Where
Sarasota is blessed with an abundance of sun, sand and water, encompassing six islands that are home to beaches with a vast array of personalities and attributes, from famed stretches of sand like Siesta Key to hidden gems like Manasota Beach. Nokomis Beach on Casey Key is an alluring option you may not have heard of, and is located at 100 Casey Key Road, Nokomis, FL 34275.
Vibe
Quieter locals’ favorite with all the amenities. Popular, but never towel-to-towel crowded, Nokomis Beach holds bragging rights as Sarasota County's oldest public beach, doling out smiles with perks like free parking, a restaurant right on the beach, and restrooms. Here, expect to see beachgoers lounging under multi-hued umbrellas; families splashing in the tranquil, clear waters; and kids searching for colorful shells.
See, feel
Located in a mostly residential area, Nokomis Beach is easy on the eyes. No high rises mar the views, and generous dunes border the beach. The sand is latte-hued sand and resplendent with shells -- you may want to wear beach shoes—while the water is so clear you can see the shells underneath it. It drops off fairly quickly. While the water is normally calm, winds, tides and offshore systems can occasionally cause rough conditions.
On or near the beach
Nokomis Beach invites you to hunt for shells like Lightning Whelks, Cat’s Paws and Turkey Wings; swim; paddleboard or kayak the Gulf or bay; bird; play volleyball; fish; and watch spectacular sunsets over the Gulf of Mexico. Events include yoga on the beach, starting at the North Jetty at 9 a.m. every day of the year; and the Drum Circle, a fun, family-friendly happening that pays homage to the sunset with its quirky rhythms on Wednesday and Saturday nights throughout the year (by the lifeguard stand on Nokomis Beach). Feed the fun with a picnic under the palms or nosh on beach fare at the Shark Tooth.
Accessibility
Nokomis Beach promises ADA parking and accessible restrooms. Beach wheelchairs can be obtained from the lifeguard towers free of charge, every day between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. If you need of a beach wheelchair outside those hours, please contact the Sarasota County ADA Coordinator three days before your visit to make a request at 941-861-5000 or adacoordinator@scgov.net.
Facilities
Amenities at Nokomis Beach include a boardwalk; a canoe/kayak launch; a boat ramp and dock; picnic shelters; the historic Nokomis Beach Plaza; a volleyball court; a playground; beachside restrooms; bayside portable restrooms; a fishing pier and parking. The Shark Tooth offers beer, cocktails, and fare like tacos and burgers; as well as SUP and kayak rentals. They also sell beach gear.
Lifeguards
Lifeguards protect Nokomis Beach year-round.
Parking
Nokomis Beach welcomes you with free parking, sited right next to the beach. It can fill on weekends and holidays, so plan accordingly.
