Known for its powdery white sand and crystal-clear waters, Siesta Key is home to one of America’s best beaches. The colorful beach town embraces its laid-back beachy atmosphere and serves up delicious seafood and fun activities for all. The 8-mile-long island sits just south of Sarasota along the Gulf of Mexico. Siesta Key is a great destination for a weekend with the girls (or guys), a romantic getaway, or a family vacation. From watching the sun set with the local drum circle to getting out on the water and dining on seafood, here are the best things to do in Siesta Key, Florida
Know Before You Go
- Best Time to Go: Siesta Key is a great warm weather destination for the fall, winter, and spring. Peak season runs February through April. September through November are some of the best months as the crowds are fewer and the water temperatures are just right.
- How Long to Stay: If you’re traveling with friends or significant other, come for a weekend getaway. If you’re traveling with the whole family, stay for a relaxing week on the beach.
- How to Get There: Fly into the Sarasota Bradenton Airport (a 25-minute drive from Siesta Key). Or fly to the Tampa International Airport (1 hour 15-minute drive from Siesta Key).
- Where to Stay: The accommodations within the village of Siesta Key itself are somewhat limited. Consider a vacation rental via Airbnb within walking distance to the town or one of a number of 3-star hotels in the area—Tropical Breeze Resort is one of the more popular options. If you’re looking for an upscale hotel, consider the Ritz-Carlton in downtown Sarasota.
Siesta Key Beaches
The shores of Siesta Key are lined for miles with its famed white sand beaches. The powdery sand is 99% quartz—millions of years in the making. And the sand is always cool to the touch making walking on the beach pleasant at all times of the day. The gulf-side waters make for tame waves—great for wading, swimming, and children. Keep your eyes peeled as Bottlenose Dolphins are regulars in these waters. The three main Siesta Key beaches are Siesta Beach, Crescent Beach, and Turtle Beach.
Siesta Beach
Consistently rated as one of the best beaches in America, Siesta Beach has all the amenities you can imagine—concession stands, lifeguards, volleyball nets, and more. The beach is several hundred meters wide and over a mile long, which means there’s plenty of room for activities! Come early as the good spots fill up quick.
Crescent Beach & Point of Rocks
The south end of Siesta Beach turns into Crescent Beach. While Crescent Beach has no public facilities or amenities, it’s often less crowded than its famous neighbor. At the southernmost point of Crescent Beach, where the beach runs into a wall, you’ll find Point of Rocks. Point of Rocks is one of Sarasota’s best snorkeling areas because of its limestone rock formations and shallow waters. To reach Point of Rocks, wade out past the wall and swim south along the rocks.
Turtle Beach
Tucked away on the south end of Siesta Key is Turtle Beach. Known for its abundance of wildlife, Turtle Beach is another good snorkeling spot. Endangered loggerhead turtles nest here between May and October. With coarser sand than Siesta and Crescent Beach, Turtle beach is the quietest of the Siesta Key Beaches. While it has no lifeguards, Turtle Beach has public restrooms and free parking.
Siesta Key Village Shopping
With everything from upscale boutiques to funky souvenir shops, there is a shop for everyone at the Siesta Key Village. The colorful shops line Ocean Boulevard, a short walk from the beach. Come here to shop and grab a bite to eat! Several miles south of Siesta Key Village, just off of Crescent Beach, is the South Village. At the South Village you’ll find more shopping and eateries—Captain Curt’s Crab & Oyster Bar is a favorite here. The Siesta Key Farmer’s Market takes place every Sunday morning and highlights locally-made items including jewelry and paintings.
Seafood & Live Music at Local Restaurants
Florida is known for its delicious seafood and Siesta Key is no exception. The easy-going seaside town is full of restaurants serving fresh seafood. And many of them feature live music on the weekend. Here are some of the best places to grab a bite to eat in Siesta Key.
- Captain Curt’s Crab and Oyster Bar (South Village off Crescent Beach) – Known for its clam chowder, tiki bar, and live music.
- Daquiri Deck (South Village off Crescent Beach) – Stop by the Daquiri Deck to indulge in raw bar oysters and frozen daquiris.
- Siesta Key Oyster Bar (Siesta Key Village) – With dollar bills covering the walls, Siesta Key Oyster Bar is a casual spot to grab a beer and a bite to eat. Stop by in the afternoon to take advantage of their happy hour.
- The Hub Baja Grill (Siesta Key Village) – The colorful eatery features Latin American cuisine with a focus on seafood. Order the grouper tacos, a margarita, and enjoy the excellent live music.
- The Cottage (Siesta Key Village) – The Cottage serves international-inspired fare while utilizing local farm to table ingredients.
If seafood isn’t your jam, head to The Old Salty Dog or the French Café!
St. Armand’s Circle
About 20 minutes north of Siesta Key sits St. Armond’s Circle. The chic circle has European feel with outdoor cafes lining the sidewalk, boutique shops, and statues in the garden. The lively area hosts a number of festivals and holiday events throughout the year. Some of the best dining establishments here include Crab & Fin, Blu Kouzina, and Speaks Clam Bar.
Siesta Key Drum Circle
Every Sunday, one hour before sunset, the Siesta Key Drum Circle takes place on Siesta Beach—a tradition twenty years and counting. Participants of all ages engage in the musical gathering. Expect hula hoops, costumes, dancers, and of course, drums. Bring a chair, watch the sunset, and participate as much (or as little) as you like!
Siesta Key Breeze Trolley
A free trolley is a great way to get from Siesta Key Village to Turtle Beach, or anywhere in between. Get around Siesta Key without having to worry about parking (or what you drink). The trolley operates seven days a week from 8 am to 10 pm—and even later on Friday and Saturday. Click here for more details and download the app to track the trolley.
Water Sports
The Gulf’s calm and shallow water make it an excellent arena for just about any water sport—except surfing. Enjoy a morning swim in the pool-like conditions. Paddle board out into the ocean without the fear of being flattened by a big wave. Parasail high above the water for a thrilling bird’s eye view of the island. Jet ski along the coast. Snorkel at Point of Rocks. The options are endless and there are plenty of vendors to rent equipment from.
Mangrove Kayaking
The intercoastal waterway and inland rivers around Siesta Key are full of wonderful wildlife. Many animals, like manatees, birds and even the occasional dolphin, make the calm waters of the mangroves, lagoons, and rivers their home. In the Jim Neville Marine Preserve, situated on the intercoastal side of Turtle Beach, you’ll find mangroves and a variety of wildlife. South Lido Trail in Ted Sperling Park also has plenty of mangrove tunnels to kayak through as you approach Sarasota Bay. And if you’re looking for a more intense kayaking experience, head inland to Myakka River State Park, with 58 square miles of captivating terrain to explore.
Boat Charter
Explore Siesta Key and the surrounding area with a fun boat charter. A local captain can show you around and get you out on the water. Many companies offer full and half day charters. Enjoy a boozy party charter, a romantic sunset cruise, or an exploratory mission in search of dolphins. A boat charter is sure the be the highlight of any trip!
Fishing Charter
The Gulf of Mexico is full of great fishing and Siesta Key is no exception. In these waters you’ll find Grouper, Snapper, Tuna, and even Barracuda. Nearshore fishing is a great option for those casting a line on a budget with beer in hand, while offshore fishing is a stimulating challenge for those brave enough to fight the big ones.
