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Identifying Private vs. Public Beaches

Posted by Best Western Siesta Key onMarch 21, 2023 in General.

The beaches of Siesta Key are second to none, thanks to their sugary sand, pristine and ample sunning spaces, azure and turquoise ocean waters, and consistently warm climate. It’s why millions of visitors from around the world flock to the area every year, as well as why so many local residents call the area home. Of course, there are both private and public beaches in the Siesta Key region, and each option has both advantages and disadvantages. That’s why we here at Best Western Siesta Key are digging into how you can identify which ones are which, as well as highlighting the perfect destination for you on your next visit.

Public Beaches

First, the good news: There are miles upon miles of stunning public beaches on Siesta Key (and in the greater Sarasota metropolitan area). Of note are three primary locales: Siesta Beach, Crescent Beach, and Turtle Beach. The first is the most popular option, with multiple lifeguards on duty, concussion stands, restrooms, and of course, warm waters that lap up on powdery white sand. Crescent Beach is more remote, ideal for snorkeling and diving enthusiasts thanks to its coral formations. Finally, Turtle Beach is popular with shell collectors and beach walkers, as well as campers thanks to its in-demand RV and tent camping facilities. All of these beaches are easily identifiable with municipal signage and boundary fencing where fitting.

Private Residences

While the topic is not without controversy, some folks are lucky enough to own a private residence on Siesta Key with full rights to the beach and water access on their property. That means these areas are off-limits to tourists unless you are invited by those who live in that home. In some cases it’s clear that these are not public beaches simply because there is no visible access or pathway to the location. In others, residents may indicate that the property is private with signage or fencing. It is always best to err on the side of caution if you are not sure to avoid trespassing, even by accident.

Beachfront Vacation Rentals

If you want to have your own little strip of paradise the next time you visit Siesta Key, you can opt to stay at a private beach rental property. These can be booked on Airbnb, VRBO, or other booking sites facilitated by property management. Note that this option can be quite costly due to the high demand of these rentals. Similar to private residences, you can often identify that access to the beaches here are restricted to those who are registered guests.

Our Recommendation

In our experience, the best way to enjoy your Gulf of Mexico vacation is to book a stay with us here at Best Western Siesta Key. For one, we offer superior accommodations that are both family and budget friendly. We also offer our guests access to our complimentary beach shuttle, which runs regularly to Siesta Beach, the premier destination in the area. That also takes the stress of parking out of the equation, which can be a headache, especially on busy beach days.

The Best Siesta Key Has to Offer

Whether it’s swimming, sunning, boating, or just lounging the day away on the sand, Siesta Key is a great place to go on your next tropical beach vacation. Let the professionals at Best Western Siesta Key help you make it the best it can be without breaking the bank.