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Siesta Key is one of the most beautiful places to visit on Florida's Gulf Coast. The barrier island is located in Sarasota County and is known for its white sandy beaches, crystal clear water, gorgeous sunsets, and amazing watersports opportunities. Wondering what to do here on your vacation? Here's a list of the 5 most fun things to do in Siesta Key, Florida!
5 Most Fun Things To Do In Siesta Key, Sarasota: Top Places To Visit
Siesta Key Beach
Siesta Beach, also known as Siesta Key Beach is a beautiful beach with turquoise water and soft silica sand. It has been crowned as one of the best beaches in the country and has been recognized with numerous awards, including No.1 ranking on Dr. Stephen P. Leatherman’s 2011, 2016, and 2017 annual list of America’s Best Beaches.
The beach has a range of amenities including lifeguard stands, public parking, public tennis courts, outdoor showers, BBQ grills, and beach chair/umbrella rentals if you don't have your own beach gear. There's also a 450-foot Mobi-Mat pathway for users of wheelchairs, strollers, and beach carts.
If you're there on a Sunday evening right before sundown, you'll have a chance to join the Siesta Key Drum Circle — a local tradition that dates back to 1996. The community gathers and moves together to the beat of drums in celebration of sundown.
Siesta Key Village is a fun shopping and dining district on the northwest side of Siesta Key.
Some of the top-rated restaurants are Daiquiri Deck Siesta Key Village offering creative daiquiris, seafood, and live music, Siesta Key Oyster Bar ("SKOB") famous for the daily oyster happy hour, The Old Salty Dog Siesta Key British pub serving mouthwatering beer-battered hot dogs, and Siesta Key Summer House Steak & Seafood offering a memorable dining experience.
Moreover, you can ride the free Siesta Key trolley that travels from Siesta Key Village to Turtle Beach and back, every day of the week from 8 AM to 10 PM.
Turtle Beach
The Siesta Key vacation is not complete without visiting the stunning Turtle Beach. Located on Siesta Key's southern tip, this family-friendly beach is a great alternative to the bustling Siesta Beach. This spot is less crowded and is great for swimming, fishing, kayaking, and canoeing.
Please note that this is an active sea turtle nesting habitat during turtle mating season — do not disturb the turtle nests.
Point of Rocks is a half-mile-long limestone rock formation located on the southern end of Crescent Beach. It's one of the best spots in Siesta to go snorkeling! Bring your goggles and enjoy many fish, smaller octopus, crab, and shellfish.
Anna Maria Island
Photo Credit: Linda White Wolf / Shutterstock.com
After spending some time in Siesta Key, take a day trip to Anna Maria Island, a barrier island that's about 29 miles away. It has three cities: the City of Bradenton Beach, the City of Holmes Beach, and the City of Anna Maria.
Stroll along the pristine beaches, dine in fantastic award-winning restaurants, sip refreshing cocktails, and enjoy live music.
The best places to visit here are Bradenton Beach and the Historic Bridge Street Pier, Bean Point Beach, Bayfront Park, Coquina Beach, and Anna Maria Island Historical Museum.
