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There’s nothing better than a beach vacation after a long winter of bundling up. Maybe you like a relaxed beach day with your toes in the sand and the newest bestseller on your lap. Or maybe you’re the first one at the volleyball court looking to play a game.
Or perhaps you prefer a beach day spent snorkeling around the shallow waters looking for sea life. Whatever your ideal beach day is, Siesta Key, a barrier island off the coast of Sarasota, has the beach for you!
Here are some of the best beaches that Siesta Key, Florida has to offer.
Siesta Beach
Winner, winner! Siesta Beach was ranked the #1 Beach in the Continental U.S. by TripAdvisor in 2022, so it’s the perfect beach to begin a trip to Siesta Key. Soft, white sand, the bluest water you will ever see, and Florida sunshine are a recipe for an amazing beach day.
Siesta Beach has all of the amenities for a fun, family day at the beach. There’s a big playground, where kids can spend time running around with other kids their age. There are also grilling and picnic stations, a pavilion for shade seekers, floating wheelchairs for rent, volleyball and tennis facilities, and showers to rinse off the sand.
There are twelve different access points along the three miles of Siesta beach, so you can decide the best place to access Siesta Beach. For those looking to enjoy all of the amenities that Siesta Beach has to offer, the Main Beach Access is where you should go.
It has over 900 free parking spaces and public facilities like restrooms, playgrounds, sports courts, grills, and more. For those looking for more space, Public Access Points 4-11 are less traveled to and have more room to enjoy the beach.
Because Siesta Key is on the Gulf side of Florida near Sarasota, Siesta Beach offers amazing sunset views. You can watch the sun dip below the Gulf of Mexico and light up the sky in vibrant oranges and pinks from the soft sand.
Siesta Beach is close to the heart of Siesta Key Village, which means easy access to the plethora of dining options the village has to offer.
For a relaxed beach lunch, Siesta Beach Eats is a classic pick. Head to their Sun Deck for some classic American eats like burgers and fries accompanied by an extensive list of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.
Siesta Key Oyster Bar is famous for its oysters, live music, and handcrafted cocktails. It’s a dive bar setting with five-star food and a must-visit when you are on Siesta Key.
Siesta Key Summer House Steak and Seafood offers a fine dining experience for those looking to treat themselves. With a wine list as long as Siesta Beach itself paired with decadent dishes like surf and turf, a dinner at Siesta Key Summer House Steak and Seafood is the right way to end a visit to the beach.
Shell Beach
If you are looking to escape to an untouched beach away from the summer crowds, Shell Beach is a great spot to spend a few hours. There is excellent fishing right from shore. You can also explore the sea life if you bring a mask and snorkel to paddle around.
It’s a local spot, so parking is limited and there are no amenities for beachgoers. However, the sparkling white sand and gentle waves lapping at your feet are paradise enough. It’s the perfect beach to have a romantic sunset view.
Because it’s a smaller beach, it’s best to go at low tide or be ready to spend most of your time in the water at high tide. Because it’s located in a residential area, make sure to be extra respectful of the homeowners nearby by picking up any trash you see and being mindful of your noise level.
If you’re looking for a book to read with your toes in the sand, check out local Bookstore 1 for a great selection of beach reads. Grab some gelato at Made in Rome Organic Gelato to cool off after you have properly sunned yourself.
Crescent Beach
With sand like powdered sugar and emerald green water, Crescent Beach, located along the same strip of coastline as Siesta Beach, is another great beach to head to when the days are getting longer. It’s a little less busy than Siesta Beach, so you’ll have more room to spread out and relax.
Just like Siesta Beach, the sunset views are incredible over the Gulf of Mexico. You can enjoy the sunset on the beach or head over to Endless Summer Eco Tours for an Electric Bike Sunset Tour or rent your own to have an adventure to yourself!
If you are looking to get out on the water, visit nearby Shellebrate Boat Tours for dolphin, manatee, turtle, or even island and tiki bar hopping tours. It’s a great way to spend the day in the sun and surf.
After a day on the water, enjoy a cold pint at Island House Tap and Grill to wind down from a day of fun. They have a fun atmosphere, tasty eats, and an awesome selection of beers on tap. It’s a family-friendly eatery with plenty of options that will appeal to the young and young at heart.
Keep the party going at Daiquiri Deck for creative cocktails, live music, and games like beer pong and corn hole. After a hot day in the sun, there are not many better ways to cool down than a frozen daiquiri!
Point of Rocks
For a unique experience on Siesta Key, head to the southern tip of Crescent Beach for the famed Point of Rocks. Instead of the powdery sand elsewhere on the island, Point of Rocks is made of many large rocks that form tide pools and host a wide array of wildlife.
The best time to go is low tide, so keep an eye on the tide charts. Parking can be hard to get at low tide, so arrive a little bit earlier and enjoy Crescent Beach while you wait. To access it, head to the end of Crescent Beach until you come to a rock wall. Walk around the wall and voila you are there!
Point of Rocks has superb snorkeling with some of the best opportunities to see sea life on the entire key. There are crabs, fish, octopus, stingrays, and more, so make sure to bring your mask and snorkel. If you do not have your own, rent some gear from Rockon Recreation Rentals.
It’s also one of the best places to find whole seashells for those who are looking for a small memento from their trip. At low tide, the rocks form tide pools, so even those not looking to snorkel can enjoy unique sea life viewing. Just make sure to wear good water shoes as the rocks can be sharp and slippery.
Turtle Beach
For people looking to get away from the crowds and busyness of the main beaches on Siesta Key, Turtle Beach is a great option! It’s super family-friendly and quiet. It does not have the same soft sand that Siesta Beach and Crescent Beach are known for, but it’s a beautiful, untouched beach.
There are not as many amenities nearby, so make sure to pack a lunch and some beverages before you head out for the sand. Anna’s Deli is a local favorite for delicious sandwiches perfect for the beach picnic. They’re known for two things: being the oldest eatery on Siesta Key and for their famous Surfer sandwich. Try it to discover why it is known as ‘the sandwich that made Siesta Key famous’!
For an extra adventure, head out to sea with Surf It on their Siesta Key Paddling Tour that starts by Turtle Beach. You will get to paddle through the intercostal, around mangrove islands, to a secret beach only accessible by boat. You can choose between a single or double kayak or a stand-up paddleboard for even more exercise.
Final Thoughts
No matter which beach you end up calling your favorite from your trip to Siesta Key, you are guaranteed to have a good time! Make sure to book a trip soon, so you can enjoy all that Siesta Key has to offer this summer. Check out our rentals on Siesta Key for the best accommodations on the island.
