Sarasota is one of the major cities on Florida's Gulf of Mexico coast, and its current boundaries consist of Sarasota Bay and a number of small islands in the Gulf of Mexico and between them. These islands, which separate Sarasota Bay from the bay closer to the city, are commonly called Sand Cays. They include Lido Key and Siesta Key, both of which have world-renowned sandy beaches and offer visitors culture and food, circus thrills and pristine beaches, and a variety of shop