Turtle Beach

Well, many people would most likely give the beach today a 1 star. However, I think the day was beautiful and the sand was hot. The water was still cold but that’s just me. I’ve been to this beach many times and rarely Unilocal but today I saw that there were heavy pipes being placed where the parking lot was, right next to the campground. I saw bull dozers coming in and folks with and hats. I thought the pipes were for something bad but I learned today that they will restore this beach. Apparently the beach has been eroding to the point where there is little beach or basically no beach at all. They will be dredging sand and replacing, but I didn’t get information as to how long this would be taking place. Now for the 1 star is that there is very little parking and if u want to go to sun bathe, I think u need to walk away, away from the heavy machinery because it just looks unsafe. I comed the beach as usual and it was nice. I took pictures and will try to stay updated on this project. But for now, the only problem is the parking availability and the folks just upset over at what I heard some people call it an «eyesore» but to me, just another day.

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!

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.

Probably my favorite beach in Sarasota. Nothing extraordinary, but a bit more «chilled out» than other very crowded beaches (like Siesta Key and Lido Beach). I like the proximity to the water (not a wide beach like Siesta Key). And I’ve never had a problem finding parking.

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.

Great beach and far less crowded then crescent beach and point of rocks. Much more laid back and less trashy. Water is actually a bit cooler and not like warm bathwater due to being a bit deeper off shore. Probably a better chance of not getting hepatitis here.

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 Unilocal 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 ¾ 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.

Turtle Beach is Not as beautiful as Siesta Key but it’s a whole lot quieter. And that’s nice during the summer months when Siesta is packed. You can also catch some of the most beautiful sunsets I have ever seen from this beach. Oh the reason they call it Turtle beach is because during the years Sea turtle come and lay eggs and spawn off this beach. Haven’t seen this yet but with luck one day we will.

Far enough down from Siesta Key so you aren’t getting the obnoxious tourist vibe. Great place to kick back and not be bothered by bros or children running around. The sand isn’t as pristine as Siesta but the water is better, in my opinion.
Also across the street from Turtles, which has a decent happy hour from 3 – 6.

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.

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.

Turtle Beach is a slightly more remote beach located further south on Siesta Key. During my visit to Turtle Beach I was apart of one of the few groups present on the beach for an extended period of time. Many people stopped by the beach but only for a short amount of time. The beach itself is about 60 yards wide and features a more pronounced slope toward the water than other beaches on Siesta Key. The water is clear and you do have the ability to walk out for some distance due to the gradual depth. Additionally, Turtle Beach does not boast the signature 99% white quartz sand that Siesta Key Beach has, therefore the sand does tend to get hot. The advantage of Turtle Beach is that it was not packed with tons of people and you are able to get a relaxing beach day in without all of the hustle and bustle on other beaches at Siesta Key.
Like other beaches on Siesta Key, Turtle Beach does have picnic areas, ample parking, and outside showers. The shelling is similar to other beaches in the area and there obviously quite a few marked turtle nests across the totality of the beach surface.
If you are like me and crave privacy, Turtle Beach is a great place to relax and soak up the sun and enjoy the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico.

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!

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.