There is much to explore along Florida’s gulf coast: bays, beaches, cities, and more. My favorite is a beach town you probably haven’t heard of.
Casey Key, Florida is a barrier island that lies hidden beyond a one-lane drawbridge about 35 minutes south of Sarasota. Due to its untouched beaches and protected wildlife and vegetation, there is no place like Casey Key.
My grandparents settled down here before I was born, so throughout my childhood, I spent months at a time exploring this magical place. It’s safe to say I’ve fallen in love with the gorgeous coastline and tranquility this town provides across the little drawbridge. This town is the perfect oasis if you’re looking for a quiet, beach-focused escape. It is the epitome of relaxation and serenity.
Casey Key was discovered in the 1930s as a fishing town, originally called Chaise’s Key. Eventually, it was changed to Casey Key in honor of the U.S. Army. Capt. Casey.
The key sits between two bodies of water: Blackburn Bay on one side and the glistening Gulf of Mexico on the other. The land between the two is so small, if you stand in the road you can see both at once. There is one restaurant, the beloved Casey Key Fish House, a bait shop, a library, and a road, Casey Key Road, that spans for miles. The road twists and turns while showing off breathtaking views, making it the perfect spot for a walk, bike, or drive.
“There are no high-rise condominiums, grocery stores, fast-food joints, or traffic lights. In fact, commercial development is limited to a cluster of Old Florida motels plus a historic fish camp and new concessionaire at the barrier island’s southern end.” – CaseyKey.com
Everything is brighter along the key due to its unspoiled vegetation. The Casey Key Conservation Act of 1970 aims to protect wildlife and function as an animal sanctuary. On the beach, dolphins are often visible, swimming between the gulf and bay. Turtles, manatees, reptiles and many other species can be spotted along the key. Schools of fish swim by people wading in the glistening Gulf. The plants are greener, the water is bluer, and the sand is whiter. The palm trees hang high and occasionally drop their coconuts for passerby to crack open. Look closely into yards and you can find orange trees with fresh fruit, perfect for fresh squeezed orange juice.
There is no beach spot like Casey Key. Not only does it have wildlife, beaches, and a bay but all of it is untouched. The public beach is at the end of the key, so tourism is kept at bay along Casey Key Road. The beaches aren’t polluted either; the sand, water, and plants shine brightly and look alive. The Gulf’s shade of blue is calming, as it glistens under the sun and the rhythmic sound of the crashing waves are almost like music. The residents of Casey Key respect their home, often seen out and about walking, biking, swimming, or simply taking in the breathtaking views.
The beaches have moods that drastically change what the beach will look like that day (all equally beautiful). The beach never looks exactly the same when you go. Sometimes the waves are big, crashing hard, while other times there isn’t a wave in sight. The tide can be high or low, which in turn decides how much shore there is. If you walk down the beach, the shape of the shore and waves changes a little. Certain spots have a curve to it, other parts have smaller waves.
Even on the windiest of days, Blackburn Bay stays serene, hidden in the backyards of residents. There are no waves or shore, just a peaceful body of water. It’s perfect for fish, manatees, and the occasional curious dolphin. At the entrance of the bay has always stood these vast, curly mangrove trees. Their roots, seeping into the swampy water below. It gives Casey Key some character, and they’re fun to look at. Kids even like to climb on them.
The Casey Key real estate is a melting pot. There are classic fisherman’s beach cottages from the 1940’s, extravagant mansions, and everything in between. Some homes are ocean front, some bay front, or if you’re lucky, both. Due to the privacy, beaches are uncrowded, unspoiled, and feel alive. On the north end, there are twists that make it seem like you’re in a rainforest and unblocked views of the Gulf with historic paths down to the crashing waves.
Not ready to buy? Experience the charm of small town mom and pop motels, with private beach access and beautiful beach cottage rooms. A popular one is the Gulf Shore Beach Resort, with its renovated rooms, bedroom views of the water, and beautiful beachfront backyard. All you need is the beach on Casey Key, so who could need more than unblocked views of the sparkling Gulf of Mexico and the support of locally owned businesses.
From any point along the key, residents are able to walk, bike, and boat over to the Casey Key Fish House, located on Blackburn Bay, right next to the drawbridge. Upon arrival, your senses will be overwhelmed with the smell fresh seafood being cooked in the back, the sounds of birds, boats, and good company, and a slight ocean breeze against your skin. Here you can find fresh, local seafood and the company of seagulls and other birds while you eat. Sit on the back porch to watch and welcome boaters coming in from the bay. If you’re lucky, someone is selling homemade shell jewelry by the entrance. I used to buy my grandma painted shell earrings every year here.
I’ve watched the many moods of Casey Key’s beaches over the years—calm, wild, windy, high tide, low tide, and more. It’s where I learned to swim and fell in love with the ocean. No matter the weather, this beach is magical. Nothing is quite like crossing the drawbridge, turning the corner, and being welcomed by a sea breeze and the glistening Gulf of Mexico.
Take a trip down to Casey Key to experience the magic. Need a day trip? Head over to Venice, Siesta Key, Sarasota, Tampa, and so many other neighboring towns. Then, when you’re ready for a quiet evening, head back to the peaceful oasis that is Casey Key, Florida.
