Five Family-Friendly Sarasota County Beaches

No family trip to Sarasota County and her barrier islands is complete without spending some time on the sand. Whether you have toddlers or 'tweens in tow, there are local beaches that are great for kiddos of all ages (and the parents, of course). 

Siesta Beach

Sarasota's Siesta Beach has gotten lots of national attention in the past few years, and for good reason. Named the #1 Best in the U.S. on the 2025 TripAdvisor Traveler's Choice Awards, it's got powdery-white, nearly pure quartz crystal sand that's soft on your feet and doesn’t get too hot even when temperatures are scorching. Lifeguards are present year-round at the iconic colored stands, while a concession stand and beach amenities/rentals are located on-site at the beautifully built Sand Pavilion. 

The public beach access also has hundreds of parking spots, a giant sandcastle playground, beach volleyball nets and picnic/grilling areas for an afternoon barbecue. The beach itself is huge, so there's lots of room for the kids to spread out and play. But that size is one common drawback for parents, as it can take a while to walk from the parking lot to the edge of the water. Pack accordingly in case you need a free hand to give tired little legs a lift.

Lido Beach

The sand at Lido Beach in Sarasota runs a close second to that at Siesta Beach. Lido gets frequent praise from parents for its year-round lifeguards, easy access to clean restrooms and showers and an above-average snack and beverage bar. "It's not junky concession food but is actually really well-done food," says Karla Gore, a mom of two and co-owner of SURFit USA, which offers frequent paddleboard clinics for kids and adults at Lido Beach. "On Sundays, it has lobster rolls that are really good." Cool down after a day of sun and surf with a Pop Craft popsicle, available right at the beach. 

Another added perk is the expansive and free public parking lots along the main drag. After a long, salty day, have the family freshen up for a stroll to nearby St. Armands Circle and visit the arcade or one of the many ice cream shops located in the dining and shopping zone.

Nokomis Beach

Further south, Nokomis Beach and North Jetty Park on Casey Key draw families to its wide expanse of sand and activities. Parking and unloading is a breeze, and it's an easy stroll into the water without any drop-offs or other challenges for little ones. There's also a boardwalk parallel to the beach, lifeguards on duty, covered picnic areas with grills, a kayak/canoe launch and a small playground on the Intracoastal side. 

Many kids love to skimboard the Gulf waves here, and sometimes, when conditions are just right, surf the small waves coming off the North Jetty. Almost every day, beach goers can spot manatees and dolphins swimming along the rock jetty, following the boaters cruising the channel from the Intracoastal Waterway to the Gulf.

Venice Beach

Just on the other side of the jetty, families will find the famous Venice Beach, known for being a fantastic spot for shark-tooth hunting and beachcombing for fossilized finds. This beach is also a good choice for families who love to cast a line to see what else is out there. The Venice Fishing Pier provides a perfect place to not only catch sunset but reel in some Gulf Coast inhabitants and get a closer look down into the crystal-blue waters. 

Enjoy the serene, sandy shores here, daily lifeguard watch, outdoor showers and restrooms and ample free parking, including spaces for vehicles with trailers. After you've all had your fill of the beach, explore the nearby biking and walking trails of Venetian Waterway Park as a family.

Manasota Beach

Parents love the easy access and quieter, less crowded environment of Englewood's Manasota Key. Laid-back Manasota Beach doesn't have a lot of bells and whistles, but it is considered a family-friendly destination for its relaxing vibe and coastal beauty. What it lacks in beachside snack bars or playground areas, it makes up for in natural charm. It rates as another prime spot for unearthing cool shells and sharks' teeth, and there's plenty of space for sandcastle building or spirited games of Frisbee.

So slather on the sunscreen, grab some sand toys and head out to one of these spots for a day of family fun in the sun on one of Sarasota's keys.