Siesta Key Beaches

A small barrier island in Sarasota County, Siesta Key covers about 8 1/2 square miles. It was originally called Sarasota Key until the name change during the 1920s. It lies between Sarasota Bay on the east and the Gulf of Mexico on the west side.

Siesta Beach covers the northern half of the Gulf Coast, a public beach containing pure white sand that is more than 99 percent quartz. This stretch of Siesta Key has been voted one of the 10 best beaches in Florida, and fortunately one of the least affected by the oil spill. Early visionary settlers made sure that this beautiful 40 acre stretch of beach would remain forever public for Sarasota Bay residents to enjoy.

Siesta Village is on the north end of Siesta Beach, where many residents live. Close by are Siesta Key Water Sports, Siesta Sports Rentals, and Robin Hood Rentals, offering bicycle, scooter, and kayak rentals along with beach equipment. Bait and tackle plus deep-sea fishing charters can be found at CB's Saltwater Outfitters, along with boat rentals.

There are plenty of lodging options on Siesta Key, such as cottages and condominiums for the day, week or season. All are close to either Siesta Beach or the south side beaches. Nearby are restaurants such as the Village Cafe, The Broken Egg, the popular Siesta Key Oyster Bar and the Daiquiri Deck.

At the south end of Siesta Beach is the Point of Rocks, an unusual limestone formation that sticks out into the Gulf. Point of Rocks is an ancient maritime landmark, which supposedly guided pirates when marking their buried treasure on maps. A lot of fish species live around the limestone rocks.

Heading south from the Point of Rocks is Crescent Beach, a smaller public beach with similar fine grain sand. Nearing the south end of Siesta Key is Turtle Beach, featuring a tidal lagoon surrounded by abundant mangroves. This is the only place in Siesta Key where seashells are plentiful.

Siesta Key is connected to the Florida mainland by two bridges, both connect with U.S. Highway 41, the main road heading north into downtown Sarasota and the Sarasota-Bradenton Airport. I-75 runs north-south along the east side of Sarasota.