Fun-in-the-Sun: A Day in Siesta Key on Florida’s Gulf
Time and time again, Siesta Key Beach on Florida’s Gulf Coast pops up on many “best of” lists. The cool to the touch, 99% quartz sand earned this beach the number 1 spot on a 2020 Traveler’s Choice Awards on Trip Advisor. Once thought of as mainly a snowbird destination, Siesta Key and nearby Sarasota have seen an explosion in year-round tourists. Unfortunately, this means that the beautiful beaches tend to get very crowded nowadays. Nevertheless, if you plan your visit during the off season, you will enjoy fewer crowds, as well as milder weather.
Below is a sample itinerary for a day in beautiful Siesta Key
Fuel up
Before you even think of the beaches, stop by Siesta Key Village, a charming tropical inspired complex with numerous dining choices, to fuel up. Instead of a full breakfast, start your morning out with a delicious cup of local coffee and a light pastry. Mojo Risin’ is a great little local coffeeshop which also serves delicious treats. Their vegan lavender muffin is insanely good.
Before you even think of the beaches, stop by Siesta Key Village, a charming tropical inspired complex with numerous dining choices, to fuel up. Instead of a full breakfast, start your morning out with a delicious cup of local coffee and a light pastry. Mojo Risin’ is a great little local coffeeshop which also serves delicious treats. Their vegan lavender muffin is insanely good.
The decor is so eclectic and colorful with bright artwork adorning the walls. On a nice cool day, take your drink and food outside on the lovely patio. The many tropical plants and laid-back beachy ambiance make a morning at Mojos the perfect compliment to a lazy day at Siesta Key.
Hit the beach
Siesta Key is one of the most beautiful beaches in Florida. This Gulf Coast gem features white powdery sand which is as soft as snow. Toss your flip flops right off and enjoy the sugary fine sand beneath your toes. This beach is very wide with plenty of space to sunbathe, build sandcastles, play sports, etc. Also, there is no shortage of seashells (the perfect free souvenir). Or, simply take a nice long stroll and enjoy the scenery. For those who prefer to get more active on the water, jet ski rentals, parasailing, an dolphin cruises are available. Look into Siesta Key watersports for more info.
If you are not keen on crowds, Turtle Beach on the southern end of Siesta Key remains a bit less congested. Note: There is a free shuttle from Siesta Key Village. More locals as opposed to tourists tend to frequent this beach, and thus, the vibe is a bit more peaceful. Also, Lido Key in Sarasota is the best place to watch a sunset.
Where to get lunch
A number of great local mom & pop restaurants can be found in Siesta Key Village. Bonjour French Cafe is a perfect choice for a light lunch, or brunch if your visit falls on a weekend. They serve a nice selection of crepes, sandwiches, omelettes, and salads. Although their dessert crepes are quite popular, the fresh croissant sandwiches are much healthier and more filling. Try the Vegetable croissant, which features avocado, tomato, cucumber, and salad.
A number of great local mom & pop restaurants can be found in Siesta Key Village. Bonjour French Cafe is a perfect choice for a light lunch, or brunch if your visit falls on a weekend. They serve a nice selection of crepes, sandwiches, omelettes, and salads. Although their dessert crepes are quite popular, the fresh croissant sandwiches are much healthier and more filling. Try the Vegetable croissant, which features avocado, tomato, cucumber, and salad.
Bonjour offers a small indoor dining space. However, if it is a nice mild, dry day, the outdoor patio is a lovely place for people watching. Overall this local dining gem offers the best food and ambiance, plus the wait is never as long as the more popular touristy eateries.
What else to do
Take a walk around Siesta Key Village and browse the unique shops. There are plenty of touristy and specialty shops to keep you busy all afternoon. As you can see from the pic above, the ambiance is very colorful and tropical inspired. If you need a pick me up, stop by Made in Rome for an authentic scoop of organic homemade gelato.
Must-dos in nearby Sarasota
Sarasota, “the gateway to the beautiful Siesta Key beaches,” offers an abundance of attractions of its’ own. The city is a quick 20 min drive away and offers numerous cultural and recreational amenities. The Ringling (the city was once the winter home of the Ringling Brothers/Barnum & Bailey Circus) and Mote Aquarium are the 2 most notable attractions. Below are a few of my recommended things to do.
Sarasota Jungle Gardens – Take a stroll around 10 acres of manicured botanical gardens, plus enjoy free roaming flamingos and exotic bird shows. More info on Jungle Gardens.
St. Armand’s Circle – Great dining and shopping area with many local businesses. If you are seeking something a bit fancier, skip the dining in Siesta Key and indulge in an authentic Cuban meal at Columbia, Florida’s oldest restaurant and the largest Spanish restaurant in the world. Do try the Cuban Black Bean soup and the Vegetarian Paella!
Myakka River State Park – Amazing natural oasis home to many attractions including miles of hiking trails, a scenic driving loop, and a birdwalk. This is one of Florida’s oldest (and most gorgeous) recreational destinations. The fee is 6 bucks per car. More info on Myakka.
Tips for a great visit
Always book hotels/flights in advance for the cheapest rates.
Pick up a handy Siesta Key map. These are easy to find at any local business or newsstands around town. You will find a list of attractions and restaurants, plus valuable coupons. Or check out this online interactive map.
Weekday and off season visits are preferable to avoid crowds. Be aware that temps can be quite cool in the morning during this time of year. It’s always best to dress in layers if you plan on heading out early in the morning.
Be aware of hurricane season. June-November is official hurricane season. If the thought of storms ruining your trip is a concern, you may want to plan your visit outside of this time frame. Alos check local weather reports frequently.
Come prepared for a day at the beach. Check out my handy beach essentials guide.
Parking is free at Siesta Key but can fill up during busy seasons. Always get to the beach as early as possible to ensure a spot. Or, take advantage of free transport (Siesta Key trolley).
