Turtle Beach Photos
You might also consider
More like Turtle Beach
Recommended Reviews - Turtle Beach
Start your review...
Reviews With Photos
Visiting from Knoxville and decided to give this beach a shot. The sand was great. Not a very wide beach but that was fine. While we were there the water was warm, bath water warm and about waste deep. There was a sand bar a short walk out, about 50 yards. A Manatee also swam by. There was even an ice cream boat that came by. Parking can be challenging. Overall thought this was a great beach.
Turtle Beach is 4 miles south of Siesta Key. It does not feel as touristy as other beaches. The crowds was a mixed age group and stopped to talk to some friendly senior folks from my home state of New York. There are a lot of rental cottages available. There are also a few high rise condos that may be privately owned. It was clean with ample parking close to the beach, just on the other side of a narrow sand dune. In mid April the water was still cool so I just dipped my toes to check it out. There are only a few bars and eating places which is why I think it does not get too busy. I like this about Turtle Beach and plan to check out & stay at one of the many cottages within walking distance to the beach.
The water is beautiful here, very clean and not as shallow as Siesta Key Beach. The sand is course versus the preferred white but the trade off is there are less tourists here. There are no life guards. They have plenty of parking and there are showers and restrooms. If you are visiting Siesta Key and looking for a quiet beach, this is it.
Having vacationed on Crescent Beach for over 40 years, I will be the first to admit that the super soft & brilliantly white sand (99% quartz) has ruined me for other beaches. However, I do consider it an Indulgence and keep an open mind in terms of visiting other beaches, such as Turtle. As you may have read in previous reviews, the sand is much darker and far coarser than the other local beaches (Crescent and Siesta public), so the beach itself is not a draw. As many feel the same way, there are far less crowds to be found at Turtle Beach. To each their own and while I can see that being a bonus for some in need of relaxation, I found it to be quite dull as I get bored easily. As Turtle Beach is past the Point of Rocks, the water is also quite different from Crescent Beach. The water is murkier and far more unpredictable, which made me feel a bit fearful and less likely to explore. There is a steep drop off and I did not feel comfortable going far beyond that as opposed to Crescent Beach's 2nd Sandbar. As stated earlier, I go on vacation seeking adventure more than relaxation, so Turtle Beach left much to be desired in terms of walkability to restaurants and shops. I like being able to walk to places and there isn't much in the area to do so. On the plus side, they do offer public restrooms.
I was in Florida for vacation and wanted to go to Siesta but the crowds were unreal so my boyfriend and I went down the street to Turtle beach. While it does not have the silky soft sand like Siesta it is still a gorgeous beach. The sand is a bit more rocky and the beach is far less crowded. The water wasn't as clear as siesta or lido but it was still beautiful and very clean. There was ample parking both paved and unpaved but the restrooms were a bit of a hike from the beach.
Great beach. Not too crowded. Water was clear and beach was clean. One of my favorite quiet spots
Every new beach is my favorite beach but Turtle Beach truly is a gem! The seclusion you get here is unprecedented in this area. Forget Siesta Key, THIS beach should be rated #1. I arrived at sunrise just in time to witness the most amazing clouds and colors it felt like a dream. The sand is a soft brown color you don't typically see on FL beaches; it truly feels exotic. I explored from one end to the other... the sand was so thick and soft that my morning run turned into a slow walk; 3 hour walk and 6 miles round trip. I was so glad I went to the far south end to see the most incredible cache of shells! I also saw dolphins teasing their fins out the water and a rainbow. In fact I saw a turtle, yes a turtle on Turtle Beach. How cool is that!? Be careful of snakes when walking on the paths covered with vines as I saw 2 of those as well. The bathroom facilities were clean and easy to access. Parking was easy and still plenty available when I left at 10am on a Saturday morning. Top notch beach, 2 thumbs up and 5 stars from a beach connoisseur!
Free parking and plenty of it, not crowded, blue water, restrooms and warm Florida sun. What more do you need to enjoy? Sunblock would be a great idea! Fyi- no lifeguards or food or drinks so bring your own. This is more of a locals beach and that's why I love it. The fewer bodies blocking your sun and fun. I love that the parking area is within steps to the beach. All those posters who complained about the sand are just spoiled by the powdery sand at Siesta. It's not Rocky so I'm a happy camper. There are bathrooms nearby.
Grainy sand, not white and fine like siesta. Kind of hurt my feet because it is mixed with a few jagged shells. Didnt take me long to get over it. Not as many people either! Got a parking spot right next to the path to the beach. I enjoy the peacefulness at this beach. Even with the grainy sand, it was nice to hear the water. This Beach is awesome for shells, spending another day here, saw dolphins!!!!
I've been coming to this beach on Florida vacations ever since I was a little kid. It's been quite a while since I had been here...but visited recently on my last trip to Florida. I had also gone to Clearwater beach, which was nice...but pretty crowded. When my family got to Turtle Beach...I was reminded of why we had come here so often! It was absolutely amazing! It's smaller and a bit more confined...which was so nice! It really gave me the "full beach experience" and was soooo relaxing! The sand may not be as white or clear as other beaches in this area....but it was still quite an awesome time! The water is crystal clear and being a smaller beach, you're naturally closer to the water and can hear the rippling waves! Love this place!!
Updating my review since September, adding some things. We've been here many times, Turtle Beach is great for fishing, boating, and swimming. I've noticed that during the summer days, there is virtually no one here. Turtle Beach is a different type of beach. Here you won't find cool white sand but more of a black/tan sand with crushed seashells. FYI, the address should be 8900 Blind Pass Rd. For some reason Yelp won't let me update the address. Here you will find - Public Boat Slip (rare for siesta key), Parking, Bathrooms, Grills, Picnic Tables, and Spray Stations to wash the sand off your feet. This beach is hardly ever crowded, great for snorkeling and digging for shells about 5-10 feet inward. If you walk 3/4 of a mile south from turtle beach, you will come across Stephen King's winter home on Casey Key. Turtle Beach is a great place to view incoming storms to Siesta Key since it's at the southern tip. After mating at sea, the adult female sea turtles return to land to nest their eggs at night at turtle beach. Punch in 8900 Blind Pass Rd, Sarasota, FL and you will arrive here in no time.
I liked Turtle Beach even more. It's just so close to the free parking. It's super convenient. There's not so many people even on the Saturday before Mother's Day. People will gravitate towards Siesta Key not so far away for the sand etc. but it's so crowded and the walk to the beach is a hike. I'm so happy that Turtle Beach is not crazy busy like that. It is truly relaxing. Now, if u are ok with not having that fine powder sand this one will be everything else perfect. I'm ok with not having the same sand. That's the huge difference here besides the crowd. Yes there are bathrooms and showers not right outside the beach but just a little walk away. read more
This hidden, off the grid beach is exactly the kind I love and always go looking for! Turtle Beach is right next to Siesta Key, so if you're looking for a much less busy location to still soak up some sun, salt air and hear those lovely ocean waves, this is your place! Parking is free and there is a lot of it. They even have bathrooms and rinse stations, as well as a playground and picnic/ grilling area. My friends and I actually stopped at a to-go Daquiri bar that was literally minutes away from this beach, so there's still a lot nearby without going directly into Siesta Key. One thing that may be a letdown- the sand is not the crazy soft white that you find at SK or Clearwater. It's more the characteristic darker sand of the Engelwood beaches. Personally, I don't have a problem with it, but don't come in expecting otherwise. This beach still has so much to offer! The water is clear and gorgeous, there are plenty of shells to find and enjoyment to be had! There's a sandbar if you swim out far enough, and I even saw a large school of manta rays swim by and it was the coolest thing ever. This is for sure a quiet gem beach I'll come back to. read more
Liked the beach itself, amenities are close by. Heard the shelling is usually grand here. Not so much the morning we were there shortly after sunrise, so sat down on the black sand and prayed. I liked the secluded feel and the was intrigued by the difference in the sand from just a little further up on Siesta and Crescent. Recommend to at least walk the shore line. read more
Visiting from Knoxville and decided to give this beach a shot. The sand was great. Not a very wide beach but that was fine. While we were there the water was warm, bath water warm and about waste deep. There was a sand bar a short walk out, about 50 yards. A Manatee also swam by. There was even an ice cream boat that came by. Parking can be challenging. Overall thought this was a great beach. read more
Turtle Beach is 4 miles south of Siesta Key. It does not feel as touristy as other beaches. The crowds was a mixed age group and stopped to talk to some friendly senior folks from my home state of New York. There are a lot of rental cottages available. There are also a few high rise condos that may be privately owned. It was clean with ample parking close to the beach, just on the other side of a narrow sand dune. In mid April the water was still cool so I just dipped my toes to check it out. There are only a few bars and eating places which is why I think it does not get too busy. I like this about Turtle Beach and plan to check out & stay at one of the many cottages within walking distance to the beach. read more
6 years ago
The water is beautiful here, very clean and not as shallow as Siesta Key Beach. The sand is course versus the preferred white but the trade off is there are less tourists here. There are no life guards. They have plenty of parking and there are showers and restrooms. If you are visiting Siesta Key and looking for a quiet beach, this is it. read more
7 years ago
Having vacationed on Crescent Beach for over 40 years, I will be the first to admit that the super soft & brilliantly white sand (99% quartz) has ruined me for other beaches. However, I do consider it an Indulgence and keep an open mind in terms of visiting other beaches, such as Turtle. As you may have read in previous reviews, the sand is much darker and far coarser than the other local beaches (Crescent and Siesta public), so the beach itself is not a draw. As many feel the same way, there are far less crowds to be found at Turtle Beach. To each their own and while I can see that being a bonus for some in need of relaxation, I found it to be quite dull as I get bored easily. As Turtle Beach is past the Point of Rocks, the water is also quite different from Crescent Beach. The water is murkier and far more unpredictable, which made me feel a bit fearful and less likely to explore. There is a steep drop off and I did not feel comfortable going far beyond that as opposed to Crescent Beach's 2nd Sandbar. As stated earlier, I go on vacation seeking adventure more than relaxation, so Turtle Beach left much to be desired in terms of walkability to restaurants and shops. I like being able to walk to places and there isn't much in the area to do so. On the plus side, they do offer public restrooms. read more
I was in Florida for vacation and wanted to go to Siesta but the crowds were unreal so my boyfriend and I went down the street to Turtle beach. While it does not have the silky soft sand like Siesta it is still a gorgeous beach. The sand is a bit more rocky and the beach is far less crowded. The water wasn't as clear as siesta or lido but it was still beautiful and very clean. There was ample parking both paved and unpaved but the restrooms were a bit of a hike from the beach. read more
6 years ago
Great beach. Not too crowded. Water was clear and beach was clean. One of my favorite quiet spots read more
Every new beach is my favorite beach but Turtle Beach truly is a gem! The seclusion you get here is unprecedented in this area. Forget Siesta Key, THIS beach should be rated #1. I arrived at sunrise just in time to witness the most amazing clouds and colors it felt like a dream. The sand is a soft brown color you don't typically see on FL beaches; it truly feels exotic. I explored from one end to the other... the sand was so thick and soft that my morning run turned into a slow walk; 3 hour walk and 6 miles round trip. I was so glad I went to the far south end to see the most incredible cache of shells! I also saw dolphins teasing their fins out the water and a rainbow. In fact I saw a turtle, yes a turtle on Turtle Beach. How cool is that!? Be careful of snakes when walking on the paths covered with vines as I saw 2 of those as well. The bathroom facilities were clean and easy to access. Parking was easy and still plenty available when I left at 10am on a Saturday morning. Top notch beach, 2 thumbs up and 5 stars from a beach connoisseur! read more
5 years ago
Free parking and plenty of it, not crowded, blue water, restrooms and warm Florida sun. What more do you need to enjoy? Sunblock would be a great idea! Fyi- no lifeguards or food or drinks so bring your own. This is more of a locals beach and that's why I love it. The fewer bodies blocking your sun and fun. I love that the parking area is within steps to the beach. All those posters who complained about the sand are just spoiled by the powdery sand at Siesta. It's not Rocky so I'm a happy camper. There are bathrooms nearby. read more
4 years ago
Very few people around (mid-May), lots of little shells but most generic ones. We just looked on the beach at low tide but maybe after a storm is much better. Very quiet with a lovely view! There is no complaining here - I'm on a Florida Beach! read more
Grainy sand, not white and fine like siesta. Kind of hurt my feet because it is mixed with a few jagged shells. Didnt take me long to get over it. Not as many people either! Got a parking spot right next to the path to the beach. I enjoy the peacefulness at this beach. Even with the grainy sand, it was nice to hear the water. This Beach is awesome for shells, spending another day here, saw dolphins!!!! read more
I've been coming to this beach on Florida vacations ever since I was a little kid. It's been quite a while since I had been here...but visited recently on my last trip to Florida. I had also gone to Clearwater beach, which was nice...but pretty crowded. When my family got to Turtle Beach...I was reminded of why we had come here so often! It was absolutely amazing! It's smaller and a bit more confined...which was so nice! It really gave me the "full beach experience" and was soooo relaxing! The sand may not be as white or clear as other beaches in this area....but it was still quite an awesome time! The water is crystal clear and being a smaller beach, you're naturally closer to the water and can hear the rippling waves! Love this place!! read more
12 years ago
Updating my review since September, adding some things. We've been here many times, Turtle Beach is great for fishing, boating, and swimming. I've noticed that during the summer days, there is virtually no one here. Turtle Beach is a different type of beach. Here you won't find cool white sand but more of a black/tan sand with crushed seashells. FYI, the address should be 8900 Blind Pass Rd. For some reason Yelp won't let me update the address. Here you will find - Public Boat Slip (rare for siesta key), Parking, Bathrooms, Grills, Picnic Tables, and Spray Stations to wash the sand off your feet. This beach is hardly ever crowded, great for snorkeling and digging for shells about 5-10 feet inward. If you walk 3/4 of a mile south from turtle beach, you will come across Stephen King's winter home on Casey Key. Turtle Beach is a great place to view incoming storms to Siesta Key since it's at the southern tip. After mating at sea, the adult female sea turtles return to land to nest their eggs at night at turtle beach. Punch in 8900 Blind Pass Rd, Sarasota, FL and you will arrive here in no time. read more
5 years ago
Secluded quiet beach. Just what we needed during spring break. Beautiful water and lots of pretty seashells. read more
14 years ago
It's not nearly as crowded as Siesta Key (day or night), so it's still a nice place to kick back and watch the sun set. The sand here isn't as soft, and has little sharp shells or rocks you'll step on from time to time, but it's not that big of a deal. There are also several benches along the stretch of beach that you can sit on as well. The beach actually reaches down to Siesta Key, but there is a small divider of land that splits the two beaches. Overall, it's a nice, quiet, smaller alternative to Siesta Key. read more
16 years ago
Long trip to a made made beach . We went for the shells but nothing special..The sand looked and felt like light gray dusty concrete. Very hard to wash off. Water perfect and pristine. Cranes and other sea birds walking among the beach goers. I'd go back if they made me. read more
Great beach!!!! Parking is a bit difficult when you go on the weekend due to there is not much parking. My mom and I had to circle for about 10 mins before we found a spot. However, what do you expect when you have a beautiful beach, clear waters, and plenty of seating and free parking. I love that as far as you can walk out you can still see through the water. The ground is more bigger grains of sand so when it gets windy you do not have to worry about sand being blown all over your stuff and you. This beach is a little over an hour drive from my house and I do not mind driving out here when I go to the beach. It's just so clean and gorgeous. read more
8 years ago
5 years ago
9 years ago
7 years ago
14 years ago
7 years ago
7 years ago
14 years ago
Not Siesta beach but not as crowded either. As locals we prefer the solitude on this beach and it is fun to watch the kite surfers. read more
11 years ago
Turtle beach is beautiful. It's definitely not as busy as Siesta Key beach. There are tons of shells and the sand is darker than the normal powder white sand. Plenty of places to park and to sit on the beach. Love Turtle beach! read more
12 years ago
When it's high season or on busy weekends, Turtle Beach is the place to go. The sand isn't as soft or white as Siesta but the water is just as clear and blue - with much easier parking. read more
6 years ago
10 years ago
Beautiful beach,clean, with sparkling turquoise water. Nice covered playground for children too! read more
9 years ago
Page 1 of 2
More info about Turtle Beach
Sarasota, FL 34242
Directions
(866) 831-7778
Call Now
Hours
Outdoor Amenities
