A common local expression is to refer to a home as a sailboat waterfront home. In short, this means there are no bridges to pass under in order to get to open water.

The canal systems in Punta Gorda and Port Charlotte comprise of intersecting waterways that lead to the harbor. Some homes are situated on what is known as a “Sailboat Canal” which means that there is no bridge to pass under. It does not guarantee water depth. Homes that have waterways that pass under at least one bridge are known as “Power Boat Canal” homes.

In Punta Gorda one main road in is West Marion which leads from downtown Punta Gorda to Ponce de Leon Park to the west. This road is one dividing line for sailboat homes versus power boat homes. All homes on the north side of West Marion are sailboat homes and this area is considered the “Old Sailboat Section”. Another main road that runs north to south is Bal Harbor Blvd. which intersects with West Marion. Generally speaking the south and east quadrant formed by these two streets is known as the “Power Boat Section”. There are several canals that lead out to the harbor from these homes and they all must pass under West Marion. These are “Power Boat Homes”. The BRIDGE HEIGHTS and BRIDGE WIDTHS vary slightly from canal to canal. Please click on my link to bridge heights and widths to get dimensions.

Port Charlotte

The major road in to Port Charlotte waterfront homes is Edgewater Drive. Edgewater generally runs east to west and creates a dividing line between sailboat waterfront homes and power boat homes. Boaters leaving from homes on the north side of Edgewater have at least one bridge to go under which is Edgewater Drive. Depending on the canal location there may be one or more bridges to pass under. The homes that are on the south side of Edgewater before reaching Midway are SAILBOAT WATERFRONT HOMES. There are several sections: One is locally known as “Doctors Row” which are the homes located on the side streets off of Edgewater to the east of Harbor Blvd. These sailboat waterfront homes have super quick access out and deep water. Many of the local doctors live there as it is a very convenient location to town.

Another sailboat waterfront area is known as the Beach Complex area. This is located off of Harbor Blvd., south of Edgewater. This is often known as the New Sailboat section.

I was unable to get an official answer on these bridge heights. Most bridges appear to have an 11 foot clearance and in talking with various home owners they confer on this as a safe number.

The post Sailboat versus Powerboat Waterfront Homes appeared first on Southwest Florida Real Estate.

Capt. Chuck offers tours to preview homes from the waterside or to explore the many canal systems that lead to the homes. You may want to explore the many waterfront restaurants (some only accessible by boat), do a little fishing, beach shelling or just boat ride on one of the most beautiful and uncrowded waterways in southwest Florida. Whether you are looking to buy a waterfront home or an inland home, everyone’s life in Charlotte County is complimented by the waterfront lifestyle. Fresh seafood, waterfront restaurants, boat races, fishing tournaments, sailing regatta’s and waterside festivals are just part of the attraction.

Very few Realtors are licensed and have the knowledge to offer a boat tour. As one of Charlotte County’s top real estate agents, Capt. Chuck recognized that many people really need a look at the harbor to know what they’re really buying — in his own words: Charlotte Harbor — the biggest, most beautiful playground in the world and only minutes from your doorstep! Call The Captain today to help you find the house that you have always dreamed of!

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Most people interested in buying a waterfront home would like to know how long it takes to get out to open water. Open water generally means the open waters of Charlotte Harbor where you can put your boat up on plane. If a short boat ride time is important to you than you really need the straight scoop on how long a ride it is going to be from your dock. Realtors often don’t really know the boat ride times and “wing it”. Some get it right and some get it wrong. Needless to say there is a lot of variability when you try to put a hard and fast number on exactly what the boat rides times are. Your boat speed is the biggest factor and “no wake”, “minimum wake” mean different things to different boaters. The number of houses or absence of houses and the actual canal width will affect where you keep your throttle as well. You can buy a CANAL MAP from the local chart manufacturer WaterProof Charts. Ask for chart #03E to cover all of the canals in Port Charlotte and Punta Gorda

The simplest way that I know to covey accurate approximate boat ride times out from various streets in various waterfront neighborhoods is by doing the boating myself or talking with neighbors that live on the various canals. These are going to give you a good honest general time frame out. If your anxious to leave the dock and get out there you may be doing it quicker or if your relaxing on your way back in and are put-putting your way in, it will be longer. Here is a list of boat ride times from named streets. I am constantly updating this list so that my customers will truly have a good idea of how long a boat ride to expect.

Burnt Store Isles

1. Macedonia & Isparta Ct. Intersection via Alligator Creek- 22-25 Minutes

Pirate Harbor

1. Henry Morgan to Pirate Harbor channel- 7-8 minutes
2. Pirate Harbor Blvd to Pirate Harbor channel- 4-6 minutes
3. Jean Lafitte Blvd. to Pirate Harbor channel- 10-3 minutes

Port Charlotte

1. Bangsberg to open water- 1-4 minutes
2. Rock Creek near Victoria Ave. via Pellam Waterway- 17-20 minutes
3. Collingswood and O’hara intersection via Manchester Waterway- 20-23 minutes

Punta Gorda Isles- Sailboat Waterfront

1. Flora Lane via Pompano Inlet- 5-6 Minutes
2. Punta Gorda Isles Yacht Club via Pompano Inlet- 7-9 Minutes
3. Charlotte Amalie via Ponce de Leon Inlet- 10-12 Minutes
4. Parisian Court via Ponce de Leon Inlet- 12-15 Minutes

Punta Gorda- Alligator Creek

1. San Sebastion Harbor directly out to Alligator Creek- 20 minutes
2. Palm Drive and Boardman via Alligator Creek- 12-15 minutes

• Click here for more detailed information on boat ride times

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Some guidelines on what to expect when you drop your boat in the water is always helpful. Many mariners considering buying a home often ask how long a boat ride is it to various locations. Weather and water conditions always dictate how fast you can go and we all have a different idea of what is a safe speed. Different watercraft will handle the seas differently than others and rarely do you ever go a constant speed for too long without changing the throttle, adjusting your trim or trim tabs.

As a general guideline, using one of my smaller boats (18’ flats skiff with 150hp motor) here are some approximate times. These times obviously do not count the time it takes to exit the canal.

• From the general Punta Gorda Isles area to Boca Grande Pass- 30-45 minutes
• From the general Punta Gorda Isles area to North Captiva- 50-70 minutes
• From Pirate Harbor to Boca Grande Pass- 17 to 20 minutes (this is approximately 11 miles)
• From Pirate Harbor to Useppa Island- 20-25 minutes

• Click here for more detailed information on boat ride times

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This is perhaps the most beautiful, unspoiled body of water in the United States! The fishing is absolutely world class for nearly every sub-tropical species that lives. Sailing, boating, kayaking and just about any type of water activity is here. Remarkably, this is an uncrowded body of water with endless miles of exploration. Birdlife is stellar, shrimping, crabbing, clamming and catching oysters is all part of the lifestyle. You can expect to see dophins and manatees on just about any boating excursion. Charlotte Harbor, officially explored by Ponce de Leon in 1513, was settled by the English in 1775 and named after Queen Charlotte Sophia, wife of King George III. Charlotte County encompases 859 square miles of land and water with a population of 136,773 and a median age of 51.8.

Charlotte Harbor is Florida’s second-largest open water estuary and boasts open water sailing and countless miles of peaceful coves and bays, providing endless opportunities to tackle a tarpon, captain a kayak or commandeer a canoe. Nestled on the Gulf Coast between Sarasota and Ft. Myers, Charlotte Harbor has neighboring communities that boast more than 830 miles of shoreline including river passages, mangrove-edged aquatic preserve and sandy beaches. Ranked as one of SAIL Magazine’s top-ten places to sail in the U.S., Charlotte Harbor is a challenge to sailors worldwide. Kayakers and canoers don’t have to go to a tropical island to experience a remote adventure with nature. There are hundreds of miles of Blueway trails that start with the Peace and Myakka rivers and extend out to the Gulf of Mexico.

Charlotte Harbor and the Gulf Islands consist of Punta Gorda, Englewood Beach, Port Charlotte, Gasparilla, Little Gasparilla, Placida, Don Pedro Island, Boca Grande, Manasota Key, Palm Island and Cape Haze Peninsula. There are many other less noted islands only accessible by boat such as Cayo Costa, Cayo Pelu, Useppa and many others. Great for a day of exploring that will truly last a lifetime.

The pace is slower here and the waters clean. With clear blue skies nearly year around, southern hospitality as warm as the sand and you have paradise. You have to live here to realize this is the ultimate destination to live if you are a boater and for the angler- you will never have to leave here to satisfy your ultimate fishing fantasies! Charlotte Harbor has a different geographic and psychographic composition from its neighbors in Sarasota or Lee Counties. Our southern and northern counties have congested waterways, lots of people, lots of speed restricted zones (like the “miserable mile” on the Caloosahatchee) and fishing that in no way compares. There are no high-tech amusement complexes or big touristy attractions in our communities or around Charlotte Harbor — yes, this is the perfect place. For the land bound explorer (non-boat owner) there are more than 70 parks and recreational areas. If you prefer to mix cultural activities into your lifestyle you could attend a symphonic or dramatic performance, dine on upscale cuisine, gallery hop through the art-rich communities and shop to your heart’s content. The waterways have a remote pure feeling but the local communities have a down home feel with the cultural and modern activities that we all have become accustomed to.

Here are a few details that you might find interesting

• Designated as one of the “10 Greatest Places to Sail in the United States” by SAIL magazine
• Ranked “Third Best Place to Live and Play Golf in America” by Golf Digest;
• Named one of MONEY magazine’s “Best Places to Live in the South” two years in a row.
• Designated as one of “America’s Best Healthy Places to Retire” by U.S. News & World Report.
• TripAdvisor™ TravelCast named Englewood, Florida a “Top Ten U.S. Destination for 2009”
• Charlotte County has 830 miles of shoreline including rivers, mangrove backcountry & 28 miles of beaches.
• Approximately 84% of the Charlotte Harbor is preserved land.
• 365 miles of canals; 190 miles of saltwater and 175 miles of freshwater
• Canoe/Kayak Blueway Trails – 53 trails for a total of 193 miles throughout Charlotte Harbor
• Charlotte Harbor is the 17th largest estuary in the nation and the 2nd largest estuary in the state encompassing 270 square miles.
• The 106-mile long Peace River is one of the longest rivers in Florida and ends in Charlotte Harbor.
• The Charlotte Harbor Preserve is the 4th largest state park, of which 30,000 acres are in Charlotte County.

The post About Charlotte Harbor appeared first on Southwest Florida Real Estate.

A cheeseburger in paradise at Cabbage Key, a wedge of classic Key lime pie while watching the sun set at Tarpon Lodge or an incredible grouper sandwich at the Lazy Flamingo are just a few of my favorites. Each restaurant has its own nautical flair, most have outdoor eating and some with a bar. Many have local bands playing near or after sunset….how good can it get? Part of the fun is watching the various types of boats docking and coming in. Some have fish stories to tell and some are just thirsty for a brew.

The list below is a summary of the local waterfront restaurants. Charlotte County and Lee County restaurants are included because on a day of boating you will be in the waters of both counties. I have tried to make this list complete but will update the list from time to time.

Here are some local waterfront restaurants listed below. There are many more restaurants and I will add them in the near future. As you can see from this partial list, there are plenty of great waterfront restaurants to explore.

VILLAGE OYSTER BAR RESTAURANT
1200 Via Esplanade
Punta Gorda, FL. 33950
Located at Fisherman’s Village.
941-637-1177

SMUGGLERS, THE CAPTAINS TABLE RESTAURANT & LOUNGE
1200 Via Esplanade
Punta Gorda, FL. 33950
Located at Fisherman’s Village.
941-637-1177

RIVIERA OYSTER BAR RESTAURANT
5500 Deltona Dr,
Punta Gorda, FL
941-639-2633

BENEDETTO’S STEAKHOUSE & MARTINI BAR
Located in the Best Western Waterfront
300 Retta Esplanade
Punta Gorda, FL. 33950
941-639-9695

SHARKEY’S ON THE PIER
1600 Harbor Dr.
South Venice, FL. 34285
941-488-1456

THE LOOSE CABOOSE
4th & Park Ave
Boca Grande, FL. 33921
941-964-0440

SOUTH BEACH BAR & GRILL
Best food in Paradise. Waterfront dining overlooking the beach. Located near the Boca Grande Lighthouse.
777 Gulf Bl.vd
Boca Grande, FL.
941-964-0765

RUMRUNNERS
Upscale yet relaxed waterfront dining at the Cape Coral locks in Cape Harbour.
5848 Cape Harbour Dr.
Cape Coral, FL. 33914
239-542-0200

HURRICAINE HARRY’S WATERFRONT DINING
Waterfront tiki-hut happy hour appetizer. Florida pub food atmosphere. Live music.
MARINATOWN HARBOR
3448 Hancock Bridge Pkwy.
North Fort Myers, FL.
239.997.8300

WALLY’S WATERFRONT RESTAURANT
Waterfront happy hour. Florida pub food atmosphere.
3442 Marinatown Ln.
Fort Myers, FL 33903-7059
239-997-7110

CHANNEL MARK
Grand waterview courtesy of expansive picture windows. Seafood, continental dining with interesting wine list.
19001 San Carlos Blvd,
Fort Myers Beach
Before the bridge onto Estero Island/Fort Myers beach.
239.463.9127

THE LIGHTHOUSE
Fort Myers just before you enter Sanibel – elegant waterfront dining.
14301 Port Comfort Rd,
Fort Myers, FL.
239-489-0770

BERT’S BAR & GRILL
Old Florida bayfront burger and seafood bar with pool and live music.
Overlooking the beach, near the Boca Grande Lighthouse.
Pine Island Rd,
Matlacha, FL.
239-282-3232

MORETTI’S SEAFOOD
Best sunset food around – Italian/German & seafood entrees.
4299 Pine Island Rd,
Matlacha, Pine Island, FL.
239.283.5825

SANDY HOOK FISH & RIB HOUSE
All things conch, seafood & more.
4875 Pine Island Rd,
Matlacha, Pine Island, FL.
239.283.0113

THE WATERFRONT RESTAURANT & MARINA
Waterfront Restaurant Offers The Best Of Both Worlds. Casual dockside dining or air conditioned inside dining. Canal front fun, casual seafood and burgers.
2131 Oleander St.
St. James City, FL. 33956
Located on the corner of Stringfellow Rd. and Oleander.
239-283-0592

PARROT KEY CARIBBEAN GRILL
The casual open-air restaurant features a spectacular view of Matanzas Harbor, and offers the best in tropical drinks, tempting appetizers and delicious entrées.
2500 Main St.
Ft. Myers Beach, FL.
239-463-3257

THE LOBSTER SHACK
3135 Stringfellow Rd.
St James City, FL 33956
239.283.5300

TARPON LODGE
Historic elegant fishing lodge featuring views of Pine Island sound.
13771 Waterfront Dr,
Pineland, FL.
239-283-3999

TARPON HOUSE AT SANIBEL HARBOUR
View of San Carlos Bay & pool, outdoor & indoor dining & upscale seafood.
17260 Harbour Pointe Drive,
Fort Myers, FL. 33908
239.466.2128

THISTLE LODGE
Beyond charming, cottage like ambience with view of the Gulf & Beach. Upscale seafood & more.
2255 West Gulf Drive,
Sanibel, FL.
239.472.9200

LAZY FLAMINGO
Seafood, steaks, local favorites, Raw Bar & grill.
16501 Stringfellow Rd.
Bokeelia, FL.
Located at Harborside at Four Winds Marina.
239-283-5959

THE FISHERY RESTAURANT
Old Florida waterfront dining.
Located on Fishery Rd.
Placida, FL.
941-697-2451

THE GREEN FLASH – MARKER 38
Raw oysters, bisque, fresh seafood, surf & turf.
15183 Captiva Dr.
Captiva, FL 33924
239-472-3337

OLD CAPTIVE HOUSE TWEEN WATERS – MARKER 38
Wild mushroom ragout, curry lobster spring rolls, roasted rack of lamb & Caribbean crusted grouper.
15951 Tween Waters Drive,
Captiva, FL.
239-472-5161

THE LIGHTHOUSE RESTAURANT – MARKER 11
Full bar, indoor & outdoor dining, seafood, crab cakes, pasta & prime rib.
14301 Port Comfort Road,
Fort Myers, FL.
239-489-0770

SANIBEL HARBOR RESORT & SPA – MARKER 11
Choose from Charley’s Cabana Bar, with light fare served at a casual bar on the water; Tarpon House, with inside and outside seating that overlooks the resort pool and waterfront serving a mix of Florida favorites; or Courtside Steakhouse with its full bar & menu featuring steaks, seafood & upscale service.
17260 Harbour Point Dr.,
Fort Myers;
239-466-4000

The post Waterfront Restaurants appeared first on Southwest Florida Real Estate.

Charlotte County and neighboring counties have some of the most beautiful beaches in Florida. Most are a short ride via car or boat from home! With less than an hours drive time from anywhere in Charlotte County you can be to over 15 unique beaches. Some have trees actually growing on the beach so you can leave the umbrella at home. A few beaches have sand that is so white and fine it is like powered sugar. The gorgeous tropical blue waters define the culture we live in- paradise!

Port Charlotte Beach

Port Charlotte Beach along the Peace River is highlighted by its beach complex, which features a beach club with boat ramp, a very long fishing pier, barbeque grills, picnic shelters, a heated pool, a snack bar, tennis court, volleyball, basketball, bocce ball courts, horseshoes, Recreation Building and playground equipment for the kids. The white sand along the river provides a perfect place to lay in the sun and soak up some rays.

Port Charlotte Beach Park is a public beach facility. Parking is 50 cents per hour. An annual pass may be purchased from any Recreation Center. No lifeguards are on duty at the beach. The heated swimming pool is guarded. Call 941-629-0170 for pool information. The Recreation Building, beach park area or covered shelters are available for rent. Call 941-627-1074 for details.

Across the Harbor from the beach complex you will see Fisherman’s Village with its quaint shops, tantalizing restaurants and boat docks. There are also vacation rentals there with a private pool for its occupants.

Directions: From South, take 41 to Left Edgewater Blvd. about 2 miles to Left on Harbor Blvd. take it to the end. The Beach will be on the Left.

Boca Grande Beach/Gasparilla Island State Park

Boca Grande Public Beaches are often compared to Caribbean beaches and attracts beach goers from around the world. This public beach is noted for its light green waters, bleached-white sands and exquisite seashells. You can even catch the dolphins swim and jump! At the beach there is the famous Boca Grande Lighthouse and the Lighthouse Museum, which features a look back not only at Boca Grande but the reason for the lighthouse in the first place.

The beach offers full facilities including freshwater showers, picnic tables and grills. There are no concessions available or lifeguards on duty. The beach closes at dusk. The best fishing and shelling is at the Gasparilla Island southeast public beach. They’re worth a visit, as is the Armory Chapel, one of the first churches in this area. It has been restored by local residents and many functions are held there Oceanside.

Directions: Take the Boca Grande Causeway, off State Road 771 in Charlotte County, through the village of Boca Grande. Gasparilla Island has 4 miles of beach front and is located in both Charlotte and Lee Counties, but the state park beach is in Lee Count at the south end. There is a $4.00 causeway toll for cars and a $2.00 charge for parking.

Stump Pass Beach State Park

Stump Pass Beach is another popular Charlotte beach. The most popular activity is just walking in the sand and the beautifully clear water. Visitors can enjoy an excellent view of the Gulf of Mexico, as well as a stretch of undeveloped Florida coastline. A new 40 space parking lot is now available, as is a building with rest rooms, a shelter and is another great beach for shelling and fishing. Water lovers can also get to Stump Pass Beach via boat or personal watercraft. Water skiing is another popular sport in the bay side in “Ski Alley”. Restrooms are available. While at the park, you might see West Indian manatees, gopher tortoises, snowy egrets, least terns, and magnificent frigate birds. Ranger-led turtle walks and beach nature walks are available in the summer.

Stump Pass is part of the Gasparilla Island State Park system. Located at the south end of Manasota Key Rd., in the town of Englewood, off I75 exit 191, beginning where Gulf Boulevard ends and stretching about two miles. The Beach Park is open from 8am until sundown 365 day a year. For more information, contact Barrier Islands GEOpark at 941/964-0375.

Directions: From I-75, take exit #191, go west on River Rd., cross over US 41 to SR 776. Turn Left (south) on State Route 776 to Beach Rd. Turn Right (west) on Beach Rd., go over drawbridge to an intersection. Turn Left (south) and go as far as you can. Park in the free, but small, parking lot.

Englewood Beach

Beautiful Englewood Beach at Chadwick Park is located on Beach Road in Englewood on the Gulf of Mexico near the Charlotte and Sarasota County line. Englewood Beach is the most popular beach on Manasota Key with an enchanting beach and all it offers for tourists, visitors and locals combined. Here beach goers will find a picture perfect beach with great light-colored sand, beautiful water, wild sea oats growing along the dunes and is a favorite spot to watch the sunset. A path leads to a more secluded white-sand beach that exposes trees, vegetation and wildlife.

The county has undertaken extensive renovations to modernize the facility in 2002 and upgrade it to world-class resort status with many amenities. Features are a handicapped accessible boardwalk with three covered overlooks, two covered picnic shelters with an additional large group pavilion on the peninsula, benches, grills, sand volleyball court, horseshoe pits and a ship-shaped playground. There are no concession stands but there are many places for food near by.

Parking is 50 cents per hour, seven days a week, or a yearly pass is available at any Charlotte County Recreation Center. No lifeguards are on duty. Available for open-space rental and is utilized by many community groups and organizations for special events. There is also a hall available for rentals such as wedding receptions, birthday parties and baby showers, etc. If you are interested in the beach, park area, peninsula or one of the three covered picnic shelters, call 941-473-1018 for rates and availability.

From I-75, take exit #191, go west on River Rd., cross over US 41 to SR 776. Turn Left (south) on State Route 776 to Beach Rd. Turn Right (west) on Beach Rd., go over drawbridge to an intersection. Englewood Beach is straight ahead.

Nokomis Beach/Casey Key

Nokomis Beach on Casey Key in Venice is one of the best kept secrets of the South West Florida Beaches. Casey Key lies just to the south of Siesta Key . You won’t find any chain hotels here. . Beautiful, peaceful, this is “old Florida” at its best. A quaint collection of inns is a stroll away from the public beach access and marina rentals. Covered in a canopy of tropical trees, the winding Gulf-front street will make for an unforgettable Sunday drive among some of Sarasota’s most luxurious homes. The twisty curves and light traffic also make for a great bike ride.

There is free parking, a boardwalk, concessions, lifeguards, restrooms, picnic tables and showers are also available.

From I-75, take exit #195, go west on Laurel Rd. to US 41. Turn Left (south) on US 41, then turn Right at the third traffic light (Albee Rd.). Continue on Albee Rd., go over the drawbridge. Nokomis Beach is straight ahead.

Manasota Key Beach

Located north end of Manasota Key at the west end of Manasota Beach Road. Five minutes from Venice yet a world away, secluded Manasota Key is as far from the hustle and bustle as it gets. A quiet winding road leads past one- and two-story homes that make palm trees seem like skyscrapers in comparison. Blind Pass Beach is one of the Sarasota area’s most secluded beaches and adds a tranquil setting for the Hermitage Artist Retreat. Lifeguards, restrooms, picnic tables and showers are available. A little further south, Manasota Key angles away from the mainland as the Intracoastal Waterway opens into North Lemon Bay. Here, manatees munch on unspoiled beds of sea grass, and dolphins play among mangrove islands, home to rookeries for pelicans, cranes, and snowy egrets.

For more information, contact Sarasota County Parks and Recreation Department at 941/316-1172.

From I-75, take exit #193, go west on Jacaranda Blvd. until it dead ends into SR 776. Turn Left (south) on State Route 776 to Manasota Beach Rd. Turn Right (west), go over drawbridge to stop sign. Manasota Beach is straight ahead.

Venice Beach/Venice Jetties

Venice Beach is located on Venice Island just south of Sarasota along the Gulf of Mexico and is one of five beaches across the nation to receive the 2008 Best Restored Beaches Award This is a gorgeous large public beach and well know for it’s sunsets and Gulf view. There is also a Fishing Pier and both the North and South Venice Jetties where Humphris Park is located. The Beach offers free parking, Lifeguards, concessions, restrooms, boardwalks, benches, 2 volleyball courts, picnic tables and showers are available. An excellent place to find sharks teeth and other fossilized material, and a coral reef located approximately one-quarter mile offshore makes it a favorite spot for local divers. This is a favorite beach of many, so get there early on the weekend and enjoy what the locals enjoy year-round.

For More Information Contact: Sarasota County Parks and Recreation at 941-861-1602 or 941-861-9830

From I-75, take exit #193, go west on Jacaranda Blvd. to the second traffic light (Venice Ave). Turn Right (west), cross over US 41 Bypass, continue over bridge to the end of the road. Venice Beach is straight ahead. The North Jetty Beach is at the end of the Island.

Caspersen Beach

Caspersen Beach is the longest beach in Sarasota County, is It has been left in its natural state, uncultivated, windswept, and secluded. This is an exceptionally good area to look for and find pre-historic shark’s teeth as well as enjoyable shelling.

Located south of Venice Airport on Harbor Drive.

From I-75, take exit #193, go west on Jacaranda Blvd. to the second traffic light (Venice Ave). Turn Right (west), cross over US 41 Bypass, continue over bridge to the second traffic light(Harbor Drive South). Turn Left (south) on Harbor Drive South. Casperson Beach is at the end of the island.

Siesta Key

Winner of the “Worlds finest, whitest sand,” Siesta Key Public Beach extends along a half-mile of the most pristine quartz-crystal white sands in the world. The pure quartz, pulverized to a fine powder, has a magical quality. There is no sand quite like Siesta’s, anywhere. Even under the burning subtropical sun, it feels cool to the touch. Siesta Key has received many honors for its powdery white-sand beaches including recognition as one of “America’s Best Beaches”; “Third Best Walking Beach in the USA,” by USA Today International Edition; and “The Best of the Best Sand,” by Conde Nast Traveler Magazine. Our excellent climate encourages outdoor recreation of all kinds. Whether you want to be an active participant or an avid spectator, you’ll find most varieties of sport right here on the key, in Sarasota County, or nearby in the Bay area.

Lifeguards watch over Siesta Key Public Beach all year, and there are tennis, volleyball, softball and food concession facilities provided. Picnic pavilions are available for groups at a nominal fee. Water sports of every kind add color and excitement to the Siesta Beach scene. The 800-car parking lot is frequently full, for this is the most popular beach in Sarasota County. For information on renting picnic shelters and gazebos call (941) 316-1172.

From I-75, Take exit #205, go west on Clark Rd., cross Tamiami Trail (US 41) over the Stickney Point drawbridge. Turn right (north) at traffic light. Go through second traffic light – Siesta Beach is on the left.

Siesta Key Public Beach amenities include:

• public restrooms, snackbar & gift shop
• showers and handicap ramps
• picnic areas with & without roofs
• picnic shelters & tables (8 – family size shelters)
• gazebo (holds uo to 60 people)
• large shelter (holds uo to 120 people)
• free lighted public tennis courts
• volleyball courts (on the beach)
• 20 station fitness trail
• playground equipment
• lifeguards on duty year round
• handicap beach chairs available
• first aid

Just a few steps away is Siesta Village, a spirited medley of different sides of Sarasota, from candlelit dining to beach boutiques and cool daiquiris. And speaking of spirited medley, be sure to experience the Siesta Key Drum Circle, held almost every Sunday evening. Visitors become one of the family as the spontaneous rhythm of drums, bongos, and maracas fill the evening air.

At the southern end of Siesta Key is Turtle Beach. The sand here is a bit coarser, but that means the shelling is better. Turtle Beach is also quieter, and although there are no lifeguards or food concessions, families appreciate its comparative solitude and numerous facilities plenty of picnic tables, pavilions with grills, ample parking, and playground equipment.

Crescent Beach, usually a little less crowded, has the same fine, white sand. Located just south of Siesta Key Public Beach, it stretches for about one and a half miles toward a place called Point of Rocks, where scuba divers explore the underwater scenery.

Palmer Point Beach begins at the southern tip of Siesta Key and continues onto the north end of Casey Key. The northern part of the beach was the former home of Mote Marine Laboratory. Since the closing of Midnight Pass in 1984, the beach allows uninterrupted walking all the way down Casey Key. The beach is a popular spot for boaters and people who walk there from Turtle Beach seeking some privacy. There are no lifeguards and no facilities.

Longboat Key Beach

Unless you are a resident or staying at one of the Resorts, there is very little available in the way of public beaches. There are, however, several Beach Access points with free limited parking at Longview Drive, Westfield Street, Mayfield Street and Neptune Avenue. As a result, the beach that stretches the entire length of the key is not very crowded and a good spot for shelling. Sand dollars are plentiful at times near the sandbars just off the shoreline. Parking is very limited.

Longboat Key is a barrier Island off the Coast of Sarasota and Bradenton. It is quiet retreat of island luxury which seduces visitors from all parts of the world. This 10-mile-long, un-crowded paradise has long welcomed the famous, from early Spanish explorers to film stars and writers. It’s the perfect seaside setting for The Stone Crab Seafood Festival, where the opening of Florida’s stone crab season is robustly celebrated.

Along Gulf of Mexico Drive, framed in the vivid colors of impatiens and pink oleanders, are world-class resorts, charming cottages, garden parks offering peaceful moments and secret bayous where manatees laze. And the miles of white sandy beaches sprinkled in golden sea oats?

From I-75, Take exit #210, go west on Fruitville Rd., turn left (south) on Tamiami Trail (US 41). Go to next traffic light, turn right on John & Mable Ringling Causeway. Turn right (west), go over drawbridge, to St. Armands Circle turn right on North Blvd. of Presidents. Continue on North Blvd. of Presidents over another drawbridge to Longboat Key.

North Lido Key Beach/Lido Beach/South Lido Key Beach

North Lido Beach is a pristine half-mile stretch of sand accented by towering Australian pines. Spanning an area behind a residential location, it is the least populated and perfect for walking. Coconut palms stretch down St. Armands Cir. to Lido Beach, a sun worshipper’s dream, which reaches to South Lido Park, a fun-sun spot to explore nature trails, canoe, kayak, and picnic, with great views of the water. It is a popular beach, frequented by the locals and a great beach for a stroll at sunset.

Lido Beach has plenty of free parking, lifeguards, concessions, large swimming pool, picnic tables, playground, showers and restrooms.

At the southern end of Lido Key, you’ll find 100 acres of Australian pines, picnic tables, grills, a volleyball court and playground. Nature lovers enjoy the wooden walkways, trails and canoeing opportunities at South Lido Park.

DIRECTIONS: To North Lido Beach to From I-75, Take exit #210, go west on Fruitville Rd., turn left (south) on Tamiami Trail (US 41). Go to next traffic light, turn right on John & Mable Ringling Causeway. Turn right (west), go over drawbridge, to St. Armands Circle. Turn right at second street, go 2 blocks to Lido beach. North Lido Beach is just to the north, accessible only from the beach. South Lido Beach is at the south end of the island.

DIRECTIONS: To: Lido Key Beach From I-75, Take exit #210, go west on Fruitville Rd., turn left (south) on Tamiami Trail (US 41). Go to next traffic light, turn right on John & Mable Ringling Causeway. Turn right (west), go over drawbridge, to St. Armands Circle. Turn right at second street on circle, go 2 blocks to Lido beach, around the bend to a public parking lot on the right.

Beer Can Island Beach

This is a favorite spot for fishing, sunning and partying. Accessible by boat at Longboat Pass, many of the locals meet friends for a day of sun and fun. It is on the very north end of Longboat Key, accessible from North Shore Rd. off Gulf of Mexico Dr., and a great place to watch the boats going through the pass.

There is limited Free Parking on the Street or Get there by Boat. There are no Lifeguards or Facilities.

DIRECTIONS: From I-75, Take exit #210, go west on Fruitville Rd., turn left (south) on Tamiami Trail (US 41). Go to next traffic light, turn right on John & Mable Ringling Causeway. Turn right (west), go over drawbridge, to St. Armands Circle. Turn right at second street, go 2 blocks to Lido beach. Park in the small lot or on the street (both are free). North Lido Beach is just to the north, accessible only from the beach.

DIRECTIONS: From I-75, Take exit #210, go west on Fruitville Rd., turn left (south) on Tamiami Trail (US 41). Go to next traffic light, turn right on John & Mable Ringling Causeway. Turn right (west), go over drawbridge, to St. Armands Circle. Turn right at second street, go 2 blocks to Lido beach. Continue on Ben Franklin Dr. to the south end of the island.

• Waterfront Parks

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