Siesta Key, Sarasota
Turtle Beach
The outdoor-fun side of Siesta Key: a Gulf beach backed by a playground, picnic pavilions, a fishing pier, boat ramps and a peaceful kayak launch on Blind Pass Lagoon, all beside a 39-site campground. No lifeguards, but plenty to do.
At a Glance
- Parking
- Free lot
- Lifeguards
- None
- Restrooms
- Yes
- Dogs
- Not allowed
- Fishing
- Pier + lagoon
- Food
- None on site
- Kayak launch
- Yes
- Campground
- Adjacent
01 · Location
Location
Turtle Beach Park is at 8918 Midnight Pass Road on the south end of Siesta Key, about 20 minutes from downtown Sarasota. It faces the Gulf on one side and Blind Pass Lagoon on the other, so the park gives you both open-water surf and sheltered, flat water in one stop.
02 · Parking
Parking
- Free parking in the park lot, roughly 200 spaces per Sarasota County, plus trailer parking for the boat ramps.
- County lot hours are about 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. with no overnight parking.
- Turtle Beach is the best overflow option when Siesta Public Beach fills; arrive when the big lot is full and you will almost always find room here.
03 · Facilities
Facilities
- Restrooms and outdoor showers
- Playground and picnic pavilions with grills
- Fishing pier and boardwalk
- Motorized and non-motorized boat ramps plus a canoe and kayak launch on the lagoon
- Volleyball courts and horseshoe pits
- Turtle Beach Campground next door, 39 sites with hookups
The campground is a separate Sarasota County facility with its own fees and reservation system; the beach park itself is open to day visitors.
04 · Accessibility
Accessibility
Turtle Beach is not on Sarasota County's free beach wheelchair list, and no sand access mat is confirmed here. The park does offer an accessible canoe and kayak launch on Blind Pass Lagoon, and the county rebuilt the restroom facilities with accessibility in mind. If you need a beach wheelchair, contact the Sarasota County ADA office or use Siesta Public Beach instead.
05 · Dogs & Pets
Dogs & Pets
Dogs are not allowed at Turtle Beach, on the beach or in the park. The nearest legal off-leash dog beach is Brohard Paw Park in Venice, about 30 minutes south. See the pet-friendly guide for on-leash alternatives closer to Sarasota.
06 · Food & Drink
Food & Drink
No concession operates at Turtle Beach, so pack a picnic and use the grills and pavilions. The easiest sit-down options are a short drive north toward Siesta Village or the Stickney Point Road corridor; the dining guide has the full list.
07 · Chairs & Umbrellas
Chairs & Umbrellas
No rental concession operates on the beach. Bring your own chairs, umbrellas and shade, which is what most families here do anyway.
08 · Water & Activities
Water & Activities
- Swimming in unguarded Gulf surf, plus calm flatwater paddling on Blind Pass Lagoon.
- Kayaking and paddleboarding with a dedicated accessible launch (a Florida-registered vessel rules apply; rentals are not confirmed on site).
- Fishing from the pier or the lagoon shore; a Florida saltwater license is required for most anglers 16 and older.
- Boating with two ramps, and camping next door if you want a multi-day stay.
- No on-site concessions and no lifeguards: bring water, snacks and sunscreen, and swim with care.
09 · Best For
Best For
10 · Important Rules
Important Rules
- No dogs on the beach or in the park (Sarasota County).
- Glass containers are prohibited on all Sarasota County beaches.
- Grilling only in the provided grills and barbecue areas; no open fires on the sand. Campfires are not permitted at the campground.
- Parking lots close around 10 p.m. and overnight parking is not allowed.
- The beach is named for the sea turtles that nest May through October: fill in holes, clear the sand at night and keep lights off.
Plan your Turtle Beach day
Official Sarasota County park page and directions.