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

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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

Turtle Beach - Beaches Near Me

Beautiful beach with beautiful sights and sounds. We had a great time visiting and we will be back next time we are here

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 - Turtle Beach - Beaches Near Me

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

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Compared to Siesta Beach, Turtle Beach doesn't have a huge footprint, and the trucked-in sand is kind of gray. But there aren't as many people. And the parking seems more plentiful. So come here, and you're Even Steven. 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

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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

Turtle Beach - Beaches Near Me

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Sand isn't as smooth and no restaurants on the beach. I prefer Siesta but was nice to visit this beach as well.

I have to say I agree with the reviews before. 1) beach is not white fluffy sand. It's very coarse 2) it's quiet. Secluded and relaxing 3) the slope to the water is very steep. The day we went the waves were a little too strong for small children to swim. I don't know if it's always like that since the beach drop off is so steep. We ended up leaving after 15 minutes checking it out. Tip: the bathrooms are all the way back at the entrance...important if you have kiddos. read more

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

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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

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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

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Great beach. Not too crowded. Water was clear and beach was clean. One of my favorite quiet spots read more

Turtle Beach - Hermit crab - Beaches Near Me

We came here thinking it wouldn't be packed. It was a beautiful day, but we weren't too crazy about the grey, coarse sand, or loads of people. Probably because it was the first 'warm' day in what seemed like forever. We also didn't get the nice sand bar like you'd get at the main Siesta Key public beach, and the water was too cloudy to snorkel. Overall, it was still a good beach day. read more

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

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Secluded quiet beach. Just what we needed during spring break. Beautiful water and lots of pretty seashells. read more

Turtle Beach - Turtle beach - Beaches Near Me

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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

Turtle Beach - Another unspoiled beach - Beaches Near Me

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

Turtle Beach - Beaches Near Me

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This where I choose to go. This is where the turtles nest in season. Easy to get to, plenty of parking. Definitely not the big tourist spot. Has clean bathrooms but it's a bring you own food kind of place I've never seen it crowded 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

Turtle Beach - Beaches Near Me

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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

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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

Turtle Beach - Relaxing - Beaches Near Me

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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

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We love this beach. It's a great place for shells and sun. If you want a peaceful, more "natural" beach, this is it. No crowds and gorgeous waves. read more

Ok... to many snowbirds and tourists!! Garbage left every where!! No respect for property

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

Turtle Beach - another beach goer - Beaches Near Me

Lots of nice shells to collect here! The sand is rough and coarse here. The coast also has kind of cliff-like sand which makes walking into the water in certain areas tough. Different than the sand and coast at Siesta Key Beach. The water is different too. It seems rougher and more wavy. Dig around for cool shells but beware of crabs. One pinched my foot, hard! Parking was easy, especially with the threat of rain nearby. I'd come back. Worth a visit! read more

SSSSSSSHHHHHHHHHHH!! Let's keep this outstanding beach a secret. The sand might not be as white as Siesta Key Beach, and this beach has never been voted #1 in America. However, nothing beats a beach that is quiet and underpopulated (at least on weekdays). The parking here is free, and this is a great beach if you're staying on the island and your condo isn't beachfront. It rained every afternoon during our stay, but we could come here in the early evening after the clouds had past, and had the place nearly to ourselves. We found so many beautiful shells on this beach that had washed up from the storms. Highly recommended. read more

Just love this place, food is always good and great wait staff. Always added plus when you can eat outside by the water.

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. read more

Very quaint little campground with direct access to the ocean. Bathrooms were extremely clean. Campground rules prevent fires and campers must be quiet after 11:00 PM. Over great experience. read more

Great beach. Easy access. Not a long walk from your car unlike Siesta beach. Also often times this beach is easy in and out and great place to go if traffic is backed up heading to siesta beach. You go left instead of right over the bridge and no traffic getting there!! read more

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. read more

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

Turtle Beach - Kite boarders during hurricane Sandy's visit - Beaches Near Me

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

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Beautiful beach! Great for kids!! Of your kids love shells, this is a perfect beach for them, there's plenty of small shells on the sand & big shells in the shallow water! The con of this beach is that the sand is hot when walking barefoot; it's not your regular grainy sand, this is more like tiny rocks and shells. Bring umbrellas or some sort of shade because there are no shady spots! There are NO showers to rinse off. There's limited amount of parking, but it's free! read more

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

Turtle Beach - The easiest beach to park and the shortest walk to the water. Great for older visitors or last minute beach days. - Beaches Near Me

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Beautiful beach,clean, with sparkling turquoise water. Nice covered playground for children too! read more

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Just a little too rocky for me in the sand. Go down to siesta beach for the 5 star white sand. But the vibes near sunset here are why I'm giving it 5 stars. People playing quiet music, no kids, and just about everyone had a beer in their hand and was focused on the sunset. read more