There is no doubt that Florida is #1 when it comes to best beaches in the US. Not to mention Sarasota’s Siesta Key beach was yet again the #1 beach according to TripAdvisors Traveler’s Choice Awards 2017. In general, Florida landed seven out of the top 10 beaches in this year’s awards. 343 beaches worldwide were in the running’s for Travel’s Choice and Florida came out on top by far. Siesta key is by far one of Sarasota’s most prized gems.
Fun Facts
- Siesta Key beach was the nations #1 beach in 2011.
- 99% is the percentage of quartz that make up Siesta’s fluffy white sand.
- 2.2 million visitors visit Siesta Key beach annually.
- Siesta Key is made up of four main districts: Siesta Beach, Crescent Beach, Turtle Beach, and Siesta Key Village
- It’s estimated that the sand on Siesta Beach is millions of years old, and started in the Appalachians and flowed down the rivers and was eventually deposited on the shores of Siesta Key.
- Siesta Key was named the #1 beach in the U.S in the annual ratings by Dr. Beach.
Siesta Key Information
Siesta Key is easy to reach form 2 main roads in Sarasota. You can either take Bee Ridge Rd West (Exit 207 on I-75). Stay on Bee Ridge, cross over US 41 and follow the twists, bends and signs onto Siesta Dr. then go over the bridge. The other way on the island, take Clark Rd West (Exit 205 on I-75) which becomes Stickney Point Rd, go over the Stickney Point Bridge. Midnight Pass Rd is the long road that runs North & South on Siesta Key.
Siesta Beach, the public beach in the center of the Island has lifeguards on duty all year round, volleyball nets, tennis courts, a playground and shady spots for picnics. There are also bathrooms, food and concession available making it a quite comfortable stay at this beach for an extended period of time. There is a 800 car parking lot but it fills up quickly. Prepare to arrive early or you will have to follow people that are leaving to get their spot. (not much fun but we’ve all done it).
Crescent Beach
A short walk south along the beach from the Siesta Key Public Beach is Crescent Beach. This beach is a popular starting point for snorkelers. It is also very popular and usually filled with visitors spread across the beach. A lot of fun activities usually go on like jet skiing, parasailing, canoeing and kayaking.
Turtle Beach
At the southern end of the beach is Turtle Beach, the sand here is a bit coarser, but means the shelling is better. Turtle Beach is also quieter, and although there are no lifeguards or food concessions, the site is perfect for family outings with ample parking, abundant picnic areas, dune walkovers, a playground and public restrooms. Turtle Beach has some of the highest beach dunes in the area.
