Siesta Beach has earned a reputation of being among the most beautiful in the United States. The beach is known for its crystal-clear water and powdery white sand, made almost entirely of pure white quartz. The soft, clean sands are reflective so it’s never too hot underfoot, despite the warm Florida sun. Siesta Key’s public beach is equipped with all the amenities necessary for a full day of relaxing on the soft sands and splashing around in the clear, shallow water.

Siesta Beach has 101 acres (41 hectares) of public shoreline. Rent a sun umbrella and beach chair from the on-site concession stand and relax in the shade. The wide shallows are perfect for young families to splash and wade in. Play a few beach volleyball games with the provided nets or sit back and watch yachts sailing in front of the horizon.

Snacks, drinks and sun lotion can be purchased from the concession store. Pack a cooler and enjoy a picnic at the shaded tables in the grassy park directly in front of the beach, complete with a playground, restrooms and an outdoor shower. Have the golden sunset over the Gulf of Mexico as your picnic’s backdrop.

Check the Sarasota County website to find out what fun-filled beach events are scheduled during your stay. Volleyball tournaments, triathlons, sand sculpture contests, fireworks shows and other events are programmed throughout the year.

Lifeguards serve Siesta Beach year-round. The area has a free parking lot with 800 spaces available but these fill up quickly, especially on weekends, so arrive early to avoid a longer walk from nearby streets.

Siesta Beach is located on the southwest coast of Siesta Key, approximately 7 miles (11 kilometers) from downtown Sarasota. There are plenty of public access points on the northern and southern ends of the beach but there is no street access for 1 mile (1.6 kilometers) in the middle.