Siesta Key: The No. 1 Beach in America Just Got Better Check out Marco Island for a different vibe with gorgeous beaches. Siesta Key Beach is a local favorite for celebrating July 4th. Siesta Key is a romantic getaway for lovers, a family fun destination, and a playground for outdoor adventures. The class is a fun way to start the day. Girlfriends, Sunsets, Beaches, need I say more? This sand is great for barefoot running too if youre into that. Sea Shack: Super, super cute colorful bungalow style cottage with private pool. I think it will ultimately draw people to this area that hadnt considered it before. This is the food that is better than others if you need to stay on the island to eat. How to get from Sarasota to Siesta Key by bus, taxi, car or foot - Rome2rio And in 2011, according to world renowned expert Dr. Stephen Leatherman, aka Dr. Beach, that was Siesta Beach on Siesta Key. South of Turtle Beach you can walk to Midnight Pass. And if youre on a tight budget, youll be pleased to find many options under $100/night. Required fields are marked *. There were 3,783 households, out of which 9.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 54.9% were married couples living together, 3.7% had a female householder with no husband present, and 39.9% were non-families. The sand is still pretty great. After years of getting attention for Americas best beach and winning countless awards, its nice to see that theyve invested in infrastructure that makes visiting it a pleasant experience. To get to Lido Key from Siesta Key is a quick 20-30 minute drive depending on traffic. Recommended option Bus, line 17 bus Take the bus from Gulf Blvd + 105Th Ave to 75Th Ave & Gulf Blvd Siesta Beach is not only long, but also expansively wide, especially around the Siesta Key Beach Pavilion section. One thing we love about Siesta Key for families is that there is also a massive playground, tennis courts and volleyball courts. A small barrier island off the coast of Floridas West coast, Siesta Key has been a long kept secret of ours. Beach running is one of my favorite activities no matter where I am in the world. Like it just doesnt exist. The best things to do in Siesta Key, from kayaking the intercoastal waterways to the crazy beautiful sunsets, there is so much to do in this little waterfront paradise. adly, we did not see manatees or dolphins on our paddle. Many spring breakers enjoy staying in Siesta Key Village, a hub of vacation rentals and condos. This area is night and day from the St Pete and Clearwater area just north. The best one just depends on where youre flying in from and if your priority is time or money! Just pick your favorite activity - people watching, fishing, volleyball, bird watching, wind surfing - and you'll find there's a beach for that on Siesta Key! Quietest Beaches? Either way, it makes for a fun spot for shopping and wandering in a comfortable setting. Overall, I think the people who stay on Longboat Key tend to be older and in general I would say everything is just a little more upscale. The Cottages at Siesta Key are unique cottages designed to give you a personalized feeling from studio size to 4 bedrooms. Others will enjoy a long stroll or a game of tennis or volleyball. I am in Siesta Key right now! Siesta Beach (sometimes known as Siesta Key Beach) is a beach located on Siesta Key in the U.S. state of Florida . You may have to be patient or have a backup plan for a different beach to visit in case you get frustrated waiting. Yes it is. I have two questions. Lakewood Ranch to Siesta Key Beach - YouTube We showed up around lunchtime on a fairly busy weekday and were able to find parking within 5 minutes. Privacy Notice: We use cookies on our website to enhance your experience. We love the large and spacious changing rooms to help change in and out of swimsuits and restrooms located near the concession stands as well as the playground. Check pricing and read reviews here. Once those kids hit the sand its difficult to get a good coat of sunscreen on them. Several tons of dead fish washed ashore on the beach at various times, most of which were removed in the early morning hours by the truckload. However, the experience of floating through the mangrove tunnels, the branches intertwined above us to lend a mysterious chill to the afternoon heat, was more than enough to leave us very happy. Visitors are encouraged to participate either through being a spectator or dancing. Siesta Key is known for offering a more low key Spring break than your typical larger scale destinations. There is plenty of free parking, though it fills up quickly during high-use times such as weekends, holidays and the summer. We're Joe and Alicia, the couple behind Miles Less Traveled. I will say that theres definitely an attitude that Anna Maria Island is a bit superior to Bradenton Beach, but I think its mostly to do with name recognition. Itll make your life easier as it is a jaunt from the parking lot to the beach. Silver Surf Gulf Beach Resort: A quaint little inn right across the street from the beach. The sand is like white sugar (quartz) and its because it has 0 shells in it. It is a beautiful beach located on the Gulf of Mexico. [11], The population of Siesta Key was 6,565 at the 2010 US Census.[6]. If you want more of a hotel set up, this Hyatt looks pretty nice. Treasure Island to Siesta Key - 3 ways to travel via bus - Rome2rio While the food was good, it was not nearly as good as the outdoor snacks were. This favorite is held every Sunday right after 5 pm (in the winter) or an hour before sunset. Crystal clear, calm, and this past trip, with a nice sandbar to break up the swim out to sea. A few other things I love: The Mote Aquarium has boat tours you can take of the harbor, where they dredge the bottom and bring up sea creatures for visitors to see close up. [7] Whether you'd prefer a fine dining establishment, or a simple burger and beer, there are more than enough options for breakfast, lunch and dinner. I studied it in college, got a degree in Ecology, and worked in the field for a few years before jumping ship (see what I did there?). This is heavenly news for any parents with children. Beach Access Guide - Siesta Key Beach Siesta Key Public Beach Access Points - Know Before You Go - Best For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 88.9 males. ), super close to the beach and with its own pool! Health officials use strict standards issued by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) that are highly protective of human health in determining when advisories are necessary. Of all households 33.9% were made up of individuals, and 17.9% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. Thanks for your help and suggestions. Well, first it makes the beach pop with color. Youll notice a pretty dramatic difference between it and Bradenton/Anna Maria Island. You won't have any problem getting in 5 miles. The only access to Siesta Key was by boat or ferry until the first bridge connecting it to the mainland was completed in 1917. Selva Joe and I have been stopping at Selva every trip to Sarasota for years now, so I was delighted to bring my ladies here when we came. And, there's a surprise waiting for . January is definitely the iffy time of year weather-wise, its hit or miss. Siesta Beach (sometimes known as Siesta Key Beach) is a beach located on Siesta Key in the U.S. state of Florida. It has an amazing art collection, wine walks, and music performances during the year. How to get from Siesta Key to Venice Beach by bus, taxi or car - Rome2rio This list branches out of Siesta Key restaurants a bit and into the hot Sarasota food scene. The first bridge opened in 1917, connecting the island's northern part with the mainland. In the CDP, the population was spread out, with 9.0% under the age of 18, 1.8% from 18 to 24, 15.6% from 25 to 44, 33.9% from 45 to 64, and 39.6% who were 65 years of age or older. This area does get a bit crowded, though it was pretty easy for us to have our own space by paddling out in a different direction at times. Please read our privacy policy. Siesta Key is made up of four main districts: Siesta Beach, Crescent Beach, Turtle Beach, and Siesta Key Village. The thing you have to be aware of is even if a place is on the beach side of the main road, it still may be a WAYS from the actual beach. Watch a live feed from the beach, then once you're here explore area beaches and unlock theBeach Pass in the Visit Sarasota Appto earn exclusive prizes! Siesta Beach is 100% set up for people coming for the day (whether its from across the bridge on the mainland or from a condo thats not right on the beach). Theres actually two bridges from Sarasota to Siesta Key, one in the middle of the island and one at the very northern end. You can rent umbrellas and beach loungers at Siesta Key. We rented a 2 bedroom on Siesta Key last time we went through AirBnB. They may be fun at first but after a while, they become a nuisance. Im a simple gal at heart, so my fave ended up being the cinnamon sugar. Look for our beach access mats, a nonslip semi-rigid and stable rollout pathway, perfect for wheelchair accessibility. 30+ miles of white sand beaches stretch along (from north to south) Anna Maria Island, Bradenton Beach, Longboat Key, Lido Key, and Siesta Key. The Resort at Longboat Key Club: This is where I would stay next time. There is so much more to do here than just sit on the beach and play in the waves. Prices and availability are subject to change. The community on Siesta Key consists of single family homes, condominiums, retail shops and art galleries. 1. Mr. Roberts teamed up with Mayor Harry Higel to create the Siesta Land Company, which formed Siesta Village and renamed the island Siesta Key around a year after he opened his hotel. | Contact Us. Siesta Key Crescent Beach is a 1.5 mile long crescent of pure white sand beginning at the southern edge of Siesta Public Beach and stretching all the way south to Point-of-Rocks. Sunset Point: If youre at the beach facing the ocean, head all the way to the right! Siesta Key Beach Cam | Visit Sarasota We also love that this beach can be accessible for handicap members of the family due to the fifteen feet wide esplanade following the distance of the park. There are over a dozen beach access points on 8 mile long Siesta Key. You've Rivers and the Gulf of Mexico provide the Charlotte Harbor region with waterfront to spare. There was a 5-6 foot wide industrial cloth/walkway from the facilities where you park down close to the edge of the water. This post may include affiliate links. Trust me, youll be sweating by the time that sun is hitting the 10:30 mark in the sky. And dont forget: Wherever you stay, the beach and bay are always nearby. The Best Beach Gear for Toddlers and Babies, Your email address will not be published. Held every Sunday at sunset, the wild dancing, drumming, and sense of community is fun and heartwarming. VISIT FLORIDA is a service mark of the Florida Tourism Industry Marketing Corporation, d/b/a VISIT FLORIDA, registered in the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office. The Turtle Beach Grill is family friendly and features your favorite appetizers, fresh salads, sandwiches and signature entrees along with a great Beautiful views of Downtown Sarasota located under the North Bridge on Siesta Key. These guys use electric vehicles making them our number one choice for rides. Beach Road is the main road that brings you past the public pavilion and beach parking. And if youre on a tight budget, youll be pleased to find many options under $100/night. I spend hours in the water here without fail, I cant help myself. All Rights Reserved. The kids will for sure want to stop by the massive playground. 41 Beach Rd, Siesta Key, FL 34242. Longboat Key vs Siesta Key vs Anna Maria Island: Which Island Is Best Really, any kind of running on any vacation is such a great way to explore an area. They also have a shop with some essentials in case you forget them. In 1927, a second bridge opened at Stickney Point. For every 100 females, there were 90.5 males. I am loving every minute of it and following your suggestions! Anna Maria Island, Longboat Key or Siesta Key? Learn More Try the Beach Pass! document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Copyright 2023 Dotting The Map. I freak out every time, without fail, squealing in delight like some kind of deranged barn animal. The median income for a household in the CDP was $66,397, and the median income for a family was $81,345. held four days a week in the soft sands of Siesta beach. Theyre also pretty tropical (Bradenton is where the tropic line is in Florida) which I like. Maybe its nostalgia, Im not sure. And no matter where you stay on the island youre a very quick drive from either Bradenton/Anna Maria Island to the north (plenty of shops, restaurants, things to do, etc.) The entire key was officially recognized as "Siesta Key" by 1952. In 1914, Higel opened his hotel called Higelhurst and used his boat to transfer guests to and from the city. Its too perfect. Our beaches are among the best in the world. The boats will scoot around the Bay and intercoastal for an hour or two, with a guide pointing out historical points of interest or, mostly, the absurdly large houses of the rich and famous. Known for its white quartz sand, turquoise waters and many beachside amenities, Siesta Key is a must-visit island paradise. Siesta Key Florida - Things to Do & Attractions The trolley can be flagged down along Midnight Pass Road. According to Harvard University geologists, it's estimated that the sand on Siesta Beach and Crescent Beach on Siesta Key is millions of years old, having its origin in the Appalachians and flowing down the rivers from the mountains until it eventually was deposited on the shores of Siesta Key.[2]. Directly located on award-winning#1 Siesta KeyBeach, Sea Shell Condominium features 49 luxurious 2 bedroom-2 bath vacationrentals with upgraded amenities that include private At BSM we offer a range of units from 1 BR apts to 5BR/5BA homes. Its Southern food done in a pretty traditional and delicious way, but what really makes this place worth the 3-hour wait is the scene. This chain of islands off Sarasota (between Tampa and Fort Myers on the gulf coast) is well known for its white sand beaches, turquoise waters, and small beach town vibes. The massive sea creatures are given full heads of iceberg lettuce which they proceed to grab between their flippers and bring to their mouths, burying their faces in each one until theyve eaten their way through it. I noticed that quite a few restaurants that are located more on the southern end of the island use Anna Maria Island in their name or merchandise instead of Bradenton. It stops at what used to be the public bus route but is now this free service. Even though you can drive this distance straight through, it might be more interesting to stop along . And for us, that weather also means great hiking and outdoor activity weather, though obviously not great for the beach. My personal favorite is to time a visit with the manatee feeding. Siesta Key Access 11: The widest stretch of beach on the island, this section features street parking and pavilions for picnics . Can you help? Just the name invokes thoughts of days spent without a care in the world no email, no bosses and no deadlines. for up to date info or to connect beforehand if youre skeptical. You definitely need a car if youre staying on Longboat Key (anywhere in this area really), but staying on Longboat gives you the best of both worlds getting a peaceful and quiet beach experience but with nearby areas and attractions being easily accessible. Siesta Key incorporation effort goes for key decision by lawmakers Siesta Key beach, ranked the no. Language links are at the top of the page across from the title. A portion of it lies within the city boundary of Sarasota, but the majority of the key is a census-designated place (CDP) in Sarasota County. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. Theres not really a definitive line that separates one from the other and theres not a noticeable difference in the types of accommodations (ones not necessarily nicer than the other). [6] Siesta Key is made up of four main districts: Siesta Beach, Crescent Beach, Turtle Beach, and Siesta Key Village. Most of the accommodations are around the Midnight Pass bridge or north of it. Also a good place to take the family on vacation. Other people who want to bring a bit more gear, will want to consider bringing a beach cart or wagon to help haul out all of their gear. Caspersen is one of the most enjoyable shelling beaches in the area and an exceptionally good place to find prehistoric sharks' teeth. Theres a small collection of restaurants (and maybe a couple of shops) around the bridge at Midnight Pass (the middle of the island), but by far the majority of everything else is concentrated up at the northern end on Ocean Blvd. [5] The bridge was later replaced in 1927 along with an addition of a second bridge located on the southern end of the key. It is a beautiful beach located on the Gulf of Mexico. There are also tandems and SUPS if you prefer. Nonstop drive: 614 miles or 988 km Driving time: 10 hours, 7 minutes A Complete Travel Guide to Siesta Key, Florida Repeatedly named the best beach in the country, it is baffling how undiscovered Siesta Key beach still is. Stay tunedin this post Im going to break down the pros and cons of each island so you can decide which one sounds best to you. Longboat Key has virtually no public beach access (theres some but its usually pretty hidden and parking is super limited). Siesta Key beach is located about 7 miles south of Sarasota and about 1.5 hours from Fort Myers. If you love the beach and youre planning a trip to Florida, youve undoubtedly heard about the beaches of Sarasotas famous barrier islands: Anna Maria Island, Longboat Key, and Siesta Key. Required fields are marked *, By using this form you agree with the storage and handling of your data by this website. There are plenty of companies offering these, pick whichever youre most comfortable with and go for a spin. Looking for another island getaway in the Florida sun? Perfect for a big family vacation. I like this beach when Im in the area alone, with a good book and a beach towel. It was right near the beach. Anna Maria Island, Longboat Key or Siesta Key? Theyre right near a beach access point and within walking distance to all the spots on Ocean Blvd (without being right in the middle of everything). Definitely Longboat Key. After many years of sitting abandoned, the property has recently been cleared to make way for a St Regis resort. The landscaping in the parking lot and the concessions area is beautiful and a really nice touch. Win-win! or St Armands Circle and Sarasota to the south which is heavily concentrated with shopping, dining, and attractions.