Our Blog
All things Siesta Key. Stories, news, and event information about Sarasota, Florida's beautiful beach.
Tips for Beach Hopping Around Siesta Key
It’s no secret that Siesta Key beaches are some of the best in the world, between their crystal clear aquamarine waters and powdery soft white quartz sand. Siesta Beach itself was ranked the number one beach in America and number 11 in the world by TripAdvisor in 2020. As you enjoy your stay with us here at Best Western Siesta Key, explore the many beaches on the Gulf Coast that invite beach lovers, families, travelers, and honeymooners back year after year. From Turtle Beach to Lido Key Beach, you are sure to fall head over heels and return home with a new favorite sandy spot on the water.
Turtle Beach
If relaxing on the beach means collecting seashells, hunting for shark’s teeth, playing volleyball, or tossing horseshoes, then Turtle Beach is for you. Located at the southern end of Siesta Key, this narrow beach has been referred to as the “sportiest” beach in the area. It offers convenient picnic tables, a playground for kids, and even campsites for outdoor enthusiasts. Adjacent to Turtle Beach is Blind Pass Lagoon, which is the ideal place to take your fishing pole or kayak and spend a fun and relaxing day on the water.
Crescent Beach
A true getaway vacation involves dodging crowds and escaping the hustle and bustle of daily life. Crescent Beach is the prime location to do just that. This quiet, secluded, and serene beach landscape gives visitors a peaceful feeling of solitude. While taking time to fully let go and settle into your beach chair and bury your feet in the puffy sand, you can also journey south to Point of Rocks. This area is a favorite place for diving and snorkeling near Siesta Key as colorful marine wildlife and coral formations thrive here. Another lure of Crescent Beach is its sand. In 1987, Crescent Beach was dubbed having “The World’s Finest, Whitest Sand” at The Great International Sand Challenge.
Siesta Key Beach
You cannot have a Siesta Key vacation without visiting the most popular beach on the Key. This main attraction not only provides the ultimate spot for families, friends, and solo travelers to soak up the Florida sun but is also a popular destination for marine wildlife, like dolphins. Siesta Key is the largest of the island beaches and with that comes a variety of activities to keep you entertained. These include tennis and volleyball courts, playgrounds, concession stands, and picnic areas. Families in particular favor Siesta Key Beach as its shallow waters and many lifeguards put parents at ease. Before turning in for the evening, make sure to check out the Sunday night Drum Circle on Siesta Key for an energetic, uplifting, and all-around fun experience.
Lido Key Beach
While Lido Key may seem out of the way, being less than ten miles from Siesta Key, it is conveniently located one mile from St. Armand’s Circle. Here, you can spend your day hopping from the sand to the shops and trying out all the delicious restaurants and specialty dessert cafes on the circle. Lido Key Beach is a popular location for watersports, yoga, and catching the most romantic sunset. Its public swimming pool and recently updated concession stand also give you the ability to escape the blistering sun and reset if you need a break. In addition to its modern amenities, Lido Key Beach is the perfect blend of a popular family beach and a low-key, quiet day on the Gulf.
With so many beaches to choose from and waters to explore, Siesta Key is a beach lover’s paradise. Beach hopping around the islands and keys near Siesta Beach gives you a little taste of everything and allows you to choose and experience your favorite kind of beach vacation. From taking long walks in the quartz sand and watching the breathtaking sunsets, to collecting shells and shark’s teeth and meeting marine wildlife, there is something to grab everyone’s attention. After a long day in the Florida sun, it is always a wonderful feeling to return to Best Western Siesta Key to cool off, freshen up, and fall asleep soundly.