Crescent Beach and the south end at a glance
Siesta Key has more than one beach. Siesta Beach is the busy public park next to the village. South of it, the sand continues as Crescent Beach, which has Point of Rocks at its southern end. At the very tip of the island lies Turtle Beach. Each has a different feel, and none of them is a copy of the main beach.
For Crescent Beach on Siesta Key, use the public access points near South Village, around Stickney Point Road and Midnight Pass Road. Crescent Beach Access 12 is the one closest to South Village. Do not cut across private property to reach the sand. If you want to see the coast from the water instead, Siesta Key boat tours and kayak trips start nearby.
Which beach to choose
The three beaches side by side.
| Beach | Where | Sand and feel | Lifeguards |
|---|---|---|---|
| Siesta Beach | Next to the village | Fine white quartz, busy and well equipped | Yes |
| Crescent Beach | South of the village, near South Village | Quartz sand, Point of Rocks at the south end | Not on the county list |
| Turtle Beach | South tip of the island | Darker, shellier sand and a steeper slope | Not on the county list |
For most visitors, Siesta Beach is the easiest choice with children, because it has lifeguards and facilities. Choose Crescent Beach for snorkeling at Point of Rocks, and Turtle Beach for fishing, boats and camping. Read about the main beach on the Siesta Key Beach page.
Our pick: a paddle from Turtle Beach
Our take: the tour starts at Turtle Beach and gives you a guide and all the gear, so it pairs well with a morning on the sand.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide. Prices are indicative starting prices in US dollars (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Siesta Key tours and day trips
Dolphin cruises, sunset boat trips, kayak tours and Sarasota day tours, with live prices and availability.
Crescent Beach, Siesta Key
Crescent Beach is the long stretch of pale quartz sand south of the village. On good days it is busy, with chairs, umbrellas and paddleboards on the sand.
Crescent Beach is not on the county's list of guarded beaches, so swim with care and check the water before you go in. South Village, near Access 12, has shops, a marina and rental businesses.
Point of Rocks, Siesta Key
Point of Rocks sits at the south end of Crescent Beach. It is known as the spot on the island for snorkeling and diving. Water clarity, depth and conditions vary from day to day, so look at the water first and do not count on good visibility.
- Go in calm weather.
- Wear a life vest or tow float if you are not a strong swimmer.
- There is no lifeguard on this stretch, so never snorkel alone.
Turtle Beach, Siesta Key
Turtle Beach is at the island's south end. The sand is darker and holds more shells than at Siesta Beach, and the beach is steeper. Blind Pass Lagoon offers boat access and fishing. Turtle Beach is not on the county's guarded list either, so keep an eye on children.
The free island trolley, route 77, serves Turtle Beach. Palmer Point, the next piece of beach to the south, can only be reached by boat. It has no parking, and there is no foot access because of heavy erosion after Hurricane Milton. Do not plan a beach walk from Turtle Beach to Casey Key.
Camping at Turtle Beach
The county runs Turtle Beach Campground at 8862 Midnight Pass Road. It has 39 sites for tents and RVs, each for up to 6 people, with electricity, water and sewer. Pets are not allowed, except service animals, and campfires are not allowed.
Reservations open exactly one year ahead, a system that started on 16 March 2026. For Thanksgiving (25 to 28 November 2026), Christmas (23 to 26 December 2026) and New Year (30 December 2026 to 2 January 2027), you must book by phone. Ask for the current nightly rate, taxes and card fees when you reserve.
Sea turtles and quiet beaches
Sea turtles nest on these beaches from 1 May to 31 October. Keep the beach dark at night, remove chairs and gear, fill holes, and never touch nests or turtles. Stay at least 50 yards (about 45.7 m) from a turtle on the sand or in the water. The distance is a national recommendation.
More around the island
Other parts of Siesta Key.
Crescent Beach and Turtle Beach: frequently asked questions
Where is Crescent Beach on Siesta Key?
It is south of the village, near South Village at Stickney Point Road and Midnight Pass Road. Public access 12 is the closest to South Village.
Is Point of Rocks good for snorkeling?
It is known as the snorkeling and diving spot on Siesta Key. Conditions vary, so look at the water first and do not count on good visibility.
Does Turtle Beach have lifeguards?
No. Turtle Beach and Crescent Beach are not on the county's list of guarded beaches. Siesta Beach is.
Can I walk from Turtle Beach to Casey Key?
No. Palmer Point can only be reached by boat, and foot access is no longer possible after erosion.
Can I camp on Siesta Key?
Yes, at Turtle Beach Campground, which has 39 sites for tents and RVs. Pets are not allowed, except service animals, and there are no campfires. Reservations open one year ahead.
Is siesta-key.org the official page of these beaches?
No. This is an independent travel guide with no link to Sarasota County or any beach business.