palm trees

Siesta Key Beaches

You’ll find Siesta Key beaches situated on Florida’s famous Gulf Coast, acting as a barrier island between the lively city of Sarasota and the beautiful Gulf of Mexico. Situated just an hour south of the attractions in Tampa, Siesta Key is an accessible vacation destination for travelers coming from all over the world – with many of them heading to this unique holiday hotspot because of the many dazzling Siesta Key beaches.

With breath-taking sunsets, nesting turtles, great surfing, white quartz sand and some of the most incredible coastal views in Florida, the Siesta Key beaches are an attraction in their own right. Heading for a beach vacation this summer? Check out the must-visit beaches on this charming island, and be sure to contact Tropical Breeze Resort today if you’re looking for the perfectly located Siesta Key hotel.

Siesta Beach

This world-famous, award-winning beach has consistently been recognized as one of the most beautiful stretches of beach on the planet. As recently as 2015, it was awarded the #1 US Beach award by TripAdvisor, and other awards include “The Best Beach in America” and “The Whitest and Finest Sand in the World.”

tropical breeze resort sign

via Tropical Breeze

So what makes the sand at Siesta Beach so special? Many of the world’s other beaches are made up of sand that is essential pulverized coral – but Siesta Beach’s unique sand is made up of 99% quartz, directly from the Appalachian Mountains. The result is not only sand that is incredibly soft and beautiful – it’s also so reflective that it deflects heat away and remains soft underfoot, even on some of Florida’s hottest days. Experts say the sand here is millions of years old.

Siesta Key Beach was almost the setting for a famous film – Jaws 5 was filmed here in the late 1980s, but unfortunately was never released. Nevertheless, the pristine beach is a megastar in its own right!

When it comes to amenities and facilities, Siesta Key Beach offers plenty. You’ll find tennis and volleyball courts here, as well as a playground area which is shaded for little ones. Concession stands are situated all around, so you’ll always be able to find an ice-cold drink or a tasty bite. Siesta Beach also boasts year-round lifeguard protection, and is walking distance from Siesta Key Village and Tropical Breeze Resort hotel rooms..

Beach Parking

Each beach has some parking, but the only way to guarantee that you won’t have to wait for a spot or circle a few times before finding a place to park is to book a stay at the Tropical Breeze Resort where you can easily walk to the beach. Siesta Beach offers around 950 parking spaces – that may sound like plenty, but they sure fill up fast! If you’re on foot, there are numerous public access points to the beach, and the beach is just a short walk from most of the attractions in the area. Great beachfront hotels like Tropical Breeze Resort line this beach, so if you’re seeking accommodations with an unparalleled ocean view, ask us!

Turtle Beach

Turtle Beach is situated on the southern tip of Siesta Key, and has a reputation for being popular with a more active, sporty crowd. Here, as well as the traditional playgrounds and picnic areas, you’ll find volleyball courts, a horseshoe pit and a boat launch area. Fishing is permitting here (as long as you have a license), and the sand that is deposited here carries far more shells than the other beaches in Siesta Key. If you’re lucky, you might even find a shark’s tooth to take home as an unforgettable souvenir of your trip!

Of course, the name “Turtle Beach” wasn’t bestowed for no reason. During turtle nesting season, turtles head to the beach in their dozens, finding appropriate nesting places and seeking a partner. If you visit at the right time of year, you may be lucky enough to see some hatchlings wandering around the beach as they become accustomed to their new surroundings!

Crescent Beach

Crescent Beach is the ideal destination if you’re looking for a beach just as beautiful as Siesta Beach, but without the crowds. With just one public access road, this beach is almost guaranteed to be a little quieter, without compromising on the incredible views and beautiful sunsets.

The southern tip of Crescent Beach is particular interesting. Here you’ll find Point of Rocks – a unique area where vibrant coral formations and marine life in all the colors of the rainbow are present. Diving and snorkeling is very popular here, as tourists descend underwater to get a special glimpse of this sub-aquatic world.

Parking is fairly limited at Crescent Beach, but if you’re on foot, you can walk here with no problems. The beach has the same powdery white sand as Siesta Beach, but has been described as the ‘most private non-private beach in Sarasota’.

Discover the romantic side of Siesta Key.

Siesta Key Crystal Classic

Attend the Siesta Key Crystal Classic This Year

The famed Crystal Classic always sets up on the shores of our very own Siesta Key, the perfect beach getaway. Imagine a beach with powdery white sands that sparkle in the Florida sun as brilliant sculptors worldwide weave their magic.... Read more


baby sea turtle moving and making tracks on beach as it heads to the ocean

Siesta Key Sea Turtle Nesting Season

When you’re planning a trip to Siesta Key, you will find that there are many beautiful outdoor attractions for you to experience. Since the weather is incredible all year long, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to get out of your... Read more


woman relaxing at beach

The Ultimate Guide to a Relaxing Vacation on Siesta Key

Vacations tend to be full of busy itineraries and ensuring you have time to enjoy new sights that you don’t get to see every day. However, vacations should also be about relaxing! Use your next trip to Siesta Key to... Read more


ocean skyline view from beach

Day Trip from Siesta Key to Venice, Florida

Siesta Key is one of those vacation destinations where you can truly relax. Between the white sand beaches, the welcoming locals, and the interesting attractions for the entire family, Siesta Key allows you to simply leave your worries at home... Read more


Turtle Beach on Siesta Key

Tucked away toward the south end of Siesta Key, Turtle Beach is a must-visit on your Siesta Key vacation. Travel past the more popular Siesta Beach on the north end of the island, and visit the quieter part of island... Read more


people watching the sunset on crescent beach

Crescent Beach on Siesta Key

Siesta Key is full of gorgeous beaches for you and your family to explore on your next vacation. While you’ll want to take time to visit them all, you definitely want to save some time for Crescent Beach. This beach... Read more


Top Beaches to Visit While Staying at Tropical Breeze Resort

Beaches Near Tropical Breeze Resort During your stay on Siesta Key, you may find yourself wanting to explore the surrounding area, starting with the area’s most famous beaches! Who can blame you when you’re in such a surreal atmosphere. Voted... Read more


siesta key beach vacation tips

Siesta Key Beach Vacation Tips for First-Time Visitors

If you visit Siesta Key for a vacation, you can plan on being at the beach much of the time. Hanging out at the island’s incredible white sand beaches is one of the most popular things to do for both... Read more


siesta key beach

What is Sunset Point on Siesta Key Beach?

Siesta Key is the ultimate vacation destination if you’re looking for somewhere to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life. You get to experience all the sand and sun you expect on a Florida vacation, but without the crowds... Read more


What is Siesta Key’s Green Flash?

The sun looms delicately over the horizon. Just as it settles, a brief flash appears. The color spectrum, wildly coated in soft blues and glowing reds and yellows, is interrupted with a splash of green- quick, spirited, and almost eerie.... Read more


A Prime Vacations Company

Prime Vacations Logo