Siesta Key, Florida, Has A number of the Greatest Seashores within the State — Plus Frequent Dolphin Sightings

With eight miles of quartz-laden, sugar-soft sand, frequent dolphin sightings, and calm Gulf waters, Siesta Key, simply off the southwestern coast of Florida, has all of the elements for a soothing seaside trip. However there’s numerous journey across the bucolic island, too, from deep-sea fishing and snorkeling to paddling and fishing. And that is to say nothing of the truth that it is simply 10 minutes from the museums, eating places, botanical gardens, and points of interest in Sarasota, the most effective locations to retire within the U.S.

As soon as known as Little Sarasota Island, Clam Island, and Sarasota Key, Siesta Key was renamed in 1907, only a yr after the primary resort opened on the island. Kelly Defebo, vice chairman of promoting and communications at Go to Sarasota County, grew up alongside the Gulf Coast and cites Siesta Key as her go-to spot at any time when she must recharge and reconnect. “Siesta Key has the last word laid-back seaside vibe. Sunsets anyplace are attractive, however they don’t seem to be to be missed right here. Locals carry their drums and folks dance and have fun because the solar goes down. I really feel like I am on trip with out being removed from house,” she says.

We additionally tapped Kristen Inexperienced Seymour, a author who lives just some miles from Siesta Seaside in Sarasota, to search out out what’s so particular about Siesta Key. She says, “You possibly can stroll from finish to finish on miles of white sand so wonderful, it seems like sugar, and in the event you hold your eyes peeled, you are more likely to spot dolphins only a bit offshore. The sky explodes in pinks, purples, oranges, and reds within the half-hour following the official sundown. And whereas Siesta Key Village is busy and has heaps to supply, it additionally nonetheless feels comparatively small and native in comparison with many different seaside cities.”

Greatest Lodges and Resorts

Trip Leases

Based on each of our native consultants, trip leases signify the majority of fine lodging on Siesta Key. Defebo likes Prime Holidays for multigenerational household get-togethers, group celebrations, and reunions. Items vary from two to eight bedrooms with totally outfitted kitchens. “[The company] has spectacular three-story properties with a rooftop deck, a pool, and all of the facilities. When you did not need to depart the home, you would not need to,” Defebo says.

Along with a number of properties, Prime Holidays additionally represents the resort the place each Defebo and Seymour ship out-of-town company, Tropical Breeze Resort. Seymour stayed right here on holidays earlier than turning into a everlasting resident, noting that “it permits pets, is correct by the seaside, and has an amazing number of room choices.” Defebo additionally loves the totally different lodging types: “It has every thing from efficiencies to three-bedroom suites adjoining to Siesta Key Village. You possibly can decide the place you need to go and what fits you. You get the good thing about staying inside a resort, however due to the best way it is arrange, you get to really feel such as you’re residing like an area, too,” she shares. Facilities on the resort embody two swimming pools, a spa, grilling areas, and household video games and occasion programming. The property additionally companions with a number of native corporations to facilitate kayak excursions, boat leases, and extra.

Greatest Issues to Do

Snorkel Level of Rocks.

Positioned on the southern finish of Crescent Seaside, the nice and cozy, shallow, and crystal-clear waters surrounding Siesta Key’s Level of Rocks present the right atmosphere for snorkeling. Each informal and seasoned snorkelers can observe snook, snapper, sheepshead, nurse sharks, crimson sponges, and extra marine life. When you’re fortunate, you might even spot a pod of dolphins frolicking or a manatee meandering whereas exploring the pristine atmosphere.

Spend the day on the seaside.

Defebo and Seymour agree the seaside is the primary attraction on Siesta Key, and Siesta Seaside is likely one of the finest in Florida, with an array of shells, calm waters, and smooth sand. Turtle Seaside and Crescent Seaside are two different strong choices, each with sand fabricated from 99 p.c floor quartz that by no means will get sizzling in your ft regardless of the temperature. Defebo appreciates the accessibility of the seaside, too, noting the Mobi-mat® ADA pathway that runs straight out to the water’s edge on prime of the sand at Siesta Seaside’s West Concession space.

Go fishing.

The Gulf of Mexico is understood for its plentiful fish, and on Siesta Key, Defebo loves CB’s Saltwater Outfitters for boat leases and constitution fishing expeditions the place you possibly can catch big tarpon, bonito, cobia, tripletail, jack crevalle, kingfish, Spanish mackerel, and extra. She says, “The crew is educated, and so they have an awesome store the place you will get any provides you should fish off the seaside in the event you do not need to exit on a ship.” Additionally they provide sundown cruises, parasailing, and golf cart leases.

Kayak or take pleasure in stand-up paddleboarding at Turtle Seaside.

Seymour considers kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding out on Turtle Seaside, on the south finish of Siesta Key, an absolute should. She says, “Relying on the time of yr, you may encounter manatees, dolphins, ospreys, rays, and extra. Whenever you hire your vessel, ask for instructions to Midnight Move, which is just accessible by water. Whenever you seaside your board and stroll over the dunes to see the Gulf stretching out earlier than you, you will not be nervous concerning the paddle house since you’ll simply need to have your mail forwarded. Convey your self a snack and a drink and keep some time. It is magic.” Turtle Seaside additionally has a campground for these eager to spend the night time on the sand. Siesta Sports activities Leases gives kayak excursions, in addition to delivers and picks up leases at Turtle Seaside.

Be part of the Siesta Key Drum Circle.

When Defebo and Seymour have out-of-town company, the Siesta Key Drum Circle is a must-do. Each Sunday night, artists, dancers, locals, and vacationers collect on Siesta Seaside an hour earlier than sundown. Seymour advises, “Parking is at a premium, particularly throughout excessive season (loosely, Christmas to Easter), so contemplate taking bikes or the trolley down. Whether or not you simply watch or get within the middle with a hula hoop is as much as you.” 

Greatest Procuring 

Siesta Key Village

Based on Defebo, Siesta Key Village is the primary purchasing hub on the island. “It is a implausible place to wander round for souvenirs. [Expect] high-end boutiques, seaside retailers, jewellery shops, and extra,” she says. There’s an apothecary, a sandal store, consignment shops, spots to get T-shirts and swimsuits … sensible stops like a drug retailer and a put up workplace, eating places, bars, and dwell music, all inside a mile of the Siesta Seaside. Each Sunday from 9 a.m. till 2 p.m., the Siesta Key Farmers Market pops up in Siesta Key Village. Customers will discover recent produce, authentic oil work, clothes, and handmade crafts.

South Village

When you’re staying on the different finish of the island, South Village has every thing from beachwear and presents to groceries and comfort retailer gadgets. Positioned on the nook of Stickney Level and Midnight Move roads within the Crescent Seaside space, South Village is house to clothes boutiques, memento retailers, a put up workplace, and loads of fishing gear.

Greatest Nightlife

The Seaside Membership

When you’re hankering for some dwell music, a DJ, and a big dance flooring, Seymour recommends The Seaside Membership, the place the nightlife thrums Monday via Sunday from midday till 2 a.m. Try the day by day joyful hour, which runs from opening time till 7 p.m., whereas having fun with two bars and a drink cart with gorgeous seaside views.

Daiquiri Deck

Tucked into Siesta Key Village, the Daiquiri Deck was established in ’90s by a younger lifeguard born and raised on Siesta Key. A line of daiquiri machines, vivid orange and inexperienced decor, and open-air seating set the scene right here. Along with the intensive daiquiri checklist, the placement has a menu stuffed with seafood choices just like the piña colada-glazed mahi sandwich and gator bites with orange habanero remoulade. It is open each day from 10 a.m. till midnight. Defebo says to order The Greatest One — the bartender’s alternative choice — for a scrumptious shock.

Captain Curt’s Crab & Oyster Bar

Captain Curt’s is the longest-running karaoke bar on Siesta Key, established in 1979. Defebo loves this spot for late-night Saturday karaoke soirees with mates. The venue additionally has dwell music each afternoon and night, and in contrast to different choices, it is situated outdoors of Siesta Key Village.

Siesta Key Oyster Bar

Siesta Key Oyster Bar, or SKOB because the locals name it, is an establishment devoted to a love of the Chicago Bears. It stays open Sunday via Thursday till 11 p.m., and Friday and Saturday till midnight. The patio stays packed and the legendary oyster joyful hour runs from 3 p.m. till 6 p.m. day by day. The true draw, although, is the scene at night time. “It’s an awesome place to listen to dwell music, and each inch of the partitions is roofed with greenback payments,” Defebo says.

Greatest Eating places

Summer time Home

For a splurge-worthy dinner, Seymour beelines to Summer time Home. Open seven days per week from 4 p.m. till 10 p.m., the upscale restaurant serves hand-cut steaks seasoned and grilled to perfection, together with recent seafood. The 1,000-gallon fish tank within the eating room is an attraction unto itself — it took 1,100 hours to construct and was designed solely for the restaurant.  

The Cottage

Positioned subsequent door to the Summer time Home, The Cottage is one other favourite for Seymour. “I like to recommend getting a spot out again on a weekend night to catch some dwell music in an intimate, plant-filled setting,” she says. It is open seven days per week for lunch and dinner within the coronary heart of Siesta Key Village.

Solar Backyard Cafe

Based on Seymour, Solar Backyard Cafe has one of the best breakfast on the town. She loves the charming, principally shaded outside patio, giant parts that always flip into scrumptious leftovers, and refreshing mimosas. She provides, “The toughest half about coming right here is deciding whether or not to go together with a candy pancake, a baked good, or a savory egg dish.” Breakfast is served all day and you may carry your canine to this pet-friendly sizzling spot.

Cafe Gabbiano

Defebo touts Cafe Gabbiano as the most effective locations for homey Italian meals within the space. She says, “They make their pasta by hand. I really like the cheese ravioli, however in addition they have truffle, osso buco, and lobster ravioli, and you may’t go unsuitable with any of them.” The 4,000-square-foot restaurant is open day by day from 5 p.m. till 10 p.m. and gives non-public eating, in addition to outside seating on the climate-controlled patio.

Outdated Salty Canine

After a day on the seaside, hit Outdated Salty Canine, a pet-friendly, British pub-inspired spot that has been going robust since 1985. Order a frozen cocktail and a Salty Canine — a tempura-battered, foot-long sizzling canine with fries. The latter is topped with sauerkraut, bacon, grilled onions and mushrooms, and American, cheddar, pepper jack, and Swiss cheeses. It is open seven days per week from 11 p.m. till 9 p.m., with loads of outside seating beneath the palapa.

Greatest Time To Go to

Locals know the autumn and winter are usually one of the best occasions to go to Siesta Key for temperate climate, smaller crowds, and decrease humidity. Defebo agrees, including that November is her favourite time to have company. “The Siesta Key Crystal Basic is a sand-sculpting competitors held yearly in November. It has a theme yearly and sand sculptors from world wide journey right here to construct wonderful castles and sculptures from our attractive quartz sand,” she says. 

Have in mind hurricane season runs from June via November, with most storms occurring in August and September, when the waters are heat. This additionally means you could possibly get a very good deal on flights or lodging throughout this window.

Associated: 10 Greatest Islands in Florida for Lovely Seashores, Laid-back Vibes, and Charming Small Cities

Find out how to Get There

Simply over the bridge, a speedy 10 miles from Siesta Key, sits Sarasota Bradenton Worldwide Airport. With greater than 55 nonstop locations on all main U.S. air carriers, it is simple to get to Sarasota. Tampa Worldwide Airport can be simply an hour away from Siesta Key, offering much more choices for economical flights. Each airports have Uber and Lyft providers or the choice of hiring a personal shuttle to get to Siesta Key, however Defabo says renting a automobile is an effective alternative so you possibly can discover past Siesta Key.

For these inside driving distance, entry couldn’t be simpler; Interstate 75 has two exits for Siesta Key — 205 and 207 — that take you in a straight line right down to the island.

Areas to Go to

Sarasota

A hub on Florida’s Cultural Coast, Sarasota is only a bridge away from Siesta Key and worthy of some exploration. Defabo says, “When you go over the bridge, you are close to the quaint Hillview space with purchasing and eating places. Subsequent to that’s Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, which has greater than 20,000 unique crops from world wide. After you get to downtown Sarasota, you possibly can park and hop on the trolley that stops at a number of factors on Important Road, together with the Ringling Bridge onto St. Armands Circle, an eat, play, dwell group designed by John Ringling for his spouse, Mable.” Whereas there, take a look at The Ringling, a 66-acre property that homes museums, gardens, and points of interest. 

 Find out how to Get Round

As soon as on Siesta Key, getting round from place to put would not require a rental automobile (although in the event you do elect to get one, parking is free on the island). “It’s solely 3.5 sq. miles. Due to the compact dimension, it’s fairly simple to get round. Whether or not you are going to the seaside or the shop, simply hop on a bicycle, scooter, or golf cart,” Defebo says.

Including to the benefit of island transport is the complimentary Siesta Key Breeze trolley. It operates seven days per week, from 8 a.m. till 10 p.m. And if you wish to get off the important thing and hit among the points of interest on the mainland, Breeze OnDemand gives service from tip to tip of Siesta Key. It operates day by day for $2 per individual, per journey. The most effective half? You possibly can request a pickup and drop-off at any Siesta Key deal with and by no means have to fret about parking a rental automobile.