Siesta Beach
Sarasota, FL, 34242
Siesta Beach (also called Siesta Key Beach) is a popular beach on the Siesta Key barrier island. It’s renowned for its exceptionally soft quartz sand and warm turquoise waters. It regularly receives awards as a top beach in the United States and has plenty of amenities for visitors.
The basics
Siesta Beach might have been a filming spot for the MTV reality show Siesta Key, but it’s not a party beach. In fact, it’s a family-friendly space home to a playground, calm waves, and soft sand that are perfect for little beachgoers. These are also reasons why the beach sees thousands of weekly visitors—it's within walking distance from nearly all Siesta Key hotels and shuttles from the mainland meaning there’s no need to fight for a parking spot.
Things to know before you go
Concessions are available near the bathrooms at the Siesta Beach Pavilion.
Use the uniquely colored lifeguard stand as waypoints for finding your family and friends.
Alcohol is allowed on Siesta Beach in non-glass containers.
How to get there
Siesta Beach is on Siesta Key, a barrier island off the coast of South Sarasota. Driving across the Stickney Point Bascule Bridge or Siesta Key North Bridge is the only way for vehicles to access Siesta Key. You can also take the free Siesta Key Breeze Trolley or paid Breeze OnDemand shuttle service and Breeze route 33 bus to travel between Siesta Key and the mainland.
When to get there
Siesta Beach is the most popular beach in Sarasota and has been named the number one beach in the country, so expect crowds during the summer months and during the winter months when northerners return to their vacation homes. Visit early to get a spot on the sand, especially during weekends when Siesta Key Village sees more visitors. 1,000 parking spaces fill up surprisingly quickly.
Drum on the beach during weekly circles
Annual events take place at Siesta Beach, but one weekly event is a good way to get acquainted with local life: the Siesta Key Drum Circle. Every Sunday night—weather permitting—this non-judgemental public gathering encourages guests to watch or participate from an hour before sunset until the drums stop playing.
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