Winner of the "Worlds Finest, Whitest Sand"

Siesta Key Public Beach extends along a half-mile of the most pristine white sands in the world. The pure quartz, pulverized to a fine powder, has a magical quality. There is no sand quite like Siesta Key, anywhere. Even under the burning subtropical sun, it feels cool to the touch.

Siesta Key has received many honors for its powdery white-sand beaches including recognition as one of “America’s Best Beaches”; “Third Best Walking Beach in the USA,” by USA Today International Edition; and “The Best of the Best Sand,” by Conde Nast Traveler Magazine.




Lifeguards watch over Siesta Key Public Beach all year, and there are tennis, volleyball, softball and food concession facilities provided. Water sports of every kind add color and excitement to the Siesta Beach scene.

At the southern end of Siesta Key is Turtle Beach. The sand here is a bit coarser, but that means the shelling is better. Turtle Beach is also quieter, and although there are no lifeguards or food concessions, families appreciate its comparative solitude and numerous facilities with picnic tables, pavilions with grills, ample parking, and playground equipment.

Crescent Beach, usually a little less crowded, has the same fine, white sand. Located just south of Siesta Key Public Beach, it stretches for about one and a half miles toward a place called Point of Rocks, where scuba divers explore the underwater scenery.

Our excellent climate encourages outdoor recreation of all kinds. Whether you want to be an active participant or an avid spectator, you'll find most varieties of sport right here on the key, in Sarasota County, or nearby in the Bay area.

Siesta Key is a beautiful barrier island eight miles long just offshore of Sarasota, Florida. You will find it alive with tropical atmosphere, blessed with the world's finest, whitest beaches, filled with charming hideaways, and always offering plenty to do - but it is also a place to relax, and let the warm breezes, cool water and soft sand transport you to your personal paradise!

Two bridges link the island to the mainland, allowing it to remain an uncomplicated natural paradise without sacrificing the amenities of contemporary life.

The north bridge, Siesta Drive, is within the City of Sarasota and provides convenient access to the city, its business and arts districts, and to the Sarasota/Bradenton International Airport via US Highway 41. The south bridge, Stickney Point Road, provides access to south Sarasota County and a direct route to Interstate 75.

Siesta Key was first colonized in 1846. Population of the island had only grown to 300 by 1940 when it was primarily made up of fishing camps.

Currently, 15,000 full time residents live on the island with another 18,000 "snowbirds" flocking here for the mild winter months. Residences range from small rental cottages to waterfront condos and custom private homes.

The beaches of Siesta Key are world-renowned. The pure quartz, pulverized to a fine white powder, has a magical quality. There is no sand quite like Siesta's anywhere. They are also the island's centers of social activity - places to meet, to hold reunions, group picnics, even weddings - or just to stroll, bicycle or jog with friends. are two main shopping districts right on Siesta Key, each with a wide variety of shops that carry merchandise ranging from gifts and T-shirts to the finest haute couture to ice cream.

Siesta Key Village is located on the northwest side of the Key about one block from the Gulf. The Siesta South Shopping area begins at the Stickney Point Bridge and goes south along Midnight Pass Road. From November to September our own Siesta Key Trolley will take you from the southern-most part of the island to the north end.