As UK holidaymakers look beyond Florida’s theme park routes, a new coastal haven is emerging on the travel radar: Nokomis, an unspoilt beach town in Sarasota County offering warm Gulf waters and a laid-back surf culture while perfectly positioned between the cultural hub of Sarasota and the historic beachside charm of Venice.
Here is everything you need to know about these two locations in Sarasota:
Nokomis Beach
While Florida is renowned for its world-class beaches, Nokomis Beach remains one of the state’s best-kept secrets. Located just south of Sarasota and north of Venice, this charming town offers consistent waves ideal for beginner and intermediate surfers, thanks to the beach’s unique geography and seasonal swells from the Gulf of Mexico.
Visitors can expect crystal-clear turquoise waters, soft white sand, and crowd-free breaks, providing a refreshing alternative to Florida’s more commercialised coastal hotspots. Surf schools and local board-rental shops provide easy access for newcomers, while seasoned surfers appreciate the relaxed, old-Florida vibe rarely found elsewhere.
Venice Beach
Just a short drive south, Venice Beach offers a historic fishing pier and varied sandbars, with longer, more defined rides, especially during winter cold fronts and tropical systems. The pier creates natural breaks that appeal to intermediate and advanced surfers, while still remaining far less hectic than Florida’s Atlantic Coast surf spots. Early mornings and post-front conditions are particularly popular among local surfers chasing cleaner sets.
Why visit Sarasota?
Across both locations, visitors can expect crystal-clear turquoise waters, soft white sand, and crowd-free breaks — a refreshing alternative to Florida’s more commercialised coastal hotspots. The shared atmosphere is laid-back, with surfers, paddleboarders, and beachgoers coexisting in a community that values simplicity and connection to the sea.
Beyond surfing, Nokomis and Venice offer plenty to explore. Travellers can enjoy sunset drum circles on Nokomis Beach, waterfront dining at locally loved restaurants, scenic cycling trails, and easy access to Sarasota’s vibrant arts and cultural scene, alongside Venice’s charming downtown, historic architecture, and famous shark-tooth beaches.
With direct flights available from the UK to nearby airports including Tampa and Orlando, visiting this hidden paradise has never been more convenient.
America As You Like It (www.americaasyoulikeit.com/020 8742 8299) has a six-night holiday to Sarasota from £1,050 per person, including return flights to Sarasota and car hire, plus six nights at the Holiday Inn Express & Suites Nokomis Sarasota South.
Images courtesy of unsplash.com and pexels.com. Surfing image supplied
