Siesta Key is a barrier island in Southwest Florida, and has one of the most beautiful beaches in North America and possibly the world. The beach is a fine white powder that is never too hot to enjoy a walk. Calm Gulf waters are typically warmer than the Atlantic coast. It is a short distance west of Sarasota.
Get in
By car
The northern entrance is Siesta Dr, which connects from US-41 on the mainland (Sarasota). At the junction with Higel Ave, take a left. When Higel Ave intersects with Midnight Pass Rd, a left turn bypasses the downtown, while a right turn from Higel Ave onto Ocean Blvd a block later goes to the downtown.
The "southern," or eastern entrance to the park is via Stickney Point Rd (FL-72). This road intersects US-41 on the south side of Sarasota.
There is no road to Siesta Key from Ben Franklin Rd; to go to Longboat Key, it is necessary to drive a route via the mainland. There is also no highway connecting to Siesta Key from the south (Palmer Point Park).
Get around
See
There are a number of public beach access locations including Avenida Messina (#2) 📍, Columbus Blvd (#3) 📍, Avenida Navarra (#4) 📍, Ocean Blvd (#5) 📍 Calle de Siesta (#7) 📍, and Plaza Des Las Palmas (#'s 8 and 9) 📍.
Do
The best beaches in Florida! You must stick your toes in the sand to truly get the full benefit of this beach! It's like walking on a beach full of talcum powder, completely cool to the touch. It's a great time for families of all ages!
- Turtle Beach Park, 8918 Midnight Pass Rd (junction of Midnight Pass Rd and Turtle Beach Rd), 27.2195°, -82.5165°. 6AM–midnight. Beaches and kayaking activities. Search the shoreline for cool seashells and shark teeth! 2021-08-07
Buy
Eat
- Gilligan's Island Bar, 5253 Ocean Blvd (+1 941 346-8122), 27.2744°, -82.5642°, scott@gilligansislandbar.com. 2021-08-07
- Siesta Key Oyster Bar, 5238 Ocean Blvd, 27.2748°, -82.5645°, +1 941 346-5443, kristin@skob.com. 2021-08-07
- The Hub Baja Grill, 5148 Ocean Blvd (intersection with Columbus Blvd/Canal Rd), 27.2763°, -82.5644°, +1 941 349-6800, thehubonsiesta@gmail.com. 2021-08-07
Drink
Sleep
- The Casa Blanca, 6154 Midnight Pass Road, +1 941-349-5101. Check-in: 2PM, check-out: 10AM. 100 - 200
- Hyatt Siesta Key Beach, 915 Seaside Dr, 27.2486°, -82.535°, +1 941 346-5900. Check-in: 4PM, check-out: 10AM. Units range from 1,800 to 2,765 square feet and feature 2 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, full kitchen and an optional study/den. The building also has a pool, hot tub and private access to Siesta Key Beach.
- Turtle Beach Resort and Inn, 9049 Midnight Pass Rd, 27.217°, -82.5139°, +1 941-349-4554, info@turtlebeachresort.com. Check-in: 1PM, check-out: 11AM. Turtle Beach Resort offers 2 properties, both waterfront: The Resort sits on Sarasota Bay and The Inn sits on the lagoon overlooking Turtle Beach that boasts the best sunsets on the island. Each cottage has a private patio with private hot tub, hammock, and kitchenettes. Guests have access to kayaks, canoes, bicycles, fishing gear, 2 heated pools and guest laundry. There are 3 restaurants in walking distance from the hotel and they are pet and boater friendly with easy access docks located at mile marker #48 on the intracoastal waterway.
Connect
Go next
- Sarasota is the main regional city; it is east of Siesta Key, across the inland waterway.
- To the north of Sarasota the next major municipality is Bradenton.