Siesta Key Guide
Siesta Key is an eight mile long barrier island in the Gulf of Mexico, just off the coast of Sarasota, Florida. The laid-back island is defined by its happy-go-lucky attitude and stunning white sand beaches, which are almost entirely composed of 99.9% quartz which gives a wonderful powdery feel to the feet and stays cool all the time. In fact, both Siesta Key Public Beach and Crescent Beach have been voted as best beaches by numerous leading travel media.
Siesta Key has retained an old world village charm. There are no chain establishments here. Just family-run restaurants, shops and accommodation.
Beaches
There are three excellent beaches on Siesta Key. The Siesta Key Public Beach is the busiest, offering plenty of activities for everyone. The family-friendly beach offers tennis courts, beach volleyball, parasailing, a shaded children’s playground and a picnic area. There is a beach pavilion with food and drinks, if you are in need of some light refreshment.
At Crescent Beach, where our vacation villa is situated, the water is warm and has a shallow slope, ideal for children. Visitors can also explore the tidal pools and coral reefs, which form part of the limestone outcroppings.
One of our favorite pastimes is collecting shells (shelling). There are so many different types of shell and sea treasures that get washed up on the shore here.
We have quite a collection! But please note live shelling is illegal here, as we strive to protect the local maritime sea life.
If you are happiest on the water, Siesta Key offers a myriad of activities for you: water sports, jet skiing, and fishing. There are several companies that offer both offshore and inshore fishing charters.
Visit our Siesta Key beaches article for more about the island’s beaches.
Shopping & Dining
Aside from glorious beaches, Siesta Key has many things to see and do to keep you on the island. One of those is Siesta Key Village. This is the hub of the island where you’ll find beach bars, ice cream parlours and restaurants; and clothing, souvenir and gourmet food stores. This is the place to head to after a day on the beach. Kick back and enjoy dinner and drinks on a waterfront terrace. Siesta Village also hosts festivals throughout the year. Make sure you check out the agenda for what’s on during your stay.
Over in Sarasota there are heaps of options for shopping and dining out. The Sarasota Pavilion is the closest shopping mall to Siesta Key, and has a good selection of shops and restaurants. A little further on is The Mall at University Town Square with over 150 stores and restaurants and Westfield Siesta Key Mall. Everything you need for your vacation you’ll find within 15-20 minutes of Casa Blanca B-2 villa.
For boutique and local shopping, head to St. Armand’s Circle, over on St. Armand’s Key. Here there are wonderful artisan stores, fashion, crafts and excellent dining options.
Between Siesta Key Village, Sarasota, and St. Armand’s Circle, you’ll be spoiled for choice with restaurants and bars. Read more on dining out in Siesta Key and Sarasota.
Video courtesy: Vanessa Simon
Sarasota
If eight mile long Siesta Key isn’t big enough for you, don’t forget you have all of the fun and culture of Sarasota on your doorstep. It’s just a 16 minute drive into the city, where you can enjoy some of the best activities that Florida has to offer, such as The Ringling Museum, the Sarasota Jungle Gardens, golf courses, the TreeUmph Adventure Park and Celery Fields wetlands, to name just a very few of the activities here. Read more about our favorite day trips from Siesta Key.
At Casa Blanca, a favorite moment for all guests is when taps are played at sunset. Stay for this special moment and then why not head to one of Siesta Key’s restaurants and enjoy a delicious end to another day in paradise?
Siesta key offers a free trolley shuttle, the Siesta Key Breeze. It runs the length of the island with four main stop off points, and can also be flagged down at Turtle Beach Park and Stickney Point Road. It runs seven days a week from 10am to 10pm.