Siesta Key Beaches
It wouldn’t be a vacation to Siesta Key without checking out some of the world famous beaches in the area. Even within sun-loving Florida, Siesta Key is a true stand out when it comes to the sun, sand and surf on offer. This stunning slice of the Florida coastline offers incredibly soft white sand, dazzlingly clear water and plenty of activities.
Whether your idea of a perfect day at the beach is simply laying under a brightly colored umbrella with a cocktail in-hand, or hitting the water for some active fun, Siesta Key has you covered.
Let’s take a closer look at the area’s three great beaches and what they offer.
Crescent Beach
If you’d like to experience the amazing beaches of Siesta Key, but avoid the large crowds, then a stay at our vacation villa on Crescent Beach may just be perfect for you.
Located to the south of Siesta Key Public Beach, Crescent Beach is a more private beach area with access only from our Casa Blanca condos and villas. Being less accessible than the other two beaches means that Crescent Beach doesn’t draw the same crowds as its big sister to the north. However, guests at Casa Blanca can take advantage of the excellent on-site facilities.
Crescent Beach was crowned the beach with “the world’s finest, whitest sand” back in 1987, and not a lot has changed. The 99.9% quartz sand is as fine as powder, and the calm turquoise seas are perfect for relaxing on your inflatable floatie. The sand is ideal for a morning bike ride, jogging, or just taking a leisurely stroll.
Shelling (shell hunting) is fabulous here. You’ll find a diverse variety of shells compared to on Siesta Key Beach. You can also dive for sand dollars, catch sight of dolphins and partake in water sports. Snorkelling, in particular, is great around Crescent Beach and especially near the ‘Point of Rocks’ to the south. Here, you’ll see bright and colorful coral and unique fish.
On the Casa Blanca complex there are two cabanas, showers and a private bathroom for guests, and of course the heated outdoor pool.
Siesta Key Public Beach
Video courtesy: Siesta Key Sarasota
Siesta Key Public Beach was been named the best beach in the USA by Stephen Leatherman, also known as “Dr Beach”, who heads up Florida’s Laboratory for Coastal Research. Clearly, and he knows what he’s talking about!
Plus, the Travel Channel also named it as the best sand beach in America. It’s a bit of a cliché to describe the beach as having “soft white sand”, but it couldn’t be more deserved than here on Siesta Key. The sand is impossibly soft and white along Siesta Key Public Beach and Crescent Beach – just like walking on flour.
Despite its name, the beach is actually perfect for active families and visitors. From volleyball to tennis; to hiking and boating, there’s always something fun going on at Siesta Key Beach. There is a beach pavilion open during the day serving drinks and snacks, however, visitors are not permitted on the beach after sundown.
Turtle Beach
Photo credit: Wikipedia
Turtle Beach is located at the southernmost tip of Siesta Key, past Crescent Beach. And as the name suggests you may spot a turtle or two roaming the beach or amongst the sand dunes.
Here the sand is scattered with sea shells, so you need to keep your beach shoes on! It’s not ideal for children, and you can’t bike or run easily on this beach. It’s a lot more laid-back than Siesta Key public beach.
So many shells wash up to Turtle Beach that beach combing is a popular pastime. To get the best shells, it’s a good idea to head out early, before the most beautiful specimens are picked up by other beachgoers!
Kayaking and paddle boarding is also popular on Turtle Beach. You can explore the the lagoon and natural wetlands that border the beach. There is also a boat launch and fishing is permitted in Blind Pass Lagoon. Maybe you’ll catch a glimpse of dolphins playing offshore!
Although Turtle Beach is quieter, there are still bathrooms, a volleyball court, fire pit, picnic areas and a playground. There’s also a nearby boat ramp where you can launch your boat for either a day’s cruising or to try to reel in a big one.
You can jump on the free bus to Turtle beach and parking is free, should you want to take the car.