Siesta Key has three beautiful beaches along the Gulf of Mexico. Though each one offers a unique experience, they all share the same crystal clear water, pure white silky sand, and memories that will last a lifetime. So, which beach is right for you?
Siesta Beach
In 2004, Siesta Beach was named by the Travel Channel as “The Best Sand Beach in America” because of its 99% pure quartz sand.
Offering tennis and volleyball courts, a shaded playground and picnic area, and concession stands, Siesta Key is a great beach for the whole family. It also offers year-round lifeguard protection, wheelchair access and shallow shorelines so young children and older folks can enjoy the beach as well. Siesta Beach is within walking distance of all of the shops and dining at Siesta Key Village. And if you hear the pounding of drums on Sunday evenings, that’s just the drum circle that meets on the beach weekly. Feel free to join them!
Crescent Beach
A quieter and more secluded beach than Siesta, Crescent Beach is located just south of it and has only one public access road. At the southern tip of this beach, you’ll find Point of Rocks, an area with coral formations and colorful marine life that’s perfect for snorkeling and diving.
Turtle Beach
At the southern tip of Siesta Key is Turtle Beach, which has picnic areas, a playground, a volleyball court and a horseshoe pit. There’s also a boat launch area and fishing is permitted in the Blind Pass Lagoon. It’s a more narrow beach with a steeper incline than the other beaches. The darker sand means it carries more shells, which is perfect for beachcombers and shell collectors. Turtle Beach is an option for those who like a more active lifestyle. And there are restaurants, shopping and a few local nightspots close by.
Recreation in Siesta Key
When it comes to exploring Siesta Key’s water and wildlife, we’ve got a couple of recommendations:
Key Sailing
Celebrate your vacation with the wind in your hair as you glide along the cool, clear water all around you. With affordable daytime and sunset group and private charters, With more than 40 years of sailing experience, Captain Tim and Jan will take you on an adventure on their 41-inch sailing yacht, Key Breeze.
Kayaking SRQ Tours and Rentals
If you love kayaking, or even if you’ve never been, you don’t want to miss this guided Eco Kayak tour through exotic Mangrove Tunnels, where you’re likely to encounter manatees and dolphins, up close and personal. You’ll experience other Florida wildlife at its finest as your guide points out native birds, fish and foliage along the way.
Oscar Scherer State Park
A beautiful park home to more than 15 miles of trails, perfect for every level of hiking expertise, Oscar Scherer State Park includes amazing wildlife, sightseeing and adventure.
Fishing at Siesta Key
Siesta Key offers a number of exciting fishing opportunities on the beach and through a number of ocean fishing tours. There are more than 1,000 species of fish in the ocean, lakes and rivers around the area. Fishing enthusiasts from all over the world are attracted to Siesta Key because of the variety of game fish including Cobia, Flounder, Amberjack, Mahi, Grouper, Tarpon, Red Snapper and others. Make sure to check Florida laws regarding fish species if you plan to take any back home with you. Though you can get a license if you plan to fish on your own, going through a charter is the easiest way to go because no fishing license is needed.