Where can you go that isn’t as well known, a place that may not be as crowded, may have a cool gulf breeze, stunning sunset, a smaller town with more to do than just lay around on the beach all day. Where is that? Get ready because we think we have just the place you are looking for, Manasota Key.

If you haven’t been don’t worry, we have all the information you need right here to make a well-informed decision as to whether Manasota Key is the place for your getaway.

Manasota Key – A Truly Dream Florida Beach Vacation

With its tropical breezes, white sand beaches, breathtaking sunsets, abundant parks, and low-key crowd you can find a unique sense of relaxation that you can’t get just anywhere in Florida. You have the beautiful gulf coast on the west, and the quaint Lemon Bay to the east, everywhere you go, you are bound to be on a waterfront.

If water sports are your thing, you can’t go wrong whether it is smooth water kayaking, watching the dolphins swim right alongside or feeling the wind in your hair atop a jet ski speeding out in the open water of the Gulf. With the copious amounts of coastline to either side of you, you are also always a few steps away from the perfect “beach” vibe you are looking for.

You can find sandy beaches, rocky beaches, and even more tree-filled natural waterside retreats, and grass flats such as the kind you find in Stump Pass Beach State Park. Measuring at roughly 11 miles long, you will find you have plenty of beach area to spread out your blanket and soak up the rays, without being on top of the stranger next to you.

No Party Crowd. Get the Real Florida Vibe at Manasota Key

While this peninsula does attract a younger crowd, this is definitely not the type of area that attracts a big party crowd, leaving you plenty of headspace and quiet to dive into the latest beach read in your tote. On the eastern shores of Lemon Bay, you can discover the Lemon Bay Aquatic Preserve which is teeming with seagrass communities, oyster ecosystems and submerged mangroves.

Where is Manasota Key in Florida?

Manasota Key’s name derives from a combination of its proximity to Sarasota and the large population of Manatees you can spot in the area. You’ll find this peninsula on the gulf coast of Florida, between two bodies of water, Lemon Bay and the Gulf of Mexico, roughly halfway between Tampa and Ft. Myers. It is a roughly 2.5 hour drive from Orlando, and just over 3 hours when traveling all the way across the state from Miami.

You can access the key from Highway 777, which has direct access from Florida’s I-75 that connects Ft. Myers to Tampa Bay. Due to this easy access point, you will find this vacation spot relatively easy to get to from most parts of the state, as long as you get to the 75. From Orlando, it is a quick jaunt on I-4 over to Tampa and down, and from Miami, a short trip north on the 95, west on 595 and then the 75 connection north.

Things to Do on Manasota Key

You’ll find no shortage of activities for everyone in your party to enjoy in this coastal getaway spot, including things like:

Go Shark Tooth Hunting

Shark Tooth Hunting, which is fun for everyone no matter your age. This area is known to have a plethora of shark tooth fossils and you can find the tools needed for this activity at almost any beach shop in town – check out our article about this to learn all you need to know to set out and find your own shark tooth collection!

Pick a Beach, Any Beach!

The Beach, there isn’t a shortage of sand to spread out on, catch some sun, splash in the water, walk, run, shell hunt, picnic while watching the sunset – whatever your heart desires you are sure to find the perfect spot on the beach for it. With choices like, Englewood Beach, Stump Pass Beach, Blind Pass Beach, and Manasota Beach we are confident you will find the right sandy retreat for you.

Don’t forget the sunblock, because even on cloudy days, those UV rays can come on strong, and you might want to eat lobster, but you don’t want to be one yourself.

Fun on the Water – Kayaking, Boating, Jet Skiing

Want to get out on the water? Check out any one of the local Kayak rental spots! These places are filled with knowledgeable locals running the desks to help you not only get out onto the water safely, but also get you out there with maps and ideas for routes to take to ensure you get the most from your paddling adventure, whether that is spotting nature, or finding the best inlet to “lay anchor” and relax while listening to some island beats.

Visit Stump Pass State Park (maybe see Manatees or Dolphins!)

Stump Pass State Park is just one of the many great parks this Key has to offer. If you are a nature lover, be sure to stop by these nature trails for the chance to spot gopher tortoises, snowy egrets, frigate birds, and West Indian manatees! During the winter months, Ranger-led hikes are available, and parking in the park is $3 per vehicle, with no other admission costs. You simply can’t go to Manasota Key and pass up the chance to explore the beautiful 245 acres this State Park has to offer.

While we’re on the subject of wildlife, you can get your blood pumping with the numerous hiking and biking trails around the Manasota Key area for you to enjoy, totaling in over 92 miles of trail enjoyment!  Not all trails are created equal, so be sure to read up on what type of wildlife and terrain you are looking for before you grab the bug spray and put on your hiking shoes.

If watching the wildlife and hiking in nature isn’t your thing, and you are looking for a bit more thrill, there is no shortage of locations for rent jet skis, or get a bird’s eye view from a parasailing adventure.

We have mentioned jet ski, and kayak rentals, but don’t forget you can also take advantage of boat, paddle board and bike rentals from numerous locations along the Key’s shores.

Take a Drive, Admire the Homes!

Maybe you need a break from the sun and salty sea air, crave some air conditioning but don’t want to sit still in a restaurant, then we suggest hopping in the car and going for a ride down Canopy road. Especially if you enjoy fantasizing about real estate opportunities/house hunting. Not only is this drive gorgeous, with the road’s beautiful natural canopy of trees hanging over it, the houses are to die for. Have fun taking notes on who is going to live where when you all “grow up.”

Go Fishing

Are you an angler? Surf fishing is a popular activity on Manasota Key, take your chances casting in from knee deep water, or keep yourself dry up on the shore to see what you can catch. You are bound to not only get a bite, but also get some great conversation with surrounding anglers as well. Or maybe you want to see what you can catch in the deeper waters of the gulf, if so, be sure to nab a spot on one of the numerous fishing boat trips that depart out to the deeper waters all around the peninsula’s coastline.

Don’t Miss the Incredible Sunsets

Each morning the sun comes up, which means that at night it is bound to go down. Enjoy the best that a Gulf Coast destination has to offer – a glorious sunset. Sunset viewing is a popular activity anywhere you can get a good view out in the open water, and Manasota Key is no exception to this.

You can’t go wrong no matter where you choose to watch this beautiful daily event, be it from on a boat, the comfort of your beach side rental, or with the sand between your toes and don’t be embarrassed if you feel like giving a round applause after the sun disappears over the horizon – there is a good chance that the person next to you will do the same thing.

While talking of sunsets, Indian Mound Park is one of the best spots on Manasota Key to enjoy the sunset. It is free to access and is open from 6am to sunset daily. The park has links to ancient Native American culture local to the Manasota area, and while it doesn’t have any swimming access, there are great hiking trails, wildlife, picnic areas, clean bathrooms, and even a place to launch your canoe!

Beaches on Manasota Key

Manasota Beach, is likely the least crowded beach on the key, but nonetheless it contains all of the basic amenities you could need. Beautiful sands, a boardwalk, lifeguard and volleyball courts.

Enlgewood Beach is the most popular beach on Manasota Key, and it is ready to accommodate you. Here you will find easy access to a large parking lot, parasailing, beach volleyball, and beachside rentals, as well as a smattering of nearby restaurants to satisfy the hunger that an active day on the beach can bring.

Middle Beach or Blind Pass Beach, is known for its plethora of shark teeth that can be easily found on this 3,000 foot beach. You can also take you time enjoying the mangrove forest, kayaking, or catch some fish off the dock.

Stump Pass State Park Beach is only accessible by foot or by boat, but this remote beach is well worth the journey. Combing the beautiful sands of the key and the wildlife, and plant growth from the state park make this beach a little different than the others, but no less enjoyable.

Depending on where you stay, you may even end up with access to a private beach of your own! Many houses on the key have access to their own private waterfront so be on the lookout for one of these gems. These homes can be the perfect destination for a quiet couples retreat, or even something as large as a family reunion to enjoy home-cooked meals, game nights and sunset viewings – it can feel like your personal vacation home for a brief respite, but one that you don’t have to pay a full-on mortgage for.

Lemon Bay

Lemon Bay is located to the eastern side of the key, which means calmer waters for activities like kayaking, boating, and fishing. This bay covers 8,000 acres, is long, narrow and shallow. A perk is that the water here is brackish water, whereas the friendly Florida gators prefer to reside in fresh water, so anchoring a boat and jumping in the water is a fine idea.

Especially if you choose to partake in water spots in areas that don’t have any many waves involved. You can also find some great eco tours of the bay, so be sure to reserve a spot in your schedule to embark on one of these gems as you’ll be almost certain to spot manatees and dolphins, along with other bird and wildlife.

Is Englewood Beach in Englewood Florida?

This is a great question, and often something we get asked to explain to people who are coming to the area for the first time. Englewood Beach is one of the most popular beaches in the area, and it is at the very southern tip of Manasota Key. Although, there are many other beaches on Manasota Key as well (like we mentioned above).

But it’s important to know that there are 2 very different areas down here – Englewood town which is on the mainland and Englewood Beach which is out on the key. While they are technically the same town and addresses, the areas are quite different.

Englewood Beach – On the Southern Tip of Manasota Key

The Englewood Beach area out on the key is accessible via a bridge from the town of Englewood. Out on the key you’ll find beautiful a gorgeous white sand beach, Stump Pass state park, and restaurants and tiki bars. You’ll also find a number of homes and condos out here and a lot of fantastic vacation rentals as well as a few small hotels.

If you are looking for that quintessential beach vacation, then staying out on the key in Englewood Beach is the most convenient. 

This is an area where you’ll see people walking to and from the beach with their gear, riding bikes, and even golf carts. Restaurants overlooking the water and tiki bars have live music where you can dance with your toes in the sand! It’s very vacation-like and is a great little “bubble” of an area to hang out for a totally relaxed beach vacation.

Englewood Town – Over Bridge from Manasota Key on the Mainland

Englewood town is located on the mainland just off of Manasota Key and is more of a rural, laid back “old Florida” type of town. It’s a fairly small town with a number of unincorporated areas. This is not a resort-style vacation town and you won’t find luxury establishments or high-end shopping here. Englewood is much more of an everyday Florida town that just happens to be by the beach.

While there are vacationers and part-timers who live here, a lot of people in Englewood are full-time residents. 

There are some places to stay in Englewood town for visitors as well as some vacation rentals too. Accommodations on the mainland definitely tend to be a cheaper alternative to staying out on the key at the beach. However, that means you’ll have to drive out to the beach areas – so just keep that in mind.

Thinking of Moving to Englewood? Check out our complete Englewood Relocation Guide to learn more and search homes for sale.

Favorite Places to Eat & Restaurants on Manasota Key & Nearby

Despite being a smaller, more rural town in Florida, Englewood does cater to vacationers and has some pretty great restaurants to enjoy, both on the mainland and out on the key at the beach.

Lock & Key is one of the best spots to grab a margarita and watch the sunset. Located right across the street from Englewood Beach, this spot usually grabs a crowd of sandy toed and sun tanned faces, and with these eats there is no question why.

Sandbar Tiki & Grille is one of our favorite places out at Englewood Beach. It’s table service, with sand between your toes. This is the perfect beachside restaurant because it makes you feel as though you never actually left Englewood Beach. This place offers and extensive menu, full service bar, covered and uncovered seating, and even has some fireplaces for colder nights.

Eat under the sun or the stars and sway to the tunes of the live band! Watch the locals and tourists meld together on the dance floor and belt out fan favorite songs for all ages. (note – Friday and Saturdays can get quite crowded and loud with some really great bands, perfect for a night out!)

The Waverly is another great spot to grab something to eat if you are out at Englewood Beach on Manasota Key. You can sit downstairs or upstairs with views out over the ocean. From seafood, burgers to pasta, we’ve had some great meals here.

Farlows on the Water is probably our TOP favorite restaurant in the southwest Florida area! Located on the mainland in Englewood town but overlooking waterways and mangroves, this restaurant is truly a gem with their cuisine that’s a mix of Caribbean and Southern Comfort foods. The chef is incredible and they have regular music out on the patio. It’s our go-to spot for date nights or celebrations like anniversaries and birthdays. Be sure to get reservations, especially if it’s a weekend or during busy season (winter).

Other Popular Places to Visit & Things to Do Nearby Manasota Key

Visit a Winery (yes, we have those in Florida too)

Just a quick 6.9 mile jaunt from Manasota Key beach, you can find yourself at Catania’s Winery, located in mainland Englewood. Catania has been making award winning wines for over 30 years, and the owner John loves to talk and discuss wine with anyone who comes through the doors. They offer tastings and sales during their hours of operation Wednesdays thru Sundays. Another great winery nearby in Port Charlotte is The Gilded Grape Winery.

Experience Gasparilla Island’s History, Opulence, and Nature

Gasparilla Island is located roughly 30 miles south of Manasota Key down Highway 771 and if you call yourself a fisherman, this is a must see detour to take on your trip to Manasota Key. Gasparilla Island is separated from mainland Florida by Charlotte Harbor and Pine Island South.

Gasparilla Island has beautiful natural scenery and beaches that have attracted the rich and famous for quite some time. From Vanderbilt’s to the DuPont’s. In Boca Grand, the main town area, you’ll find charming shops and restaurants as well as The Gasparilla Inn & Club – a historic hotel with a beautiful golf course.

On the southern end of the island you will find Gasparilla Island State Park, home to the Port Boca Grande Lighthouse which was built in 1890. Here you will find great spots to swim, snorkel, fish, check out the lighthouse museum, and picnic surrounded by nature.

Manasota Key Beach FAQs

If you’re planning a visit (or just daydreaming about your next beach day), here are some of the most common questions we get about Manasota Key, answered simply, honestly, and with a little local insight that always makes for an extra special trip.

Is Englewood Beach the same as Manasota Key?

Not exactly, but they’re super close.

Englewood Beach is on Manasota Key, specifically on the southern end. When people say they’re going to Englewood Beach, they’re technically still on Manasota Key, just at one of its most popular access points.

Think of Manasota Key as the whole island, and Englewood Beach as one of its main beach spots.

If you’re exploring the area, you might also like our guide to things to do in Englewood, Florida for nearby spots to check out.

Can you swim at Manasota Key Beach?

Yes, absolutely! The water along Manasota Key Beach is usually calm and swimmable, especially on clear days. It’s part of the Gulf, so you’ll often get those gentle waves and warm water that Florida’s known for.

Is Manasota Key worth visiting?

100% yes. Especially if you prefer a quieter, more natural Florida beach.

Manasota Key is known for:

• A more laid-back, Old Florida feel
• Fewer crowds than places like Siesta Key
• Incredible shelling and shark tooth hunting
• Gorgeous sunsets without the chaos

If your idea of a perfect beach day is peaceful, simple, and scenic… you’ll love it here.

Is parking free at Manasota Key Beach?

Most areas, yes! Many access points along Manasota Key, including Englewood Beach, offer free parking, though spots can fill up quickly (especially in peak season and weekends), so go early in the morning or closer to sunset for easier parking. However, there is limited parking on the southern tip at Stump Pass State Park – and there is a park fee there.

Is Manasota Key Beach crowded?

Compared to other Florida keys and beaches? Not really. That’s one of the biggest reasons people love Manasota Key, it tends to feel much more relaxed and FAR less packed than places like Siesta Key and the Clearwater areas.

How many beaches are on Manasota Key?

There are a few main public beach access points along Manasota Key, including:

• Englewood Beach
• Blind Pass Beach
• Stump Pass Beach State Park
• Manasota Beach

Each has a slightly different vibe, from easy access and amenities to more natural, untouched stretches.

What is Manasota Key known for?

There are so many things that locals and visitors love about Manasota Key. For starters, it’s one of the best spots in Florida for shark tooth hunting, and you’ll almost always find something if you take your time. The sunsets here are unreal too, with those wide-open Gulf views that never get old. Add in great shelling (especially after a storm rolls through) and a natural, less-developed feel compared to other barrier islands, and it’s easy to see why people fall in love with this place. 

What beach has pink sand in Florida?

If you’re chasing pink sand, you won’t find it on Manasota Key. For that, you’d head further north to places like Flagler Beach or Clearwater Beach. Manasota Key is more about natural shells, darker sand, and fossil finds. Although you can find more white and softer sand on the southern parts near Englewood Beach and Stump Pass Beach. But no pink sand.

What is the prettiest beach in Florida?

This one’s subjective, and there are a LOT of stunning beaches in Florida, but we honestly think Manasota Key Beach deserves to be in the conversation.

It’s easily one of the most scenic, peaceful and underrated beautiful beaches in Florida.

What is the quietest beach in Florida?

While there are plenty of quiet beaches across the state, Manasota Key is definitely up there. Especially if you explore beyond Englewood Beach and head toward Blind Pass Beach or Stump Pass Beach State Park. That’s where you’ll really find that “almost empty beach” feeling.

What beach has the most turquoise water in Florida?

For that bright, almost Caribbean-style turquoise water, places like Destin or Panama City Beach or even Siesta Key Beach are great options.

Manasota Key still has beautiful Gulf water but it’s typically a softer blue-green, especially depending on the season and tides.

Is Manasota Key good for shark tooth hunting?

Yes. This is one of the BEST spots in Florida. In fact, it’s often considered part of the broader Vencie, Florida area, which is known as the “shark tooth capital of the world”. Bring a small sieve or scoop and check along the shoreline as you’ll often find fossilized shark teeth mixed in with shells. You can also head slightly north to Venice Beach or Caspersen Beach for a fun shark tooth treasure hunt that will not disappoint.

Are there restaurants on Manasota Key?

You won’t find big chains or anything overly built-up here, but there are several great local spots, especially along Beach Road near Englewood Beach. 

Places like SandBar Tiki & Grille are perfect for a laid-back lunch or sunset drinks with live music, while Lock ’N Key Restaurant is a go-to for seafood and a classic beachside vibe. If you’re in the mood for something a little more elevated, Magnolias on the Bay offers a more upscale experience with beautiful views over Lemon Bay.

There are also casual, family-friendly options like Beachcomber Trading Post, which serves everything from breakfast to dinner right by the water. And just nearby, The Lighthouse Grill & Tiki Bar at Palm Island Marina is worth the short trip for another relaxed waterfront dining spot.

Can you stay on Manasota Key?

Definitely. There are beachfront rentals, small inns, and vacation homes available on Manasota Key.  It’s perfect if you want a quieter stay right on the water without big resort crowds.

Is Manasota Key family-friendly?

Very much so. With calm water, easy beach access, and lots of space to spread out, Manasota Key beaches are great for families, especially if your kids love shelling or exploring nature.

Manasota Key Offers That Ideal Relaxed Florida Beach Experience

Whether you are looking for a beach vacation, a romantic getaway or if you are dreaming of living that beach lifestyle every day, then you’ll fall in love with Manasota Key and the area. Far away from the crowds of popular Florida beach destinations such as Siesta Key, Manasota Key offers the laid-back vibe and natural Florida setting many of us are craving. From the powdery sand, to the crystal blue water. The beautiful shells and fossilized shark teeth, to charming bungalows overlooking the water. Great restaurants and fantastic tiki bars, this is where you can throw your cares away!

The post Manasota Key – Why You’ll Love This Dreamy Florida Beach Escape appeared first on That Florida Life.

Read or Watch – Whichever You Prefer!

In this blog post we’ve outlined everything you need to know about how to go shark tooth hunting. However, we’ve also made a video showing you all the basics of shark tooth hunting – including a bit of background, the equipment and showing you how to do it. Just click the video below if you want to watch it!

Prefer to read it? No problem, just keep scrolling past the video to read all the details!

What is Shark Tooth Hunting All About?

What is shark tooth hunting you ask? Perhaps you are visiting Florida or just moved to the area, you might have heard of this and wondered what it’s all about. This is especially true if you moved to Venice, Florida – because it’s everywhere!

Similar to combing the sand for seashells or other lost beach treasure, shark teeth are also washed up along the shores, free for the taking and you won’t even need to use a metal detector! Sharks have been gliding through the salty ocean waters for millions of years.

When a shark’s life has come to an end, while most of the body is either fed upon by other sea life or disintegrates back into the ocean waters (circle of life and all that) their teeth remain left behind and after thousands of years, they fossilize.

Over time, these teeth have been stirred up and moved around in the ocean waves until one day they were discovered cropping up along the shorelines with the seashells, enticing beachcombers to begin hunting for these treasures. In searching for shark teeth you will discover that the teeth won’t be very large. While they will vary in size, the teeth will remain within the same size range meaning what you will be looking for will be a triangle that is roughly 1/8” to 3/4″ – perhaps even a bit larger but nothing too large and imposing.

Shark’s teeth can also be found in varying colors depending on what sort of sediment they fossilized in, but most likely the teeth you find will be darker in color or black and a bit glossy when the light hits them.

Why Go Shark Tooth Hunting?

If you have been to a beach, I am sure you have noticed that scattered along the boardwalks are usually little shops which you have no doubt popped into at some point for the odd bottle of sunscreen or new beach towel.

In these shops you will find all sorts of ocean trinkets and crafts and have more than likely come across items such as shark tooth necklaces, maybe you have even purchased one before but what if the tooth you wore around your neck was actually a tooth that you found yourself?

This is just one of the reasons shark tooth hunting has become a popular pastime.

Shark tooth hunting can be a relaxing walk along the sand where the waves are crashing in, or it can be an exciting game that the kids will love! A competition in who can find the most or biggest tooth of them all! Some people simply love seeing what kind of tooth they can find next and can’t wait to identify what shark the tooth is from/how old the tooth could possibly be.

While others love to collect the teeth for all of the crafts they can make; artwork to display in their home, jewelry, gifts for family and friends, or maybe creative shark tooth-themed items they can sell.

READ MORE: Free Things to do in Florida

What Are the Best Beaches to Find Shark Teeth?

When it comes to shark tooth hunting, not all beaches are created equal. While you can find shark teeth on the east coast Florida sands of places like Jupiter Beach, Amelia Island and St. Augustine beach, the Florida shores surrounding the Gulf of Mexico are also teeming with excellent places for shark tooth hunting along the shores of Casey Key, and Manasota Key.

But if you are looking for the best of the best in this sport you can’t go wrong with Venice Beach in Venice, FL to be specific, Caspersen Beach area.

What’s so special about Caspersen Beach? Why, it’s only the shark tooth capital of the world!

You heard that right, Caspersen Beach in Venice, FL is the mecca for all things shark’s tooth. Now this might get you thinking, “why here?” Well the good news is that we know why, but for that story we need to journey back millions of years, over 10 million years to the prehistoric past. Back in the day, Florida as we know it didn’t exist, in fact it was completely submerged underwater.

READ MORE: Things to do in Venice, Florida

Why Are There So Many Shark Teeth in Venice, Florida?

During those days a great variety of sharks hung out in these waters including the now extinct but previously massive megalodon. Over a shark’s liftetime they are known to lose hundreds of teeth, multiply that by the large amount of sharks roaming the waters and what you are left with is an ocean floor filled with discarded teeth prime for fossilization.

After the waters lowered and Florida emerged, the tides have kept churning and through that churning, they dig up these awesome fossils along with other sediment and shells stirring them up until they eventually land up on the shoreline for us to find. The best places to find these beach treasures are going to be near a rocky jetty or inlets – places where you see a lot of shells, corals, rocks or immediately in the line where the waves are crashing onto the shore.

What Equipment Do I Need to Go Shark Tooth Hunting?

Shark Tooth Hunting can be great fun for the whole family and the best part is, it won’t cost you a ton to get started. First thing you need is the desire for the hunt, second is a tool for digging, and skimming/sifting the sand and shells luckily this can be something as simple as your hands or a strainer from your kitchen.

Many beachside shops will have tools that you can buy or rent to use during your hunting expedition, items such as the “Venice Snow Shovel”. You can find small sifters that you hold in your hand or even fancy sifters that will float out on the water! Don’t want to buy anything new? Well, if you have kids that like to build sandcastles – just steal their toys for the day.

If you really want to be creative there are plenty of tutorials to be found online that will help you build your own sifter to make you the shark tooth hunting pro you have always wanted to be. Some people like to use a small spade type shovel to gather the sand, shells and teeth with, while others prefer their hands, and still others prefer a scoop – it doesn’t matter how you do it, with enough determination you are bound to find something great.

Which brings us to one of the most important items of all. When going shark tooth hunting the most important item that you can have with you is, somewhere to put your treasure! This can really be anywhere of your choosing but if the plan is to take your finds home with you, don’t forget to pack something to carry sed finds.

Once you begin to amass your new shark tooth collection, you may be asking yourself what kind you have. You’re in luck there too! Many shops in the area will also carry handy guidebooks to help you identify your finds so you can be well on your way to collecting them all.

Shark Tooth Hunting Techniques

Once you have all of your hunting tools together it is time to find the teeth. Lucky for you, you don’t need years of experience to be good at finding shark’s teeth. It can be as simple as strolling along the beach, picking up the occasional handful of sand and sifting through it, but if you really want results there are faster ways.

As mentioned previously, the good places to find these treasures are places where waves crash up and then leave things behind such as shells, rocks, bits of coral and teeth. Once you find a nice spot you can dig in with your shovel, scoop it up into your sifter and then sift through.

Chances are you will find a lot of cool interesting bits from the ocean in there and in Venice with a big scoop you are very likely to find at least one tooth in each batch but since they are small you do need to sift carefully, really looking at each piece so that you don’t accidentally discard a tooth that you mistook for a piece of coral.

Another spot to look is where the waves are currently crashing up or just into the water where the sand dips down a bit more abruptly, just reach down into the water to the bottom, and pull up a scoop full of goodness to take back to the beach and sift through.

There isn’t a specific time of day that is best for this activity, the biggest factor here is the tide, when it is coming in hard, receding and maybe if there is a storm that has recently come through and really stirred up the ocean to leave even more items onshore than usual.

READ MORE: The BEST Dog Beach is in Venice (and Yes, You Can Find Shark Teeth There!)

Yes…You Can Keep the Shark Teeth You Find! (and you won’t get in trouble)

Many fossil sites in Florida are legally protected, meaning that you are either not allowed to collect them, or only allowed to do so with a permit. Shark’s teeth remain an exception on this point because there are just so many of them to be found in Florida so why not get yourself a free souvenir?

Do be mindful, that while these sharks teeth won’t bite, it is still illegal to dig deep into multiple layers of public land as this can negatively disrupt the eco-system. There will be plenty of teeth to be found up near the top without much effort on your part, so let’s keep things near the surface and continue to allow our natural lands to live their best lives.

Shark Tooth Hunting is a Fun Activity that Everyone in the Family Can Enjoy!

The great thing about shark tooth hunting is that it is an activity for all ages! No heavy equipment required, no long term training, and you don’t even have to wake up at 5am to do it. It can be a leisurely activity you take part in while watching the sunset or it can be an all out competition to see who can get the most teeth, the biggest, the most variety, the most interesting, or the best colors.

Seriously, you can even make scorecards, winners get ice cream! Or everyone can celebrate their collection at lunch or dinner at the famous Sharky’s Restaurant in Venice! It can be a solo adventure, or a team effort. Maybe the beach isn’t played out afterall, so go pack that beach bag full of sunscreen, beach towels, hats, umbrellas, books, snacks, and waters, load the boogie boards onto the car and for kicks maybe throw in a shovel, sifter and a “treasure holder” of your choosing. There are plenty of shark’s teeth out there just waiting for you to find them.

The post How to Go Shark Tooth Hunting: What You Need & Best Beaches to Find Them appeared first on That Florida Life.

Luckily for Orlando residents and visitors, there are plenty of vast destinations they can choose from. A quick drive to the east or the west will bring you to places where you can see all the way out to the horizon line without a rollercoaster or I-4 blocking your view. What are these magical places? Beaches! Deciding you want to go to the beach is easy. However, choosing which one from the best beaches nearby Orlando you want to visit can get overwhelmingly tricky. That is why we hope to help you streamline this decision to get you loaded up, in the car, and on the road in the right direction quicker.

What are the Best Beaches Near Orlando?

Here we have listed 8 beaches under 2 ½ hours from Orlando that will be the perfect fit for your long-awaited beach getaway.

Cocoa Beach

They don’t call it the “Beachline” for nothing! Less than an hour-long drive on the 528 toward the Atlantic– that’s how far Cocoa Beach is from Orlando. Famous for its surfing spots and surfing shops, Cocoa is home to the Florida Surf Museum, where you can learn more about your favorite sport. Proximity-wise, Cocoa Beach is your best bet as it’s the closest you can get away to from Orlando. If you want to enjoy the sun, sand, and stars with some cocktails, Coconuts on the Beach is one of the hottest spots around to hang out and socialize.

Meanwhile, if you are looking for a quieter place for a good breather, go a bit south along the beach to Lori Wilson Park, where you will not only find parking and beach access but even a dog park where you can surround yourself with enthusiastic dogs and pups. After some fun times with man’s best friend, end your day at the Cocoa Beach Pier. Located on the north end of the beach, dine in an array of restaurants and watering holes. We assure you! You won’t be bored when you visit Cocoa Beach– we consider it one of the best beach towns in Florida!

Located off the A1A as far north as Arthur Ave down the coastline to 30th st, you will find 4 different parks to grant you access to the beach as well as popular stores like Cocoa Beach Surf Company and Ron Jon Surf shop, be on the lookout for some of the shops! Some even have free beach parking available to the public if you into walking a couple of blocks. But there is also plenty of metered parking available right at the beach if you don’t feel like going for a stroll.

New Smyrna Beach

Head up I-4 East to the FL 44, and you will soon find yourself at New Smyrna Beach where access can be seen from many spots off Flagler Ave Beachfront Park. This beach has drive-on access and is also a popular spot for beach cycling. On Flagler Avenue, you will find plenty of shops and eateries to keep your stomachs busy. And with New Smyrna’s over 13 miles of sand, you’re almost always guaranteed to find a great place to park and enjoy the day.

With great big waves, this best beach nearby Orlando offers the kind of waves you want and need, making it a popular surfing location, especially up north by the inlet. But like all good things, you should pay extra caution as this is also a popular location for shark bites. While shark bites aren’t as dangerous as Hollywood movies will lead us to believe, this is still something to be wary of.

Bringing a furry friend that also loves the beach? Smyrna Dunes Park, located at the north end of the beach, has dog-friendly beach areas on its borders, but be aware that dogs are prohibited on other areas of this beach for their own safety as many cars and bikes are riding up and down these sands all day.

Daytona Beach

Want to get away to the beach, but have someone in your party that isn’t a “beachy” person? Then Daytona just might be your answer. Head out to the Atlantic coast a bit north of Orlando, and you will find what is known as the “World’s Most Famous Beach.” Nearby, the non-beach goer can visit the famous Daytona Speedway, where they can enjoy a tour of the track and facilities while you enjoy some fun in the sun. There is no need to worry about parking here as you can drive your car right onto the beach to ensure you are close to the action.

The Daytona Boardwalk is home to fun games and rides as well as sidewalk performers, and if luck is by your side, you just might be able to catch a fun concert at the Daytona Beach Bandshell. If your friends are the competitive type, turn it up a notch and play a game of who could get the lowest priced seats. For reference, it can go as low as $4. Aside from these, you will also find many nearby beach shops, hot dog stands, ice cream carts, as well as staples like Joe’s Crab Shack, where you can eat to your heart’s content.

This beach is an easy drive from Orlando, just up I-4 East and out to US 92. When you reach the A1A you will have landed at the heart of Daytona Beach in just an hour. If you’d rather drive your vehicle nearby the beach, there are free beach parking lots peppered up and down the A1A, as well as ocean-front parking garages.

Clearwater Beach

If the Gulf side seems more your speed, but would much rather stay at a lively white sand beach near Orlando, explore Clearwater Beach. Because of its fine white sand and pristine waters, Clearwater Beach has always been included in several lists of America’s best beaches. Honestly, it’s not that difficult to understand why.

Roughly 2hrs from Orlando due west and just past Tampa, the inviting waters of Clearwater Beach hosts a nightly sunset party at Clearwater’s Pier 60. The pier and sidewalks surrounding it will fill with vendors, street performers, and artists, and on certain nights you will even find a live band and dance floor available for all to enjoy. There is also no shortage of fun at Clearwater. You can take your pick of daytime as well as sunset dinner cruises (even a pirate ship!). Or check something off your bucket list like riding a speed boat, driving a jet ski, or go on a parasailing adventure and truly deep dive on why it’s one of the best beaches nearby Orlando, or even in the country.

To visit, all you have to do is go west on I-4 until you get to FL 60 and take that until you quite literally run into the action of the beach. There are meters available beachfront, or you can follow the road down a bit south to find free street parking on any side streets. Clearwater is an excellent spot for locally-owned restaurants. From cheap beachside burger stands to incredible seafood restaurants, whatever you may be craving for, you got it here!

St. Pete Beach

With the lovely white soft sand along the gulf side, you will also find a lovely stretch of one of the best beaches near Orlando. The open beach offers plenty for the whole family to enjoy, from kayaking to sandcastles to dolphin spotting. Located 2 hours and 15 minutes Southwest of Orlando, St. Pete Beach is here for your entertainment, making it one of the most famous beaches near Orlando.

This beach has a quieter vibe than places like Clearwater, but not as quiet as Indian Rocks, with a bit more happening for the kids while being far from a “spring break” type of beach. While here, make sure to check out The Don CeSar, a luxury pink hotel that opened in 1928. With history made right up their sleeve, you can simply check out the classic architecture and its history. Or you can find one of the local sightseeing companies that lead two-hour ghost tours regarding the suspected hauntings of this hotel.

To get to St. Pete Beach, you will need to get to I-4 west and turn south once you hit Tampa; this drive will take you through St Pete, past Florida Orange Groves Winery (if a wine stop is on your agenda). Then, right on out Pasadena Ave to FL 699 and the beach. Most of the parking you will find here will be metered street parking, but there is plenty of spots to choose from.

Madeira Beach

Named after the legendary pirate John Levique, John’s Pass Village & Boardwalk in Madeira Beach is full of pirate and beachy character chock. They have over 100 vendors from restaurants to specialty shops! From here, you can embark on day-long fishing excursions, sunset cruises, or just enjoy some good dolphin watching from the Boardwalk in between your sunbathing and swimming adventures on Madeira’s 2.5-mile beach.

If you enjoy seafood, this is the place for you! Make it extra special by planning to visit in October when Madeira Beach plays host to the Seafood Festival at John’s Pass, a festival known to attract more than 125,000 visitors. Better SEAS the opportunity and be one of those visitors!

2hrs and 10min outside of Orlando, you will find a scenic beach and a boardwalk in this quaint town by FL 699. There are many beach lots along with a large 6-floor parking garage to accommodate the daily visitors.

Indian Rocks Beach

Located just south of the famous Clearwater Beach is the small beach of Indian Rocks. At just under 2miles, this beach provides beautiful white soft sands and stunning sunsets, similar to what you see at Clearwater, but with less fuss.

If a quiet day at the beach with your book is what you are looking for, this nearby beach in Orlando is right up your alley. Indian Rocks has all the basics you love to have for a day of fun in the sun and sand without all the tourists buzzing around. After a day of soaking up the rays, there are plenty of local restaurants to check out, like JD’s. It’s famous for having some of the best live entertainment in the area. Their dance floor will most definitely be hopping both inside the restaurant and out on the deck.

A 2 hour and 15-minute drive west from Orlando to the Gulf, off FL 688, will get you to this little slice of paradise. A great perk of this beach is the amount of available parking. Since so many people stop in Clearwater and are too buzzed to travel this far down the gulf coast.

Vero Beach

If you like a side of nature with your suntan, head a bit further southeast, and you will find yourself at Vero Beach. It has everything you could want from a beachside town:

• Locals riding bikes up and down the beachside walks
• Sidewalk cafes
• Unique shops
• Beachside restaurants of all varieties

You will find numerous restaurants along the beachline in the winter that will serve you a delicious breakfast with a sunrise view.

This beach isn’t just high traffic for travellers but also one of the best beaches near Orlando for sea turtles to nest; depending on the time of year, you may even see some in the flesh though it’s best not to approach them too close.

While there, the Indian River Lagoon is a must-see so make sure to take a kayaking trip there and count how many manatees you visit!

You can get to this beach/nature oasis in just under 2 hours from Orlando. Head south to I-95 or the 528 to the A1A– if you are out for a joy ride and not concerned about timing. You can take A1A along the coast all the way down and admire the architecture and beachside towns along the way. Popular locations to access this beach are Riomar Drive at Ocean drive on the south end and Jaycee Park at Mango Rd and Ocean Drive to the north, these roads can be found right off the A1A.

A Great Beach Day Isn’t Far from Orlando!

Whether you’re into the fun instagrammable beach spots or if you just want to go to the best beaches nearby Orlando and see how far an uninterrupted horizon line will let you, there is bound to be something on this list to hit the spot for you. Now pack your beach bags and hit the road; just don’t forget that sunscreen as you make the most of your beach trip at this sun-splashed coast.

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