Siesta Key is a barrier
island off the central western coast of Florida in the United States of America.
It is situated between Sarasota Bay and the Gulf of Mexico. A portion of it lies
within the city boundary of Sarasota, but the majority of the key is a
census-designated place (CDP) in Sarasota County. After the probable Amerindian
name of Zarazote for the area and the bay, the key was originally named Sarasota
Key by European cartographers during exploration beginning in 1513. That name
can be seen on maps from the early 1700s as well as on all local maps drawn
before the name change to Siesta Key in the 1920s.
Siesta Key has three wonderful beaches on the Gulf of Mexico, where you can
play, relax, or walk along the water's edge. Enjoy the sunshine and tropical
breeze while you track the flight of pelicans and shorebirds, and keep an eye
out for the playful dolphins. Fishing, shelling, swimming, parasailing, boating,
snorkeling - take your pick. Or just sit back and relax, enjoying the view.
Siesta Key beaches are among the finest in the world, and we have plenty of
awards to prove it. The powdery white sand, stretching for miles, is breath-takingly
beautiful. No matter which of our gorgeous beaches you choose to visit, your
time will be memorable…whether you find yourself digging your toes into the
white sand as you read the latest bestseller, walking along the shore with
someone you love, enjoying the splendor of a glorious sunset, or indulging in a
refreshing dip in the warm tropical Gulf of Mexico waters. We hope you'll
discover the unique charm of each of our three lovely beaches.
Siesta Beach
Siesta Beach is renowned for its breath-taking sunsets, easy-going waves, and
gorgeous, crystal-white sand. The sand is 99% pure quartz, soft and cool on the
feet. "The many awards it has earned include the 1987 Great International White
Sand Challenge (in which its sand was scientifically proven to be the world's
finest, whitest finest beach sand), "The Best Sand Beach in America" (The Travel
Channel, 2004) and being rated number two on Dr. Beach's "Best Beaches in
America in 2009 and 2010."
Walking along or swimming and playing in the Gulf of Mexico, or merely basking
in the tropical sun is enough fun for many folks, but others are drawn by Siesta
Beach's many amenities: tennis and volleyball courts, shaded playground and
picnic area, and convenient concession stands. Shallow water near the shoreline
and year-round lifeguard protection make it a great family beach. Beach
wheelchairs can be borrowed to help special needs visitors cross the sand.
There's always something to do at Siesta Beach, and it's within easy walking
distance of the many shops and restaurants in Siesta Village. Come to enjoy the
day or evening, and be sure to stop by the “Drum Circle” on Sunday evening, a
theatrical feast for the eyes and ears as sunset falls on another perfect Siesta
Key weekend.
Crescent Beach
Crescent Beach offers the same lush, white sands, azure waters, and stunning
sunsets, but it is relatively secluded and quiet, as it has only one public
access road. Located just south of Siesta Beach, the beach scene here tends to
be more peaceful and private.
At the southern tip of this beach is the Point of Rocks - a lovely snorkeling
and diving area that is rich with coral rock formations as well as colorful and
abundant marine life. Crescent Beach visitors staying in nearby resorts, rentals
and beach clubs rave (but only to their closest friends) about Siesta Key's best
“non-private private” beach.
Turtle Beach
At the southern tip of Siesta Key is Turtle Beach, which provides a sportier,
“family play” beach experience. The beach has picnic areas, a playground, a
volleyball court and horseshoe pit. There's also a boat launch, and fishing is
permitted in the adjacent Blind Pass Lagoon. There are restaurants nearby, with
shopping and a few local night spots just a short drive away.
Turtle Beach is a narrow beach, with a somewhat steeper incline. The sand on the
beach tends to carry more shells, making it perfect for beach combers and shell
collectors. Many find petrified sharks' teeth to take home and treasure,
especially after a storm.
Siesta Key
Chamber of Commerce
5118 Ocean Boulevard
Siesta Key, FL 34242
Phone:(941) 349-3800
Best Beaches
in the United States by Category
Top Ten Beaches in
the USA
Dr. Beaches #1's
Top 10
Florida
Beaches
Top 10
Hawaii Beaches
Most
Romantic Beaches
in the USA
Best beaches for
solitude
Top 10
Dog Friendly
Beaches
America's
Top 25 Beaches
Best Beaches for
Surfing
Top beaches for
people watching
Best Beaches for Singles
Best Family Beaches in the USA
Best Beach for Nightlife
Best Boardwalks in the USA
This listing of the
Siesta Key Beach as one of
the
Best Beaches
in
the United States
is constantly being revised. Currently, Siesta Key is number 7 on
our list. So, if
you feel we are missing
one,
please email
us and let us
know!