Best Beaches in Florida: Siesta Key

Siesta Key is a stunning eight-mile barrier island renowned for its pristine powdery quartz sand — acclaimed among the finest globally.

April 27, 2024

Catherine Walters,

Photos Courtesy of VisitSarasota.com

Siesta Key is a stunning eight-mile barrier island renowned for its pristine powdery quartz sand —acclaimed among the finest globally. Historically significant, Siesta Key was originally home to indigenous peoples before being incorporated into the United States in 1845.

Siesta Beach, the island’s pride, deservedly secured the title of the number one beach in the United States on TripAdvisor in 2020. Thanks to its recent renovation, the beach now features a generously expanded parking area, a pedestrian-friendly promenade, improved concession stands, and, undeniably, some of the world’s purest white sand.

Yet, Siesta Key offers more than just its celebrated beach. The vibrant shops and lively bars found in Siesta Village, along with the unique rental properties nearby, transform any holiday into an extraordinary Siesta Key experience.

The island boasts three primary beaches: Siesta Beach, Turtle Beach, and Crescent Beach. Siesta Beach lures visitors with its famously cool, powder-white sand, and comprehensive renovations that include a novel playground, a family picnic area, and an elegant beachfront pavilion dubbed the “Siesta Sun Deck.”

For those seeking an immersive seaside experience, Turtle Beach provides a unique opportunity to camp right on the beach! With 2,600 feet of beachfront overlooking the Gulf of Mexico, the Turtle Beach Campground hosts 40 full-hookup sites for RVs and tents, complimentary Wi-Fi, shaded picnic areas with grills, and facilities for launching kayaks and canoes. It also offers on-site restrooms.

Crescent Beach is the ideal destination for a sunset promenade. The breathtaking views of the turquoise Gulf of Mexico accompany you along the approximately two-mile stretch of beach, its powdery white sand remaining cool underfoot. The Point of Rocks area near Crescent Beach is perfect for those who enjoy fishing, so don’t forget to bring your rod and reel. Enjoy digging your toes into the sand while casting a line into the shimmering waters.