From Sarasota on down, the Gulf coast boasts a sensational variety of  white sandy beaches, palm trees, exotic seashells and plenty of glorious sunshine. Average temperatures for the month of February range between 72 to 82 degrees. Though some days could be a little cooler, they are few and far between and as Florida's rainy season is during summer, only a very slight chance of precipitation is likely during the winter months.

Sarasota boasts one of the world's most pristine beaches. Siesta Key Beach, known for its pure white sand, which is almost pure quartz crystal, attracts tourists from around the globe. Public access from an 800 car parking lot lead directly onto the beach which is hundreds of yards wide, attracting volleyball players, as well as sunbathers. Lifesavers are on duty all along the white sandy beach which resembles talcum powder making sure swimmers in the blue Gulf waters stay safe, and making it a very safe area for children.

Siesta Key also has two other beaches, Crescent Beach and Turtle Beach. Crescent Beach is named  for the shape of the land sits in the middle of the two. Though no lifeguards, Crescent beach has all the beauty of Siesta Beach. However,  public access is limited and mostly only available to vacation rentals, but well worth the short walk from the Siesta Beach parking lot. Turtle Beach sits at the southern end of Siesta Key. Although the sand is not quite as white and is a little courser than the other two beaches it is great for taking in the sun, collecting shells and snorkeling. Turtle Beach has no lifeguards, but plenty of free parking with picnic tables, a playground, showers and restrooms.

Next, going south along the Gulf  is Manasota Key, which also has multiple beaches, Manasota, Blind Pass, Englewood and Stump Pass. At the northern end of the island is Manasota Beach, being a little less populated than most beaches on the Gulf, this is a good place for those who prefer a little tranquility. White sandy beaches with calm blue water make it ideal for swimming, snorkeling and body boarding. A free ample parking lot with good picnic area make this beach a good place to just chill out and relax. In the middle of Manasota Key is Blind Pass Beach, named for the sharp bend in the narrow road which runs between the beach's large sandy parking lot. Featuring 2,900 feet of gulf beach frontage this beach is ideal for swimming, shelling, fishing, boating, hiking and of course, sunbathing. Englewood Beach, probably the largest and most popular beach on Manasota Key, has many more amenities. It has a long boardwalk with restrooms, plenty of picnic areas and a large parking lot. Parking is not free but affordable at 70 cents per hour. Surrounded by restaurants, bars and a convenience store, Englewood beach is a good place to spend the day. Stump Pass Beach is the southernmost beach on Manasota. Being a more peaceful beach than Englewood it is ideal for fishing, snorkeling, bird watching or hiking along the boardwalk which crosses native vegetation and dunes along the beach. With an abundance of shells right along the beaches of Manasota Key there's a good chance of finding more sharks teeth.