured miles. November through March, this small town of 8,000 more than doubles its population as tourists flock here from the North. Locating public beach access areas can be somewhat difficult. One of the best, however, is at Whitney Beach on the north end of the island.
Manasota BeachTake a walk and discover sea shells along the shore of Manasota Beach. This beautiful setting includes a boardwalk through mangroves, picnic tables, lifeguards, shelters and restroom facilities, making it a favorite for tourists and residents alike.
Manatee BeachPlenty of free parking, bountiful concessions, volleyball courts, swings for the kids and more. This is one of the best family beaches around.
Nokomis BeachNokomis Beach is Sarasota's oldest public beach. Also known for its fishing, this beach offers a complete array of amenities including a boat ramp, picnic shelters, lifeguards and restrooms.
Port Charlotte BeachPort Charlotte Beach Complex offers family-packed fun with grills, basketball, tennis and volleyball courts, a heated pool and fishing pier, all along the tranquil Peace River.
Siesta Key
Its unique crystal white sand (once voted the whitest sand in the world), clear and calm waters, boardwalks and free parking makes Siesta Key a celebrated public beach for families, tourists and young and old alike.
Turtle Beach
Stretching over 14 acres, Turtle Beach is the perfect place for peaceful or romantic strolls. Also home to some of the highest beach dunes in the area.
Venice Beach
A fossilized reef is located one-quarter mile offshore of Venice Municipal Beach, making it a perfect spot for scuba diving. Take a walk along the shore and discover sharks' teeth, for which the beach earned
national acclaim.
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