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Nokomis Beach
Heading west on Albee Road, you will end up at
Nokomis Beach, the oldest public beach in our
area. This family-oriented beach is also popular
for fishing, and includes a boat launch ramp on
the Intracoastal. Lifeguards at this and other
Sarasota County beaches are certified EMTs or
First Responders. Nokomis Beach is one of several
beaches in the county that features dune
walkovers. The boardwalks protect both the sand
dunes and native vegetation from pedestrian
traffic and help preserve the natural pristine
beauty.
North Jetty Beach
Located on the southern tip of Casey Key, North
Jetty Beach is a quintessential surfer’s beach. At
the edge of the inlet sits a quaint bait shop and
fish camp. When a storm causes the Gulf to swell,
surfers flock here from miles around to ride the
waves that break off the jetty. Picnic tables,
volleyball and horseshoe courts make North Jetty
Beach one of the best places in the area for
family and group outings. Across the inlet on the
Venice Island side is the South Jetty. The jetties
are a popular attraction for local fishermen, and
the fishing is said to be spectacular.
Venice Municipal Beach
At the west end of Venice Avenue and in close
proximity to downtown, Venice Beach is a popular
beach for residents and tourists alike. A reef
containing fossilized material is located a
quarter mile offshore, making it a favorite spot
for divers.
Service Club Park
Further south on Harbor Drive is Service Club Park
with its interesting boardwalks over the saw
palmettos. Each covered pavilion on the boardwalk
has a picnic table and a panoramic view of the
Gulf. Here you will also find the U.S. Coast Guard
Flotilla Training Center, wetlands, and several
areas great for bird watching.
Brohard Beach
The Venice Pier is part of the larger Brohard
Beach located adjacent to the Venice Airport.
Fishing enthusiasts can cast a line from the
740-foot public pier, complete with bait shop and
snack bar. At the base of the pier, the expansive
outdoor deck at Sharky’s Restaurant gives visitors
a place to kick back and enjoy a refreshing frozen
drink or a tasty meal. Brohard Beach is a local
favorite for scuba divers and snorkelers searching
for shark’s teeth. A bit south of this busy area
lies a quiet and breathtaking stretch of sand
framed by rolling dunes (pictured on page 52), and
a special dog park where owners can let their pets
frolic in the surf.
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Caspersen Beach
At the south end of Harbor Drive in Venice lies
Caspersen Beach. The vast majority of the
beachfront has been left in its natural state,
uncultivated, windswept and secluded. Dune
walkovers and an elevated 1,100-foot-long
boardwalk allows visitors to walk parallel to the
beach where they encounter a panoramic view of the
Gulf and can get a closer look at the many diverse
plants found in this dune habitat. The beach is
surrounded to the east by acres of freshwater and
saltwater marshes, mangrove habitats and tidal
flats, with a canoe/kayak launch. A nature trail
meanders through a coastal hammock and connects to
the Venetian Waterway Park walking and bicycle
trail. In addition, a bayside fishing pier and
several stone jetties offer the early morning
angler an opportunity for the catch of the day.
Caspersen is recognized as one of the most
enjoyable shelling beaches in this area, and an
exceptionally good area to find prehistoric
shark’s teeth. Because it is located away from
urban development, Caspersen is well suited for
the beach goer who prefers a more natural
experience.
Manasota Beach
Manasota Beach is located at the west end of
Manasota Beach Road in Englewood. This is a small
public beach, offering a great place to collect
shells, walk or relax. On the Intracoastal side of
the park, a boat ramp and docking facilities are
available. The 620-foot dock continues as a
boardwalk, winding through the mangroves. The
miles of sand between Manasota and Caspersen Beach
is a favorite spot for egg-laying sea turtles and
visitors who enjoy long strolls with nary a
condominium or building in sight.
Siesta Beach
No list could be complete without special mention
of Siesta Beach, just 15 miles north of Venice.
Recognized as one of the most beautiful beaches
found anywhere, the sand at Siesta Beach in
Sarasota was designated the “whitest and finest
sand in the world” at the Great International
White Sand Beach Challenge. Shallow water depth
and a wealth of recreational amenities make this
one of the most popular beaches in Sarasota
County.
Whether you are a sun-seeker, shell hunter, surfer
or sunset-watcher, our area has everything you
need to enjoy a spectacular time at the beach!
Written and Photographed by
Sandy Johnson
Printed July/August 2007
Web December 2008 |
