This Cool Town Between Sarasota And Venice Boasts The Best Surf On Florida's West Coast

Nokomis has always flown under the radar, overshadowed by its more famous Gulf Coast neighbors, Sarasota and Venice. But if you know where to look, you'll find a laid-back surf town with tons of character and what locals will tell you is the best surf break on Florida's West Coast. Here, you'll find restaurants where flip-flops are perfectly acceptable and sidewalks lined with beach cruisers.

Just 27 miles south of Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport, Nokomis is surprisingly accessible, whether you're flying in or road-tripping down Interstate 75. You can also arrive via the Sarasota Amtrak Station or by taking a scenic drive down U.S. Highway 41. It's close enough to everything, but far enough to feel like you've truly gotten away.

Once you do get here, make Nokomis Beach your first stop. This barrier island is a must-see for wave chasers. Surfers flock here whenever a Gulf storm is brewing, and even on calmer days, the mellow swell makes it great for longboarders and beginners alike. And if you want to keep riding waves, extend your trip across the state to Cocoa Beach, considered one of the best towns for surfing.

There's a nostalgic charm to Nokomis that's hard to miss. Echoes of old Florida can be felt everywhere, with mom-and-pop seafood joints and quintessential bait shops. The North Jetty Park, located on the southern tip of Casey Key, is another spot you shouldn't miss. Go there for a perfect beach day, a sunset stroll, or just plop down in the sand and watch surfers and dolphins share the water. And when all that builds up an appetite, visit the park's concession stand — a local fave that sits inside a converted historic trolley cart.

Planning to stay awhile? Stays in Nokomis are affordable and comfortable, with options ranging from cozy motels like A Beach Retreat on Casey Key to charming vacation rentals that are just steps from the sandy shores. Expect nightly rates to average between $130 and $200 during peak season (December through March), though you can often score a better deal in the summer off-season.

No matter when you visit, don't forget the essentials: reef-safe surf wax and sunscreen, and a camera so you can capture those beautiful sunsets.

What's especially compelling about this place is its dual identity. By day, it's your springboard to kayaking through mangrove tunnels in Oscar Scherer National Park (just eight minutes north), cycling the Legacy Trail, or browsing local art galleries. But come evening, it transforms into a peaceful retreat where bonfires crackle and live music spills from tiki bars.

Foodies should carve out time for dinner at Pop's Sunset Grill, a breezy waterfront staple offering freshly-caught seafood, coconut shrimp, and key lime pie. Just across the bridge is Casey Key Fish House, where boats pull up dockside to its kitschy tiki hut.

The Gulf Coast generally offers a more chill vacation compared to Florida's Atlantic Coast, and Nokomis is a prime example. While not packed with huge attractions or luxury resorts, it offers something deeper — a rhythm of life that invites you to slow down, catch the surfer vibe, and maybe even catch a wave.