After years of photographing families up and down the Sarasota and Manatee coastline, we’ve gotten to know these beaches intimately — where the light falls at sunset, which spots stay calm when the crowds roll in, and where the sand is softest for little bare feet. Here are a few of our favorites, and what makes each one a beautiful backdrop for your family’s photos.
Anna Maria Island
Old-Florida charm, sugar-white sand, and that laid-back island feel. Anna Maria is a favorite for families who want a backdrop that feels timeless — weathered piers, swaying sea oats, and soft pastel skies. Bean Point, at the island’s northern tip, is especially lovely in the evening.
Lido Key
Just minutes from downtown Sarasota, Lido Key offers a wide, open beach with gentle surf and gorgeous west-facing sunsets. It’s an easy choice for visiting families staying near St. Armands Circle, with plenty of room to spread out and let the kids run.
Siesta Key & Turtle Beach
Siesta Key’s quartz-crystal sand is world-famous — and famously busy. For a calmer, more private-feeling session, we often head to Turtle Beach on the island’s south end, where the shoreline is quieter and more natural. (We wrote a whole guide to Turtle Beach if you’d like to know more.)
Longboat Key
Quiet, upscale, and rarely crowded, Longboat Key is perfect for families who want an unhurried session with miles of open beach. Fewer crowds mean clean, uncluttered backgrounds and a relaxed pace from start to finish.
How we help you choose
Not sure which beach is right for you? That’s what we’re here for. We’ll factor in where you’re staying, how far you’re willing to travel, what time the sun sets that evening, and the look you’re hoping for. And if you have a beach that’s meaningful to your family — the one you return to every year — we’d love to photograph you there, too.
We tell every family the same thing: the best beach is the one that feels like yours. The light is beautiful everywhere on this coast.
— Devon Keller
Ready to pick your spot? Browse our portfolio to see these beaches in action, then reach out and we’ll help you choose the perfect backdrop for your beach family session.
