Florida Gulf Coast Beaches
Our beaches have been named as some of the best in the world with powder white sand as far as the eye can see! Take a look at some of our local beaches below. If you want your dream home located on the beach, contact Wagner Realty today!
Siesta Key Beach
Siesta Beach is located on Beach Road on Siesta Key. It is consistently named as one of the top beaches in the U.S. by "Dr. Beach", Prof. Stephen Leatherman, a coastal science professor at the International University in Miami. Unlike beaches elsewhere that are made up mostly of coral, Siesta Beach's sand is 99% quartz. Even on the hottest days, the sand is so reflective that it feels cool underfoot. Siesta Beach offers year-round lifeguard protection, and with waves that are almost always calm, this is one of the safest beaches in the county and great for small children.
Bradenton Beach
Bradenton Beach is located on beautiful Anna Maria Island. It’s a large public beach with free parking, lifeguards, restrooms, picnic tables, showers and the Anna Maria Island beach café. You can get anything from a snack to a full lunch and/or dinner right on the beach! You can stroll the entire 7.5 mile long Anna Maria Island beach without ever leaving the water’s edge!
Coquina Beach
Coquina Beach is located on the south end of Anna Maria Island. It’s one of the largest beaches in the area with all of the amenities you could ask for: plenty of free parking, shady picnic tables, concessions, lifeguards, playground, restrooms and showers are all available. You can enjoy a boat launch directly across from the beach on the bay side. Coquina is a great place to go for a breathtaking sunset!
Lido Beach
Lido Beach is located on Lido Key, just a short drive from downtown Sarasota. It’s one half mile southwest of popular St. Armand's Circle, a unique upscale shopping area on Ben Franklin Drive. Amenities include restrooms, concessions, gift shop, pool, playground, observation deck, cabana beach rentals and parking for over 400 cars. Nearby, kayak rentals are available for those who want to explore the “mangrove tunnels.”
Casperson Beach
Casperson Beach is located at the southern tip of Venice. It’s a quiet beach with a beautiful, long boardwalk featuring picnic tables, a shaded playground, showers, and restrooms. This is the best location for finding prehistoric sharks' teeth. There is plenty of free parking, but it’s best to get there early on weekends and holidays!
Fort De Soto Park
TripAdvisor recently named Fort De Soto Park in St. Petersburg “America’s Top Beach.” You get a spectacular combination of soft white sand, clear water, and a laid-back atmosphere. Historically, these islands were used for military fortifications, so history buffs will enjoy the remnants of forts and a museum that explains the history. Fort DeSoto is big – with two piers, beaches, picnic areas, hiking trails, bicycling trails, a kayak trail, and a ferry that takes passengers to Egmont Key State Park. The park is also a gateway site for the Great Florida Birding Trail.
Clearwater Beach
Clearwater Beach is an hour north of Bradenton and has won recognition as one of America’s Top Family Beaches. It boasts an array of water recreation and special events held year-round. Enjoy walking through the white sugar sand beach, playing in the surf, or getting a snack at the pavilion. There is plenty to see and do including Pier 60, a city owned and operated fishing pier, providing visitors with a safe, clean, and family friendly fishing destination. Pier 60 hosts the daily “Sunsets at Pier 60” festival featuring local artisans/performers, from two hours before and two hours after sunset.
Caladesi Island State Park
Caladesi Island State Park is located about an hour north of Bradenton, and provides a natural island setting where beach goers can enjoy swimming, sunbathing, and beachcombing. Saltwater fishermen can cast a line from their boats and enjoy the Florida lifestyle. Nature lovers can spot wildlife while hiking the three-mile nature trail through the island´s interior or paddling a three mile kayak trail through the mangroves and bay. Picnic tables are located close to the beach and pavilions can be reserved for a fee. The park has a marina with electric and water hookups, as well as a snack bar and gift shop. The 661-acre park is only accessible by boat or ferry and departs from Honeymoon Island State Park.