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 is one of the most stunning stretches of shoreline near your Siesta Key hotel or resort and will allow you to forget your worries and simply soak up the sun. Here’s everything you’ll need to know before you go!
About Crescent Beach
Like its sister beach to the north, Crescent Beach boasts white sand and turquoise waters. While similar in beauty, Crescent Beach is often much less crowded than Siesta Beach, making it an attractive family-friendly destination for the season. The beach is wide, the sand fine, and the shells abundant.
Gradual depth changes along soft sandbars, tranquil waters, and clean, cool sand make it a great place to lounge and enjoy the natural beauty of the Siesta Key beaches.
Crescent Beach is technically a private beach, so there are no official public access points. But don’t worry – there is plenty of street parking a short walk away. While there are no public services like showers and restrooms on Crescent Beach, it’s generally cleaner and less busy than the coast’s public spaces.
Things to Do on Crescent Beach
Crescent Beach has something for everyone. It’s a prime destination for various outdoor sports, as well as locally-acclaimed restaurants and attractions.
Its soft sand is great for catching rays, building sandcastles, and playing in the shallows. The ocean here is typically calm – perfect for all ages and levels of swimmers. Walking, running, and biking along the miles-long stretch of sand are other great ways to stay active while on vacation at a Siesta Key resort hotel.
Kayaking and paddleboarding are popular waterfront sports on Siesta Key. Paddle the rolling gulf waves or, if you’re feeling adventurous, one of the nearby estuaries. For kayak rentals, less than half a mile from Crescent Beach, check out Siesta Key Sports Rentals (6551 Midnight Pass Rd.) and Siesta Key Bike and Kayak Rental (1224 Old Stickney Point Rd.)
Both are affordable options for renting kayaks, paddleboards, scooters, and beach gear nearby Crescent Beach.
Siesta Key Beach Hotel
To explore Crescent Beach, eat fresh local seafood, and visit the Siesta Key’s many attractions, book your luxury resort accommodations. We’ll be sure to find a Siesta Key resort hotel suite that suits your needs for the season.
Location & Facilities
Crescent Beach is a 30-minute walk along the shoreline from Siesta Key Village. For a quicker option, take the island’s free trolley service for a day of beach hopping. Alternatively, rent a bike and ride the two miles from Siesta Key Village to Crescent Beach.
Parking
Unlike other Siesta Key beaches, Crescent Beach lacks public services and facilities. Perhaps that’s one of the reasons why it attracts smaller crowds. There is no vehicle access or public parking, though nearby street parking is abundant.
The beach can be accessed via a footpath at Point of Rocks. This is a natural barrier which unofficially marks off the end of Crescent Beach. It’s an excellent area for a snorkel on your way. Get the free island trolley to drop you off at Point of Rocks, and walk three minutes down the road to reach the access path.
How to Get There
Crescent Beach is located toward the center of the island, south of the famous Siesta Beach. You’ll find it just moments away from the bridge to the mainland. It’s a bit of a journey if you’re trying to get there from Siesta Key Village, about a 2-mile journey that makes for a 30-minute walk.
Want to get there quicker? Consider renting a golf cart or bike! These are both affordable and eco-friendly ways to get your family and all your equipment to the beach. Not to mention that you can get FREE two-hour bike rentals when you stay at Tropical Breeze Resort!
Where to Eat
Once you’re done splashing in the ways and experiencing all the fun to be had at Crescent Beach, you’re bound to be hungry! Luckily, there are tons of great restaurants just a short trip away. For a classic bowl of clam chowder that makes for a satisfying lunch, head into Captain Curt’s Crab & Oyster Bar. Or if you’re looking for something to cool you off, grab a delicious and refreshing cocktail with your meal at Daiquiri Deck.
Seafood here is among the best in the world, and the Big Water Fish Market is the place to get it. They’re serving up the area’s freshest seafood with quick and friendly counter service. If you want to sit down and relax for a bit, The Orange Octopus is a great option that’s casual and modern. You really can’t go wrong no matter where you choose!
Other Things to Do Nearby
Like we mentioned, Crescent Beach isn’t far from the mainland, so it’s easy to head over into Sarasota to explore all the activities there! Explore the Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, browse through the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, or learn more about marine life at the Mote Marine Aquarium. There’s a little something for every interest!
Beach Resort Accommodations
At the end of a long day enjoying yourself on Crescent Beach, you’ll want to return to your Siesta Key beachfront resort to get ready for dinner or relax with the ones you love most. Tropical Breeze is proud to be a top Siesta Beach resort that provides accommodations for groups of all sizes. We’re just minutes away from the area’s best attractions and work tirelessly to ensure you have the vacation of your dreams. Contact us today to learn more!
