There are so many pristine beaches to explore while you are visiting on vacation and staying in luxurious Siesta Key condo rentals. One of the best spots that you definitely don’t want to miss is Turtle Beach. With nice sand, beautiful waters, and amazing sunsets—this beach should be at the top of your to-do list for Siesta Key attractions.
Turtle Beach is the most southerly of the three Siesta Key beaches. The spot is quieter than most of the other beaches. Even so, there are bathroom and changing facilities, barbeque pits, and pavilions with picnic tables. It is important to note that there are no lifeguards on duty here at Turtle Beach. There is also a much steeper incline from the beach down to the water, so make sure to keep an eye on any children who may be with you on your visit.
Turtle Beach is very long in comparison to some of the other Siesta Key beaches. The sand is grainer than the sand found on the other two beaches and is a different color–but this is still a great spot.
Many people choose Turtle Beach over other beaches in the area like the nearby Siesta Beach because of the seclusion. Turtle beach is definitely less crowded and much quieter than any of the other Siesta Key attractions. Because of this, parking is also easy to find at Turtle Beach, and there’s not a far walk from the parking area to the beach itself. However, the water here is just as beautiful and serene as any other spot on Siesta Key. The clear water is usually fairly warm, and the waves vary depending on the weather.
Turtle Beach is considered by locals to be the best Siesta Key beach to head to if you’re looking to catch a gorgeous sunset. There is a very informal sunset viewing where you can watch the sunset drop below the horizon. The waters here also provide some waves. So, if you are looking for a quiet and beautiful place to skim board or surf, Turtle Beach is a great location to check out.
This is also a top spot if you want to collect some shells or see some interesting creatures. Because the sand here is rougher, it is easier to find some beautiful shells and even some sand dollars along the shoreline. It’s a fun activity for adults and children alike while you are visiting Turtle Beach.
Another reason Turtle Beach tops the list of Siesta Key attractions is because of the fascinating wildlife that can be found here. The wind is known to whip a little harder on this end of Siesta Key, meaning the waves are much larger than at other Siesta Key beaches. This is a good thing if you’re are looking to spot some sea creatures because it brings the playful dolphins closer to shore. Many people have reported seeing the magnificent creatures jumping out of the water and even coming quite close to humans in the water.
Turtle Beach is also aptly named for being a haven for sea turtles to nest and lay their eggs. The eggs and turtles are protected by law, so if you do come across some or a nest, make sure not to touch or disturb them in any way. If you’re lucky, you might even spot some of the tiny baby turtles emerge from the sand and make their way down the grainy beach to the water.
Many locals classify this Siesta Key attraction as one of the hidden gems on the island. The other Siesta Key beaches are nice, but Turtle Beach is sure to give you an experience you won’t soon forget.