only have a minute but we just returned from Cresent Beach in Siesta Key, FL
We loved it! We got into town and crossed over the drawbridge. You then have to pick whether to go right or left at the light. We turned left as it said "S.Cresent Beach and Turtle Beach" We drove all the way to end of road (dead end) Turtle Beach is down that end. Parking was full. We finally found a spot and walked out onto beach. Sand is a greyish color and chock full of shells which my kids loved. I was hoping Cresent was gonna be differnt tho as this was not very impressive to look at altho the water was gorgeous.
Got back in the car and went in search of Cresent. We could not find public access at first, DH getting frustrated, etc.
We passed the road with drawbridge and continued in that direction. Came upon chamber of commerce and got a great map.
found main parking lot for Cresent Beach. It holds about 800 cars and was full. We snagged a spot to just look around. Hint: Front of lot is blocked off with barriers that say lot full. They stayed there for hours that day as people drove in and out and around them and found spaces, us included!
Cresent beach is actually the entire center of th eIsland that is not private access beach. There is parking, concessions, restrooms on one end and showers on other end.
The sand is truly awesome. Super wide beach. gorgeous water. You could walk out so far and still see your feet. Warm water. We had an awesome time. Because this is the Gulf the undertow is almost non existant. My DS5 and DD2 loved it.
Ask away. I'm sure I missed alot. We had pizza and italian sub that was awesome.
gotta run.