Siesta Key sunset

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 paradise. Here’s everything you’ll need to know before you head to Turtle Beach.

Siesta Key Public Beach is famous for the open expanse of soft, white sand and the many amenities and facilities located there but Turtle Beach is just a great option for visitors looking for a beautiful sandy spot to enjoy.

While the sand at Turtle Beach is slightly coarser and the beach drops off more quickly, there are fewer people and much better snorkeling. While other Siesta Key beaches can get crowded, Turtle Beach is much quieter – no stepping around hundreds of beach towels here.

Kayak on the open ocean in hopes of spotting dolphins playing or shorebirds flying by. Snorkel in the shallows looking for the best shells. Or, simply spend a day soaking up the sun with a good book in hand. The options are limitless at Turtle Beach.

Amenities

The beach itself is long and wide, though slightly coarser and yellower than the other beaches of Siesta Key. It’s a great place to play with the family and swim and has all the amenities to help you have a fun day in the sun.

Public restrooms and showers are available nearby, as well was picnic tables, pavilions, and a playground. Parking is free, and usually, there are lots of spots. For anglers and leisure boaters, there’s a boat launch at both Turtle Beach and the lagoon parallel to it.

man holding sea shells on Turtle beach

Beach Activities

Turtle Beach is a great place for outdoor activities, both in the water and on land.

Kayaking and paddleboarding are popular sports in Siesta Key as the surrounding ocean is relatively calm. Visitors can rent paddleboards from nearby Siesta Key Paddle Sports (8000 Blind Pass Rd.) and launch them either from the beach or into the nearby inlet, Blind Pass. Here, paddlers can scan the shoreline for birds and the waters for manatee as they navigate the lagoon.

The shelling is particularly good on Turtle Beach. Comb the beach around low tide – an hour before and an hour after is usually a safe bet – for some of the best finds. Right after a storm hits is also a great time to find shells, as it stirs up all the debris.

Siesta Key Beach Hotel

Turtle Beach is just one of the many fun attractions that you and your family can enjoy on your next getaway. But before you can head down here to Siesta Key, you’ll need a place to stay! Tropical Breeze is proud to be your source for a Siesta Beach resort experience you’ll never forget.

Wildlife and Turtle Nesting Season

Turtle Beach is known for its abundance of wildlife, especially endangered loggerhead turtles. Nesting season runs from May to October, and annually more than 40,000 nests are made along the coast of Florida.

Females lay about 100 ping pong ball-sized eggs in each nest and cover it with sand. Almost two months later the eggs hatch, and hundreds of baby turtles clamber to safety in the ocean.

For the protection of this endangered species, tables, chairs, and umbrellas must be removed from the beach at night during nesting season, and lights from nearby resorts and Siesta Key vacation rentals should be dim enough they cannot be seen from the beach.

While Turtle Beach is known for its sea turtles, many other types of birds and marine life can be spotted throughout the day. Watch pelicans fish and dolphins frolic right from the shore. Rays, live conches, and many birds can also be spotted if you keep your eyes peeled.

Turtle Beach Location

Turtle Beach is located off of Midnight Pass Road at the south end of Siesta Key at 9000 Blind Pass Road. This is the “end of the line”, so you can’t miss it.

How to Get There

Turtle Beach is located on the south side of the island, away from many of the busier locations like Siesta Beach. You’ll find Turtle Beach just off of Midnight Pass Road at 9000 Blind Pass Road. If you’re traveling to Turtle Beach from Siesta Key Village, expect a 15-minute drive.

To get to Turtle Beach from Tropical Breeze Resort, start on Columbus Boulevard and follow it as it becomes Beach Road. Turn right to remain on Beach Road and continue onto Midnight Pass Road, about a 4-mile journey. Then simply turn right, and you’re there!

If you want to get to the beach quicker and don’t want to deal with parking, you have a few more options for getting there. You can take the Siesta Key trolley for free, or you can rent a golf cart or a bike for a budget-friendly trip to the shore. Plus, guests at Tropical Breeze can get a FREE two-hour bike rental! 

Parking

Turtle Beach accommodates its guests with plenty of parking space. You can pile your whole family and all of your equipment into the car, then head down to Turtle Beach and simply park your car right next to the shore. Since this beach isn’t as crowded as other spots on the island, parking usually isn’t an issue, but getting there earlier in the day virtually guarantees you’ll find a space. If you’re planning to fish or boat, there is a boat launch conveniently located both at Turtle Beach itself and at the lagoon parallel to the beach.

Where to Eat

Staying out in the sun all day sure works up an appetite, and luckily, there’s an incredible restaurant just steps away. Turtle Beach Grill has been a staple of the area for years now, and once you come in, you’ll understand why! The staff is always welcoming and friendly, and the casual atmosphere is perfect for a fun meal with your family. You can choose to dine inside or out on the patio.

On the menu, you’ll find plenty of seafood options like fish and chips, crab cakes, clam strips, Gulf grouper, and so many more. There’s also a wide selection of non-seafood entrees and fried baskets, as well as plenty of sides to go around. Soups, salads, sandwiches, and wraps all make good lighter options, and don’t miss out on a slice of turtle cheesecake before you leave! 

Other Things to Do Nearby

The area around Turtle Beach is perfect for those who love to leave their Siesta Key hotel and just get outside. The beach is near some of the best attractions in Sarasota, so you can easily explore sites like the Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, Mote Marine Aquarium, or Sarasota Jungle Gardens! You’re also just down the road from some of the best parks in Sarasota for even more outdoor fun.

Sarasota is full of other activities as well to satisfy your whole group. Check out art at the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, catch a show at Sarasota Opera House, or get a history lesson at the Sarasota Classic Car Museum. 

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Beach Resort Hotel Accommodations

Our Siesta Key hotel isn’t too far from Turtle Beach and will let you explore this fascinating beach park, along with the other attractions of Siesta Village which are within walking distance of our resort. Our resort suites are designed with you in mind to provide comfort and safety, and we can accommodate groups of all sizes. Ready to plan your getaway? Contact us today to learn more about staying in our Siesta Beach resort!

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