Natural Environment
The Sheraton Sand Key Resort is surrounded by Mother Nature at her best! Between the sparkling waters of the Gulf of Mexico and the Intracoastal waterway, the beaches of Sand Key are truly a showcase for Florida's natural beauty! Nesting turtles, eagles in flight, dolphin sightings, shell collecting and more than 50 native birds - what a place for experiencing nature!
Many public parks and nature trails are accessible to visitors! Starting next door, the
Sand Key Park and Preserve is a great study in Barrier Island habitation and is known as one of the best shell beaches in our area. White sand beaches, picnic shelters and playgrounds only enhance the experience of this natural beauty!
Turtles
Our beaches are home to hundreds of Loggerhead (Caretta caretta) turtles who come ashore at night to lay their eggs.
Click here to learn more about
The Tale of the Turtle.
Opsreys
Osprey nests are inland and they used to travel to Sand Key to hunt, as they only eat live fish, but now the Sand Key County Park is home to many Osprey residents.
Click here to learn more about Ospreys.
Shelling
Shell collecting is a great hobby for beach-goers of any age, and Sand Key beach offers a fantastic selection! To learn more about
Shelling on Sand Key and other area beaches,
click here.
Surrounding Area
Nearby day trips include several ideal parks for nature study, fishing, swimming and picnics, such as
Fort DeSoto Park, south of St. Petersburg, as well as
Honeymoon and
Caladesi Island State Parks near Dunedin. All three are undeveloped barrier islands known for great swimming, shelling and sunsets!
