My children and I traveled to Sarasota to visit my dad and stepmom for a long weekend. Each time we go down for a visit, I recall the soft, white non-gritty sand of my first time at Siesta Key about 4 years ago. So naturally, this trip (only 3 1/2 days) I told my dad that as soon as we unpacked our suitcases from the airport I wanted to head to Siesta Key. Since we were there on a Thursday afternoon, we were able to get a parking spot without problem. I know that on a busy weekend day, it can be virtually impossible. But our mid afternoon visit was perfect. The sun was still warm , the beach was not crowded and the sand --- it is just too amazing to even describe. It is soft and easy to walk in and so wonderful on your feet. The water was Florida warm (coming from New England, I always marvel at how warm the gulf water is no matter what time of year)!
I then also returned to Siesta Key public beach early Sunday morning. The weekend we visited was the annual Sand Sculpture contest. Amazing creations were being sculpted by artists from all over the world. For $5.00 you could get right up close to the sculptures, or if you just wanted a distant view and to walk among the food, clothing and jewelry vendors, you could see it all for free.
I highly recommend a visit to Siesta Key Public Beach the next time you are in Sarasota. To avoid the hassle of crowds or limited parking, go either for an early morning walk -- it is so peaceful and the sights, sounds and smells are so soothing. Or go in the late afternoon and then stay for the sunset -- it will remind you how fortunate you are to be alive.

My wife and I spent a day at Siesta Key beach. We tried five different beaches on this visit to the Venice-Sarasota area. The beach is huge. There was a sand sculpture competition going on, so lots of people roaming around that day. Still plenty of room for everyone.

Not sure how crowded this beach gets in peak season, but I'm sure it packs 'em in. You'll be amazed at how white and cool the sand is, no matter the air temp. The sand is like white flour. Different feel than any other beach I've been visited.

The gulf is fine... nothing different here than at the other beaches we visited, including Venice beach, Nokomis beach, Lido beach, and Casperson beach (actually Casperson was the only beach that had waves... part of a park-- no lifeguards, and very narrow beach--but if you like waves, this is the beach).

All of these beaches are free! Parking is easy at each one.

If you have a question about any of the other beaches, including the sunset drum ritual at Nokomis beach, just contact me.