Siesta Key Public Beach a Great Place for Swimming and Sunbathing

Located off Beach Road on Siesta Key, a barrier island off the coast of Sarasota, Siesta Key Public Beach is a stretch of sand and water near the northern end of the island, maintained by local authorities and open to the general public.

The beaches of Siesta Key, including the public beach, are well-known for their white, powdery sand, which is 99 percent pure quartz and is soft and cool to the touch. The quality of the sand has resulted in Siesta Key receiving a number of honorary designations from travel publications worldwide and from the Travel Channel, which has continuously dubbed Siesta Key Beach among the "Best Sand Beaches in America.''

The Siesta Key Public Beach is wide and welcoming, offering plenty of space to spread out or enjoy a game of beach Frisbee or volleyball. Often frequented by families, this beach is quite appropriate for small children. The water is shallow near the shore and safe for non-swimmers. Lifeguards are present year-round during swimming hours.

There are a number of conveniences located at Siesta Key Public Beach. A shaded playground is perfect for little ones and a covered picnic area provides room for plenty of beach goers to enjoy lunch or a midday snack, protected from the sun or frequent Florida afternoon thunderstorms. Adjacent to the picnic area is a small concession stand that sells a variety of food and beverages, ranging from sandwiches and hot dogs to ice cream and other snacks.

Also located near the picnic pavilion is another small concession that sells beach gear and other beach-related necessities including boogie boards, sun screen, pails and shovels, flotation devices, bathing suits, and towels. The concessions are generally open during regular beach hours.

Every Sunday evening, the Siesta Key Public Beach hosts one of the largest drum circles in the country. A drum circle is made up of regular people - musicians and non-musicians - who come to the beach to make music together. Many bring drums or other rhythm instruments to the beach and play while others sing, dance, or just listen. The drum circle at Siesta Key Beach draws a huge crowd, including regulars as well as first time visitors. The Siesta Key drum circle has gained much notoriety and is a safe, fun, non-alcoholic event the whole family can enjoy.

The public beach at Siesta Key is within reasonable walking distance of charming Siesta Key Village and all of its shops and restaurants. It is also close to a number of hotels, motels, and condominium complexes. For those who are driving to the beach, a large parking lot accommodates 800 cars. However, the lot fills up quickly on weekends and on weekdays during the summer, so visitors should plan to arrive early.