Check out our recent blog, Puttin' on the Ritz in Sarasota and Siesta Key.
Some of the most stunning beaches in the world make Siesta Key an ideal destination for folks seeking fun in the sun. Indeed, so dazzling are the white sands of this barrier island, which runs parallel to the city of Sarasota, Florida, that its beaches recently made the top 10 list of Dr. Beach (coastal expert Stephen Leatherman).
Three beaches – Crescent, Siesta, and Turtle – offer plenty of spots for lounging around and soaking up rays. And the glittering waters of the Gulf of Mexico invite swimmers to take a cooling dip. There’s always a volleyball or Frisbee game going on. And the public beach boasts sheltered picnic areas, restrooms, concession stands, tennis courts, and a shaded playground, so there’s no reason to go anywhere else, unless you’re so inclined.
That’s not to say that vacationers looking for a little more action won’t find plenty to do, with choices ranging from snorkeling among the limestone formations at Crescent Beach’s Point-of-Rocks to deep-sea fishing, sailing, and scuba diving in the Gulf.
Shoppers will be happy to know that Siesta Key boasts two shopping areas brimming with specialty boutiques, stores, and restaurants. And two bridges link the island to Sarasota, where a world of culture, nightlife, and other big-city amenities beckon, just minutes away from the beach. Golfers will find more than 80 courses in neighboring Sarasota County, also only a short drive away.
The whole family will enjoy an excursion to Sarasota’s Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium. Exhibits at this marine research center showcase local sea life and include a 135,000-gallon shark tank, a 30-foot touch tank, and a manatee center. Also in Sarasota are the many attractions to be found at the Ringling Estate. The former home of John and Mable Ringling, of circus fame, the estate includes art and circus museums, the 1920s Ringling mansion, a theater, extensive landscaped grounds, and a number of changing educational and cultural programs and exhibits.
With an average daytime temperature of 71 to 77 degrees F, winter is the prime time to visit Siesta Key. Even in summer, however, the heat is tempered by cool sea breezes. The area also hosts a variety of special events throughout the year, so just about any time is a good time to visit.
And whether your idea of a dream vacation is a sunlit idyll on the beach or stalking the big one from the deck of a fishing charter, chances are you’ll find what you’re looking for on Siesta Key.
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Where to stay
Siesta Key offers a wide variety of accommodations. Choices range from cottages to townhouses, beach houses to high-rise condos.
To see photos, amenities, and other details on Siesta Key vacation rentals, choose from our list of condos, hotels, and beach houses. Or use our custom search feature to find the Siesta Key vacation rental that’s best for you.
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restaurants
Dining options range from open-air eateries on the beach to white-tablecloth establishments serving dinner by candlelight. At one popular spot, diners enjoy a view of Sarasota Bay while wild parakeets chatter in the surrounding palms.
Of course, with the Gulf and so many inland waterways nearby, seafood tops the menu at a number of local restaurants. You’ll find it battered and fried, broiled, baked – just about any way you like it. Other culinary offerings range from filet mignon to stuffed pork chops to fried chicken.
Discover the delicious side of Siesta Key by choosing from our list of restaurants.
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golf
With more than 80 courses just a short drive away in Sarasota County, the only problem for visiting golfers is to choose which one they want to play that day. Many of the courses were designed by golfing legends such as Arnold Palmer and Ron Garl, and most offer challenges for golfers of all skill levels. Spectacular natural settings and abundant wildlife – don’t be surprised if you see a family of manatees frolicking at a riverside course – add to the playing pleasure.
Many courses also have their own bars, restaurants, and pro shops, and discount golfing packages are available.
Our list of golf courses and resorts will help you plan your Siesta Key golfing vacation.
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fishing
More than 1,000 species of fish populate the area’s waterways, which in addition to the Gulf of Mexico and Sarasota Bay include canals, lakes, rivers, and streams. And that’s good news for all kinds of fishermen – not only those interested in deep-sea bottom fishing but also the ones whose idea of fishing is casting a line or two from the pier.
Anglers can find bonefish, tarpon, snapper and dolphin (mahi mahi) in the waters around Fiesta Key. Depending on the time of year, the catch of the day may also yield cobia, marlin, king fish, redfish, tuna, sea trout, snook, shark, mackerel, grouper, sheepshead, tarpon, or flounder.
For more about Siesta Key fishing, and to charter a boat, check out our list of Siesta Key fishing charters.
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shopping
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There are two shopping districts on Siesta Key. One, in the Crescent Beach area, includes shops, restaurants, businesses, and a grocery store. A favorite occupation in the other, Siesta Village, is people watching from one of the many sidewalk cafes. There are also stores, shops, a drug store, and a post office. And the shopping possibilities in nearby Sarasota are endless, with malls, outlet stores, boutiques, antiques shops, flea markets, art galleries, and more.
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Entertainment
The fun doesn’t stop when the sun sets over Siesta Key. That’s when the bands tune up and get ready to offer everything from reggae to rock to jazz. Many local bars and restaurants also offer daily happy hours – and plenty of opportunities to relax and people watch.
Whether you want to put on your dancing shoes or kick back with a cold beer and enjoy a game of pool, you’ll find a spot to do it on Siesta Key or in nearby Sarasota.
Our list of Siesta Key restaurants, bars, and other entertainment venues can help you plan your nights on the town.
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Other things to do
Not surprisingly, lounging on the beach is the number one pastime on Siesta Key. But there are plenty of active choices for those inclined to do more. Of course, there are all of the usual water-related activities – diving, snorkeling, sailing, and parasailing, to name a few.
Away from the water, tennis, biking, and hiking are popular options. Nature lovers might opt to sign up for a guided kayak tour and explore the area’s natural habitats and ecosystems. Winter visitors may see migratory birds as well as year-round inhabitants of the bays and bayous such as deer, bobcats, foxes, alligators, and manatees.
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Special events
Warm weather and lots of sunny days mean that Siesta Key hosts a variety of special events all year. Siesta Public Beach is the site of the Valentine’s Day wedding vow-renewal ceremony. As many as 300 couples have been known to show up for this annual event, and many return every year to renew their vows.
Neighboring Sarasota, known as the “Offshore Racing Capital of the World,” just finished hosting the 24th Annual Suncoast Offshore Grand Prix Festival. The popular event raises money for charities that serve physically and mentally challenged children and adults.
Back on Siesta Key, residents and visitors alike are welcome to join the weekly Drum Circle sessions. Every Sunday evening, the air pulses with the beat of drums, bongos, maracas, and more in this spontaneous event that invites audience participation.
There’s also the annual Siesta Fiesta, an April event that features arts and crafts, children’s activities, and refreshments.
And every month sees plenty of wine tastings, arts and crafts shows, concerts, and more. Check out our calendar of events for an up-to-date list of what’s going on while you’re in town.
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