Nokomis, Florida

Bordered by the beautiful cities of Sarasota and Venice, Nokomis is primarily known for its beautiful white sand beaches.

The area is also renowned for the island of Casey Key, Legacy Trail, fishing, as well as numerous opportunities for biking, boating, canoeing and kayaking along the Intercoastal waterways.

The unincorporated town of Nokomis, FL includes Nokomis Beach, at the south end of exclusive Casey Key.

In addition to the attractions in nearby Laurel, Venice and Sarasota, Nokomis boasts pristine Gulf coast beaches and ample fishing charters for visitors, as well as a boat launch ramp for those with their own boats.

Visitors to Nokomis can enjoy a relaxed small-town beach atmosphere, while also experiencing shopping and dining in our local restaurants and shops. See our directory for Chamber businesses.

The narrow, 8-mile long barrier island of Casey Key is one of Sarasota County’s hidden gems. It is located about 15 miles South of the City of Sarasota.

With a view of Sarasota Bay to the East and the Gulf of Mexico to the West, Casey Key offers visitors spectacular sunrise and sunset views of this picturesque place.

Two bridges connect Casey Key to the mainland, and the one to the north, the Blackburn Point Bridge, is one of only two swing bridges known to remain in the U.S. from the early 1900’s.

Along most of the length of the island is Casey Key Road, which is canopied by massive old-growth subtropical vegetation, pines and oaks. It’s a scenic drive which provides glimpses of the gorgeous Gulf huge private estates and a few remaining Florida Cracker beach homes. 

Nokomis Beach is a County Park featuring 20 scenic pristine acres of sea grapes and Australian pines.

Offering public access to the inter-coastal waterway and the Gulf of Mexico, Nokomis Beach supplies a boat ramp, fishing sites, a children’s playground, free parking, lifeguards, a new pavilion with food, restrooms & showers and picnic tables with grills.

Check Out this Interactive Google 360 Virtual Tour of Nokomis Beach!

Beach Access to the public beaches is accessed easiest by taking Albee Rd off US 41 in Venice, which is near the southern end of Casey Key. All other parts of the Casey Key beach are considered part of private estates. Beaches with public access are Nokomis Beach and the North Point Jetty Beach and Park.

Nokomis Beach extends along both the east and west sides of Casey Key Road toward the key’s south end. The beach also offers, a boardwalk and snack bar. Nokomis Beach is also one of the better surfing spots along the Gulf Coast, so be sure to bring along your surf board!

Walkovers to the beach are provided by boardwalks crossing over the dunes. Visitors can observe breathtaking sunsets from gazebos and benches strategically placed along the walkways.

At the southern tip of Casey Key, close to where the road crosses the south bridge, a public North Jetty beach makes up the western side of North Jetty Park. 

A pier within the park — Venice Jetty — can be used for fishing. Fishing from the large rocks along the jetty is a favorite pastime and the park has picnic areas and free parking. But, arrive early, weekends can be a bit crowded! A concession stand and bait shop are also available at the North Jetty Park.

Vacationers and locals alike enjoy relaxing on the fine white sand while watching boats cruise along the jetty.

The North Jetty park area along the channel is a popular place to watch large yachts, sailboats, dolphins and pelicans diving for fish.

The Legacy Trail: Explore Sarasota, Osprey, Laurel, Nokomis and Venice Florida by Bicycle.

The Legacy Trail is a recreational and nature based trail system for hiking and biking that spans 10 miles from Sarasota to Venice, Florida.

There are many areas along the paved trail where you can stop to rest, learn about the history of Legacy Trail or just enjoy the scenery.

The north point of the Legacy Trail is near Palmer Ranch in Sarasota, just south of the Seminole Gulf Railway’s current terminus.

Traveling south, it passes through the Oscar Scherer State Park in Osprey and connects directly with the park’s trails.

The trail continues south, in a fairly straight line towards Venice, FL as it passes underneath State Road 681 through Nokomis. South of Nokomis, Legacy Trail crosses Dona Bay and then into Venice.

The end of the 10 miles trail is just south of the U.S. 41 overpass at the historic Venice Seaboard Air Line Railway Station, which is currently a bus station.

At the station, it connects with another trail system known as the Venetian Waterway Park which continues south along the Intracoastal Waterway to the Gulf of Mexico. The Venetian Waterway Park is also a 10 mile hiking and biking trail with rest areas, parks and other popular attractions along the way. See our Venetian Waterway Park page for more information. (coming soon)

History of the Legacy Trail

The Legacy Trail opened in 2008 along the Sarasota County area’s historic rail corridor.

The railroad line was originally built in 1911 as part of the Seaboard Air Line Railroad’s extension to Venice. It was abandoned in the mid 2000s due to decreased demand for service and the deteriorating condition of the tracks and bridges. Sarasota County in conjunction with the Trust for Public Land acquired the right of way for use as a trail.

In 2011, a 12 feet wide overpass was built to provide passage over U.S. 41, a major six-lane highway. Prior to this construction, trail users had to use a crosswalk.

There are many references to the historic railroad past along the trail. The mile markers correspond to the railroad’s original mile numbering.

At mile marker 897.6 South Creek an original railroad trestle crossing remains but the newer bridge carries the trail over the creek.

Roadway crossings display decorative railroad signals with cross bucks that read “Sarasota Rail Trail.”

The Legacy Trail is open from dawn to dusk with the rules for using the trail posted at various locations as well as at each trailhead entrance point.

In addition to the trailheads, users will find rest station areas approximately every mile that offer places to sit and relax.  The rest stops include seven trailheads which offer access points with free parking.

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