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Planning the perfect beach getaway?
If so, Siesta Key provides the quintessential beach experience with pearly white-sand beaches overlooking the gleaming Gulf of Mexico.
Siesta Key is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the country and offers a wide range of activities that are perfect for all ages. At nearly eight miles long, the island packs a punch with an impressive range of shopping, dining, and a vibrant nightlife.
The bay provides the perfect vehicle for all manner of fun outdoor activities with stunning scenery and a ton of natural wildlife. Here are some of the best things to do in Siesta Key that showcase all the island has to offer.
Things to Do in Siesta Key
Head Over to Siesta Beach
Ranking # 1 on many lists of things to do in Siesta Key, Siesta Beach offers a beautiful spacious fluffy white sand beach and unforgettable ocean views. It is the perfect place to spend a relaxing day with stunning coastline and clear blue water as far as the eye can see. It is not only considered one of the best beaches in the country but also in the entire world, making it a popular destination for both locals and tourists alike.
The beach is also jam-packed with fun activities, including beach games and water sports, and it is not uncommon to spot wildlife such as dolphins, manatees, and pelicans. Some amenities include nearby bars, shops, and restaurants. No trip to Siesta Key is complete without exploring this iconic local beach.
Explore Cresent Beach
If you are looking for a bit more seclusion, Cresent Beach is another excellent option to consider. It offers similar terrific views and a fraction of the crowds making it one of Siesta Key’s best-kept secrets. The long narrow strip of white sand provides plenty of room for lounging and games. If you are looking for a peaceful and relaxing afternoon, this location is hard to top.
The beach is also in an ideal location, just a block south of the southern bridge onto the island making for easy access. While it doesn’t offer nearly the same range of amenities as Siesta beach, fewer people make for better swimming options and more privacy. This is the perfect place if you are looking for a lazy, relaxed setting, for your Florida vacation with your children.
Another compelling feature of this beach is its proximity to the Point of Rocks which includes some excellent natural pools and diving areas that are great for snorkeling. Exploring the rocks can make great family fun and cap a relaxing day on the beach with an adventurous twist.
Unwind on Turtle Beach
Yet another less known relaxation destination, Turtle Beach presents another intruding option for those looking to avoid jam-packed crowds and kickback in a quieter and more relaxed setting. At the very southern end of the island, this beach has notably fewer tourists than some of its counterparts, making it particularly popular among local residents.
If relaxation is your aim, a trip to Turtle Beach will offer precisely what you’re looking for. While it lacks some of the bells and whistles you might find at other beaches, there are still picturesque white sands and plenty of amenities, including a boat launch, horseshoe pits, volleyball nets, and campsites. If you are coming with kids, there is also a lovely spacious park right across the street.
Zip into Siesta Village
Just a couple of blocks from the beaches is the bustling and vibrant Siesta Village which features hundreds of shops, bars, and cafes. If you’re looking to get out of the sun for a little bit, the village offers some great boutique stores, art galleries, and farmer’s markets. The convenient Siesta Key Breeze Trolley makes navigating the island extremely simple while providing quick and cheap transportation into town.
Siesta Village also sports some fantastic nightlife with a diverse range of dinner options, live music, and excellent happy hour and drink specials. If you are looking for a fun night out after a day on the beach, a trip to Siesta Village is sure to meet your needs and is one of the best things to do in Siesta Key, away from the water.
Visit Beer Can Island
If you are looking to get a little further out and explore the surrounding area, you might want to consider exploring Beer Can Island. While technically in Longboat Key just off the coast from Sarasota (about 45 minutes from Siesta Village), the trip is well worth making. The powdery sands combined with forestation and weathered tree stumps help create a unique setting.
Most visitors come to the island by boat, contributing to its uninhabited feel. It’s an excellent spot for swimming, boating, and lounging around. The clear blue waters also make for great snorkeling. You can put up a hammock and kick back in the sun, or if you’re looking for adventure, there are also plenty of small caverns to explore.
Hop on the Low Tide Tours
Low Tide Tours is a locally owned and operated tiki bar boat company that offers cruises throughout the surrounding area. Locations include Sarasota, Anna Maria Island, Panama City Beach, and Siesta Key. The tours provide a unique and fun way to explore the local area while taking in gorgeous panoramic sea views.
Each cruise comes equipped with two coolers onboard that passengers can use, and ice is provided. Just crack open a drink, kick back and enjoy the ride. In addition to the fantastic views, it is also not uncommon to encounter various wildlife while on board, such as dolphins and tropical birds.
Rent a Boat/Kayak
If you’re looking for more of a DIY boating experience, Siesta Key has no shortage of boat rental options, with a substantial range of options depending on what you’re looking for. Those who are more adventurous might like renting sea kayaks and exploring the coastline, while others might enjoy the more leisurely pace of a paddleboard as they gently float along the shore off the beach.
Suppose you are looking for something more group or family-oriented. In that case, there are plenty of more extensive boat rental options available at the Safe Harbor Marina, including motorboats and pontoon boats. Taking a boat out on the water is a quintessential part of the Siesta Key experience, and with the vast range of choices, you are sure to find the right option to best match your needs.
Participate in Water Sports
If boating isn’t quite adventurous enough, there are even more water sports activities for thrill-seekers. Siesta Key Watersports ranks among the best options services in the area with a vast range of rental options and experiences.
At the top of the list is parasailing. Groups of up to 12 at a time can take the boat out, while up to three people can strap in at once, gaining heights of up to 1000 feet for some of the best views you will ever get of Siesta Key. While their parasailing services guarantee safe and soft landings, you can ratchet up the excitement if you like with a “free fall” option where the captain momentarily slows the boat down, causing you to drop close to the water’s edge.
They also offer jet ski rentals with hourly and full-day rates and an unrestricted riding area that allows you to jet up and down the coastline. If you are a thrill seeker or have the need for speed, Siesta Key Watersports has got you covered.
Cruise Down the Bike Trails
While Siesta Key is generally synonymous with the ocean and water-themed activities, it is also among some of the best biking you will find, with numerous scenic bike trails of varying lengths. Following the extensive network of bike lanes and paths is a great way to explore and a unique opportunity to see wildlife.
If you plan to bike the island, consider hitting specific stretches earlier in the day/morning to avoid the crowds and beat the heat.
This is particularly true near Siesta Village and Siesta Beach, which generally include the biggest thongs of large groups and tourists. Biking can be a great daily routine in the morning before hitting the water in the afternoon. It’s also a nice reminder that although Siesta Key has no shortage of scenic beaches and coastline, there is also plenty to explore on land.
Check Out the Siesta Key Drum Circle
Another cool thing to do in Siesta Key is checking out the weekly drum circles every Sunday evening. They take place along the beach and incorporate a compelling mix of artists and dancers, culminating in an eclectic mix of cultural expression. The drum circles usually start about one hour before sunset, which is the perfect time to head down to the waterfront.
The drum circles are a unique part of the Siesta Key experience. It’s a great way to unwind on a Sunday afternoon and offers quality entertainment for all ages. You will usually find a mix of locals, tourists, and children at these events. If you are looking for new things to do in Siesta Key during your vacation, the drum circles are well worth checking out.
Take a Drive Over to Ted Spurling Park Nature Trail
If you’re hoping to get a little more nature in, consider taking a trip over to nearby Sarasota and exploring the Ted Spurling Nature Trail. The park offers a little bit of everything, including hiking trails, wildlife, picnic areas, and fluffy white sand beaches. It’s the perfect place for a nice family outing and a great way to escape the crowds.
By design, the Ted Spurling is among the quietest nature parks in all of Florida. Visitors are encouraged to keep their volume levels to a minimum to contribute to the peaceful tranquility that the park exudes.
As the park reinforces a minimalist mentality that tries not to impose on the natural wildlife, amenities are somewhat limited but include restrooms, picnic areas, and outdoor showers. Some top activities include bird watching, dolphin spotting, biking, paddleboarding, and kayaking. There are also guided tours to less inhabited South Lido Beach, but these are only available to small groups in a limited capacity.
Go to a Fishing Pier
Another great Siesta Key activity is fishing. A great place to partake in fishing is one of the many fishing piers located in the greater Sarasota area. One nearby option to consider is Sapirotio pier. At over 550 feet in length, this pier provides an excellent vantage point of the surrounding coastline and makes for a nice spot to post up and cast a line. The pier is situated right at the base of Ringling Bridge, making it easily accessible.
Osprey Fishing Pier is another excellent option to consider if you’re looking for a quieter spot. The tranquil setting makes for a relaxing vibe and is ideal for wildlife viewing, including many native birds. Located in a peaceful coastal waterway, a trip to this pier can be incorporated within a more extensive daily outing with canoe and kayak launches also available.
Get a Massage
There is no better way to cap a day of fun-filled water sport activities than with a nice, relaxing massage. Siesta Key has no shortage of great massage parlors, including spa & wellness centers. If you want to treat yourself to the ultimate relaxation during your vacation, consider looking in Siesta Village and throughout the island. Massage Experience SK ranks among the most highly rated in the area with excellent customized packages.
Plan your Trip
Siesta Key is genuinely a beach-lovers paradise, but it has so much more to offer beyond its iconic white sands and gleaming coastal views. With a combination of vibrant cultures and a plethora of natural wildlife, the island represents the best of both worlds.
With no shortage of excellent activities and plenty of fantastic lodging options, a trip to an island paradise is just a few clicks away. Book your trip today and start planning out your next great adventure.
Featured Image Credit: Gustavo Frazao
