SIESTA KEY

 

Where

The eight-mile-long barrier island of Siesta Key encompasses Palmer Point Beach, Turtle Beach, Crescent Beach and Siesta Beach, located at 948 Beach Road, Sarasota, FL 34242.

Vibe

Laid back, stunning, and plenty to do. Set just a splash down the road from Siesta Key Village, a charming enclave with mom-and-pop eateries and boutique shops, Siesta Beach has won nearly every beach award in existence. It has a welcoming feel to it, with free parking, a long list of amenities, and the star of the show—its glorious beach. Expect to see people sunning, toddlers scooping up the beach’s famed 99% quartz sand, and joggers alongside the surf. As you can imagine, it’s a popular beach, so anticipate some crowds.

See, feel

Make no mistake, the facilities at Siesta Key are bound to spoil you, with a shady pavilion and an abundance of swaying palms to set the mood. But it’s the beach that calls to the masses, boasting glimmering, soft white sand that’s cool to the toes and water that’s gin-clear. It’s shallow a long way out, so it’s ideal for timid swimmers or little ones. Most days, the surf might reach your ankles, but occasionally it’s rough due to winds and offshore systems.

On or near the beach

At Siesta Beach, swimming, birding, and fishing are popular, and letting the kids burn off energy in the playground is always a hit. Feeling energetic? Siesta offers tennis, pickleball and volleyball. The free trolley makes it easy to explore Siesta Key Village, where you can refuel, pick up a souvenir T-shirt, or search for a special memento. For an extra dose of fun, get close-up with everyone’s favorite marine mammal on a dolphin cruise, or, if you’re looking for more adventurous activity, view the beach from above on a parasailing expedition.

Accessibility

Siesta Beach promises a 400-foot-long mobi-mat; beach wheelchairs at the park concessionaire; and wheelchair-accessible facilities that include restrooms, concession stands, covered seating areas, and boardwalks. Here’s information about accessibility at area beaches and attractions.

Facilities

Siesta Beach features amenities that include a concession and restaurant; grills; pickleball; picnic tables; a playground; restrooms; a shelter and pavilion; tennis; a paved trail; and volleyball. Beach rentals are available at Siesta Beach’s main pavilion, seven days a week.

Lifeguards

You’ll find four lifeguard stations along Siesta Beach, staffed daily from 10 a.m. through 6:45 p.m., Memorial Day through Labor Day.

Parking

Here’s parking information for area beaches. Siesta Beach has a free public beach parking lot, but it fills quickly during peak times and peak season (January-April).

Places to Remember