The Siesta Key Public Beach

Siesta Key is an eight-mile barrier island off the coast of Sarasota. The island is home to several beautiful beaches. However, Siesta Key Beach is by far the most breathtaking of them all. Composed of ninety-nine percent quartz crystals, the powdery white sand is not only beautiful but also stays cool to the touch in even the warmest temperature.  The composition of this unique beach, believed to be millions of years old, is the result of deposits of sand that originated from the Appalachians.

The island of Siesta Key has a rich history dating all the way back to the 1800s, and the city works hard to preserve its natural brilliance for generations to come. Also believed by many to have healing qualities, it is no wonder that tens of thousands of people from all over the world flock to the beach for a host of events including the Sunday evening drum circle, beach yoga, national volleyball competitions, Fiesta on Siesta, and annual Crystal Classic World Championship Sand Sculpting Contest.

Siesta Key Beach has garnered worldwide attention and captured the heart of many with quite a collection of accolades to show for it. In 2011, Dr. Beach awarded Siesta Key Beach with the title of "The Best Beach in America". Similarly, The Travel Chanel called Siesta Key Beach “The Best Sand Beach in America” in 2004. Siesta Key Beach, recognized for its natural brilliance worldwide, won the 1987 “Great International White Sand Beach Challenge.”  In this competition, Siesta Key Beach earned recognition for having the “whitest and finest sand in the world.” Anyone who visits this little piece of paradise would have to agree. It is simply exquisite.

Siesta Key is a smokeless beach with virtually no shells. Hundreds of yards wide, the beach is a favorite spot for a game of beach volleyball, paddleboard, Frisbee or flying a kite. Watersports enthusiasts love the island as Siesta Key offers just about every activity imaginable. From bicycles, boats, and jet skis, to paddleboards, parasailing and kayaks, the island provides an ample supply of rental facilities.

The depth of the water near the shore is remarkably shallow and the beach offers lifeguard protection, making Siesta Key Beach one of the safest beaches on the coast. Additionally, the public beach offers a slew of family-friendly fun, including courts for tennis, volleyball, and basketball, nature trails, a shaded playground and picnic area, barbeque grills, a gazebo for intimate gatherings, pavilion area, and concessions stands. However, with the powdery cool sand, and crystal clear Gulf of Mexico water, many prefer the simple enjoyment found in a beachside nap followed by one of the breathtaking Siesta sunsets. Each day, hundreds of spectators gather along the shore hoping to get a glimpse of the legendary emerald flash of light that occurs just as the last bit of the sun hides behind the horizon.