PP who talked about Mote, etc. and used to live there.

I think there are some differences between the beaches... Some (not all, but some) of the beaches on Lido/Longboat are more crushed shells. Siesta is pretty much all the sugar-white soft sand. Turtle beach, too, which is a much smaller (and steeper) beach further out on Siesta Key is also the soft white sand. Casey Key (where some famous folks like Stephen King live) do have some public beaches. It's fun to drive and see some of the massive homes. The public beaches are ok, but they aren't my favorites. There isn't much around them to do, a couple of not great eateries. I personally like the ones on Siesta, Lido & Longboat better and there are more options for other things to do, places to eat, etc. (Venice beach is also a reasonable option and places may be cheaper around there to stay, not sure. It's a pretty quiet beach compared to Siesta, def more older folks and then some families. You can walk to Venice's sleepy little downtown that is filled with ice cream shops, restaurants and tourist shops. I wouldn't say it is tremendously exciting down there, but it is still a bit of old FL. As many times as we looked for authentic shark's teeth in Venice & Englewood, I always struck out... my sister found a few, though. She did get up at the crack of dawn to score, though--I'm too lazy. Oscar Scherer State Park is around Venice, where you can kayak and see wildlife if your family is into that.). I don't remember the timing, but in Sarasota at some point they have the Sailor Circus which my kids loved. It's essentially like Cirque du Soleil for kids/teens. It's really hot and stuffy in there, though, so try not to pick a day where it's super hot. Siesta & Lido have more of the activities like parasailing available. Have you also considered Captiva/Sanibel island, further south?

I woudl also consider further south towards casey key, venice and englewood.

must visit venice beach for the sharks teeth...

Longboat, Siesta, St armands and Lido Key are all of a piece. Beaches not significantly different between them. Used to live there, any of these will be great to stay on.

Used to live in Sarasota. For kids, in addition to beach, Longboat has Mote Marine. It's also closer to activities such as science museum, Selby Gardens, etc. than Siesta. As a young single person I preferred Siesta bc it has more of the singles scene. As someone now w/ a family, I prefer Longboat.

I also recommend looking at Anna Maria Island. It's just north of longboat key. The water is just as nice & calm. The town is very charming and the beach is never crowded. Lots of ocean front homes on vrbo.

Plenty of Longboat rentals on VRBO. Went with friends a couple of years ago and stayed in a wonderful beachfront condo.

Longboat Key is so nice, quiet, and upscale, in an old Florida style way. I love it much better than Siesta Key. SK is way too crowded and built up for my taste. LB has development too, but not as overwhelming for me as SK.

A lot of Longboat key is private, or essentially so We have a condo at the end. The public beach is quite short and crowded. If you are looking for a beach vacation, you will have to stay beach front or deal with the small public beach.

I am not sure if the beaches are actually legally private if by allowing no parking or entrances (you can only access the beach through the hotels or condos) they are able to achieve privacy.

Above has been my experience too. If it matters to you (and as you might expect given the descriptions), you pretty much have to drive everywhere on longboat. Both beaches are amazing.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Longboat beach is beautiful but different than Siesta Key. Siesta Key's beach is much deeper- you have to walk across the sand a lot longer to get to the water. Siesta Key beach is much, much busier and has life guards. Siesta Key is much more of a "beach hangout" with daiquiri bars, shell shops, etc. Longboat is quiet, mostly residential- so fewer renters and there aren't many people at the beach. Personally, I like Longboat because I like a quiet peaceful beach experience. Both beaches are great, so it depends on what you are looking for.

Wow thanks, this is great feedback. Does Longboat beach have the sugary white sand and crystal blue water?

Yes, Longboat sand is sugary white and the water was incredibly clear the last time we were there. I also like Longboat because you can quickly drive to St. Armonds Circle which has a lot of nice shops and restaurants. It's not as "beach bum" feeling as Siesta Key- it's a bit upscale.

Anonymous wrote:Longboat beach is beautiful but different than Siesta Key. Siesta Key's beach is much deeper- you have to walk across the sand a lot longer to get to the water. Siesta Key beach is much, much busier and has life guards. Siesta Key is much more of a "beach hangout" with daiquiri bars, shell shops, etc. Longboat is quiet, mostly residential- so fewer renters and there aren't many people at the beach. Personally, I like Longboat because I like a quiet peaceful beach experience. Both beaches are great, so it depends on what you are looking for.

Wow thanks, this is great feedback. Does Longboat beach have the sugary white sand and crystal blue water?

Longboat beach is beautiful but different than Siesta Key. Siesta Key's beach is much deeper- you have to walk across the sand a lot longer to get to the water. Siesta Key beach is much, much busier and has life guards. Siesta Key is much more of a "beach hangout" with daiquiri bars, shell shops, etc. Longboat is quiet, mostly residential- so fewer renters and there aren't many people at the beach. Personally, I like Longboat because I like a quiet peaceful beach experience. Both beaches are great, so it depends on what you are looking for.

Seems like the rentals are cheaper in Longboat than Siesta. However, is the beach at Longboat as beautiful as Siesta Key?