Siesta Key Beach in Sarasota, Florida (with Map & Photos)

Without moving from Florida, but this time on the west coast of the state, we find the island of Siesta Key. From the name alone we can relate that on this site the word overwhelmed occupies the last position on the list of things to do here. In fact, it used to be called Sarasota Key, named after the county in which it is located, but its reputation as a place of rest and relaxation earned it the new nickname.

Siesta Key Beach
Siesta Key Beach

With a population of just 7,000, the beach on Siesta Key is very, very wide and long, with white sand so fine it's almost powder.  It is said that 99% of the sand on this beach is made up of quartz originating in the Appalachian Mountains and sedimented in this place for millennia. Its waters are a transparent light blue and among the services that we can enjoy we find tennis and volleyball courts, bathrooms, showers, a bar, children's games and free parking (yes, free) that fills up quickly in season.

As you move away from the water, you enter a picnic area set up with tables, pergolas and grills for group enjoyment. The Crystal Classic is held on this beach , a sand sculpture tournament in which gigantic marvels that appear to be made of marble are created. On Siesta Key there are two other beaches further south known as Crescent Beach and Turtle Beach which, although they are not as spectacular or have the same sand as Siesta Beach, are less crowded. This little piece of heaven could not be missing from our list of the 10 best beaches in the United States.

Siesta Key Beach Map