Manasota Key

It’s technically not a city in its own right, but Manasota Key is home to a tiny population of just over 1,200. It happens to be a hot shelling spot on the west coast, just about an hour away from Sarasota.

Here, if you visit Blind Pass Park, you’ll find a slightly hidden beach full of gorgeous shells and even shark’s teeth. It’s even a favorite hangout for nesting sea turtles. In fact, it has the highest number of nesting turtles on the entire gulf coast!

We can’t stress enough how quiet, relaxing, and laid-back this place is, so be prepared to unwind. But that doesn’t mean you won’t have any fun while you’re here. You have the option of strapping yourself into a harness and parasailing over the emerald-green ocean.

You can fish for some delicious local grouper or enjoy a nature hike in Stump Pass Beach State Park. Although if you want to keep it low-key, there are always incredible sunsets, cocktails, and lounging in the sun.