31 Amazing Things to Do in Siesta Key, Florida

LOOKING FOR THE BEST THINGS TO DO IN SIESTA KEY, FLORIDA?

You’ve landed on the right article! We’ve been traveling together since 2010 and have spent months exploring Florida. During our time in Florida, we spent time in Siesta Key as well as nearby Caladesi Island. It is a charming yet quirky barrier island full of shops, restaurants, and beautiful beaches.

Siesta Key Public Beach has been named the best beach in the United States – twice! The beaches are dreamy and there are so many fun things to do in Siesta Key, Florida. This area has some of the top beaches in Florida.

Siesta Key Florida Beaches

Siesta Key is known for its dazzling quartz sand and turquoise waters. The sand on the island seriously reminds me of powdered sugar. The island is full of family-friendly amenities as well as lots of outdoor activities like riding a jet ski and parasailing.

1. Siesta Beach

The Siesta Key Beach lives up to the hype of being consistently ranked as the best beach in the United States. It even was ranked as the fifth-best beach in the world by TripAdvisor. The fine, white sand and beautiful water are gorgeous, making it one of the best beaches in Florida with blue water.

There are lots of public access points to Siesta Key Beach. The Siesta Key pavilion is the largest access to the beach with the most amenities. There are lifeguards, beach wheelchairs, a volleyball court, bike racks, and showers.

Because of the large number of Siesta Key parking spaces and amenities here, we found this to be the most crowded part of the Siesta Key beaches. We walked down a bit from the pavilion and found a quieter part of the beach.

The different access points had fewer people but a lot fewer parking options.

Siesta Key Public Beach Access Points

At Siesta Key Access 2 you can find the “Broken Pier.” The rocky surroundings here are great for taking pictures and climbing. There is no parking available at this beach.

41 Beach Rd., Sarasota, FL

If you enjoy tide pools and a quieter beach, we recommend Siesta Key Access 4. It is a short walk from the Siesta Village’s main strip or the larger parking lot at Access 7.

180 Beach Rd., Sarasota, FL

Siesta Key Public Beach Parking

Most of the Siesta Key Beaches and access points have at least a few parking spots but some of them do not have any. It is a good idea to do some research ahead of time about where you plan to park and consider taking a taxi.

The easiest parking is at the Siesta Key Public Beach is at 948 Beach Road. There are hundreds of free Siesta Key parking spaces available.

It is a crowded beach but there are usually spots available throughout the day. The earlier you arrive, the easier it will be to find a place.

• Siesta Key Beach Access #1 – 9 parking spaces (3940 N Shell Road)
• Siesta Key Beach Access #4 – 4 parking spaces
• Siesta Key Beach Access #5 – 25 parking spaces (Corner of Ocean Blvd and Beach Road)
• Siesta Key Beach Access #7 – 35 parking spaces (412 Beach Road)
• Siesta Key Beach Access #8 – 20 parking spaces (471 Beach Road)
• Siesta Key Beach Access #9 – 20 parking spaces (507 Beach Road)
• Siesta Key Beach Access #12 – 25 parking spaces (Midnight Pass Rd and Old Stickney Point Rd)

Siesta Key Florida Beach Rentals

There are several companies renting all of the gear you will need for your beach experience if you aren’t able to bring your own. They rent chairs and umbrellas as well as beach and water toys.

Siesta Key Beach Chair Rentals – Rental chairs and umbrellas available on the beach between Access 12 and 13

Siesta Key Bike & Kayak – Rental umbrellas, chairs, carts, bob joggers, wheelchairs, snorkel gear, and more

ABC Rentals – Rental equipment delivered to your hotel or resort including umbrellas, wagons, beach tents, puddle jumpers, cornhole sets, swim diapers, and sports sets

What to Bring to the Siesta Key Beaches in Florida

Packing some games as well as the right beach gear will help keep everyone at the beach entertained a little longer. Especially if you’re traveling with kids, you can earn yourself a little relaxation with some planning.

Along with games and entertainment, there are some supplies and gear that will really turn your trip to the Siesta Key beaches in Florida into a party!

Tip: Be sure to bring some cash for the road tolls.

2. Turtle Beach

Turtle Beach is a public beach on the South Siesta Key. It is not as busy as Siesta Beach and has more of a local vibe.

Turtle Beach is about a 15-minute drive from Siesta Key Public Beach. It is definitely a quieter part of the island.

However, the beach does not have the beautiful soft, white sand that the Siesta Key, Florida Beach has but it is still a fun beach to enjoy. The sand is coarser, and the beach drops off more quickly into the ocean.

If you’re looking to snorkel, Turtle Beach is a great option because there are fewer people. Snorkeling is a great way to find some of the best shells.

If you are looking for shells, the best time to look is an hour before and an hour after low tide. Right after a storm hits is another good time to find shells. Turtle Beach is also a great place to look for shark teeth.

Public restrooms and showers are available as well as picnic areas and a playground. There’s also a boat launch for anglers and boaters. As well as boating, kayaking, and paddleboarding are popular in the area.

Turtle Public Beach Parking

There are about 300 parking spots at Turtle Public Beach – 8628 Turtle Beach Road. This beach is usually less crowded than Siesta Beach, so parking is usually a bit easier to find.

There is also camping available at the Turtle Beach Campground. It is only one of a few campgrounds in Florida with direct beach access.

3. Crescent Beach

Address: 6490 Midnight Pass Rd., Sarasota, FL
Siesta Key Access 12

Crescent Beach is an access point along Siesta Key Beach. It is a popular location because it is close to lots of fun things to do on Siesta Key, Florida like dining and shopping at Siesta Village.

Parking can be tricky here, so it is best to get there early. There are no official public access points but there is street parking a short walk away.

Crescent Beach Parking

There are about 25 parking spaces here. Parking is near Stickney Point at Midnight Pass Road and Old Stickney Point Road.

4. Venice Beach

Venice Beach is about 30 minutes south of Siesta Key near Nokomis. This area of Florida is very popular for looking for fossilized shark teeth and shells. In fact, it is known as the shark tooth capital of the world. It is pretty easy to find teeth dating back to prehistoric sharks.

Some other fun beaches to visit in this area are Caspersen Beach, South Brohard Beach, Brohard Beach Fishing Pier, and Venice Municipal Beach.

While in Venice, you can also check out the downtown area. It is a charming town displaying strong influences of northern Italian architecture. 

5. Point of Rocks

Siesta Key’s diving and snorkeling hotspot is called Point of Rocks. It is at the southern tip of Crescent Beach. The easiest way to find Point of Rocks is to walk to the southern-most end of Crescent Beach until you reach the sea wall.

Around the corner of the sea wall, you will find the tide pools and snorkeling area.

The water here is about five feet deep and full of marine life. The rocks can be slippery, and the terrain can be rocky so it’s best to wear water shoes here.

6. Lido Key

If you found Siesta Key, Florida beach to be really crowded, a nearby beach that is also really pretty is Lido Key. It has lots of great amenities and plenty of parking spaces. There is a really nice boardwalk with nearby restaurants as well as other facilities such as public restrooms.

There are also lots of fun activities in Lido Key like sunset cruises, fishing trips, and dolphin watching tours. It is considered a hidden gem in the Siesta Key area because the crowds are usually much smaller here.

Lido Key is about 20 minutes north of Siesta Key, driving through Sarasota.

7. Beer Can Island

Another really fun nearby beach to visit is Beer Can Island. It is about 35 minutes north of Siesta Key at the northern end of Longboat Key. There is another Beer Can Island near Tampa so don’t let that confuse you or your GPS. You will take the bridge that connects Longboat Key with Anna Maria Island.

Beach Access Address: N Shore Rd, Longboat Key, FL 34228

The best parking is at Coquina Beach and then you can walk across the bridge to get to the beach. There is no public parking on the subdivision roads closest to the beach.

The island is kind of tricky to get to. You will walk through some mangroves to get to Beer Can Island. The mangroves are up on the beach, so you won’t be walking through the water. 

8. Anna Maria Island

Another beautiful island near Siesta Key is Anna Maria Island. Is it about an hour north of Siesta Key. Anna Maria is more laid back compared to Siesta Key and has less traffic. Anna Maria Island is consistently ranked as one of the top islands in the United States.

The island is mostly known for its wide and beautiful white sandy beaches. It is a slower-paced island with lots of fun boutiques, art galleries, and restaurants. It also has some fun piers to enjoy. Coquina Beach is one of the best beaches to visit on the island.

9. South Lido Beach Park

South Lido Beach Park in downtown Sarasota is a really fun place to spend a day at the beach. It is a 100-acre park popular with families, kayakers, fishermen, and people wanting to relax at the beach.

There are strong currents on the northwest side of the beach so you should exercise caution if you’re swimming in that area.

Amenities at South Lido Beach Park include BBQ grills, a playground, volleyball courts, a kayaking trail, nature trails, and restrooms.

10. Marco Island

If you’re looking for a day trip to another beautiful beach area, Marco Island is a great choice. It is about two and a half hours south of Siesta Key. Marco Island is the largest of the Ten Thousand Islands and is part of Florida’s Paradise Coast.

It is a great place for kayaking, boating, and spending time at the beach. There are over 100 miles of waterways, and it is home to some of the best-preserved natural areas in the state. Kayaking Marco Island is a great way to explore the Florida Everglades.

The best beach on Marco Island is Tigertail Beach. The beach is split by a tidal lagoon. On the inner lagoon, you can swim, paddleboard, and kayak. You can also walk out to the ocean, but you will either need to walk around the lagoon or go through it.

Things to do in Siesta Key, Florida Besides the Beach

Aside from the beautiful beaches, there is a lot of fun things to do in Siesta Key, Florida. You can go boating, snorkeling, and paddleboarding. There is a fun downtown area with lots of fun shops, restaurants, and activities.

11. E-Bike Ride at Sunset 

One of the best times of day in Siesta Key is sunset. It is so pretty to watch the sunset and one of the best ways to enjoy it is on an e-bike tour.

E-bikes are so much fun. We got to ride them on the beach in Ocean Shores and had a blast, so we were excited to see they had e-bike tours here as well.

The e-bikes are really easy to ride and make pedaling really easy. You can even ride your bikes on the sand. You can watch the sunset over the Gulf of Mexico while riding down the beach. This tour covers the length of Siesta Beach.

Check Prices for a Sunset Bike Tour Here!

12. Kiteboarding

Whether you’re an avid kiteboarder or just getting started, kiteboarding is one of the fun things to do in Siesta Key, Florida. It is one of the best beaches in the area for this extreme water sport.

The sandy beaches in Siesta Key make it a great place to kiteboard right from the beach. There is a strong kiteboarding community in the area with plenty of places to help you learn or to rent equipment. The channel along Lido Key is another popular place to kiteboard.

Elite Watersports is a great place to start looking at lessons or equipment rentals.

13. Mangrove Kayaking

If you’re wanting to get out and explore the beautiful water but aren’t into kiteboarding, another one of the really fun things to do near Siesta Key, Florida is kayaking. There are lots of great places to kayak in the area including Lido Key.

This is a perfect Siesta Key activity for nature lovers looking to explore the mangrove forests and look for wildlife like manatees, rays, and dolphins. A mangrove kayaking tour is great for families and first-time kayakers.

Check Prices for a Mangrove Kayaking Tour Here!

If you’re interested in kayaking or paddle boarding but don’t want to go out with an organized tour group, you can reserve a kayak rental here.

14. Sarasota

Sarasota is a charming and fun city about 25 minutes north of Siesta Key and a must-visit during your Siesta Key vacation. There are some fun things to do around town plus lots of outdoor activities. There are beautiful beaches, golf courses, and botanical gardens.

Wildlife lovers will enjoy visiting the Big Cat Habitat and Gulf Coast Sanctuary as well as the Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium.

It is also home to Myakka River State Park, Florida’s oldest and biggest state park. The area is great for canoeing, kayaking, and fishing. It is also a fun place to go on an airboat ride.

15. Parasailing

One of the fun Siesta Key activities is parasailing. Boats with Siesta Key Water Sports can hold up to 12 people making it easy to go out with a large group. You can even parasail with two to three people at a time.

This is a great family activity near Siesta Key that everyone can enjoy. 

16. Fishing Spots Near Siesta Key

The west coast of Florida is one of the best places to fish in the United States. The ocean off Siesta Key beaches is home to about 1,000 species of fish. There are a bunch of different tour companies that can take you fishing, or you can stand on a dock and fish yourself. Here are some of the best public fishing areas in Siesta Key.

• Blind Pass Lagoon – This is found at the south end of the island behind Turtle Beach. Popular fish are mackerel and bluefish.
• Point of Rocks – Here you can fish for flounder, snook, snapper, and more.
• Big Pass – Here is a long, skinny inlet filled with mangrove snapper, grouper, and snook.
• Siesta Drive Bridge – This bridge connects the north side of the island to the mainland. Here you will find gag grouper, snapper, and sea bass. There is lots of parking here.

If you want more of a structured fishing experience, here are some of the fishing expedition providers –

• A Rodbender Fishing Charters
• CB’s Saltwater Outfitters & Boat Rentals

Free Things to do in Siesta Key, Florida

17. Ride Bikes Around the Island

One of the best ways to explore Siesta Key is by bike. It is a very bike-friendly area making it easy to bike from your accommodations around the island. It is really convenient to ride your bike around town because you don’t have to worry about finding a parking spot.

 One of the most popular biking trails in the area is the Legacy Trail, running from Sarasota to Venice. It is a nice flat trail perfect for families. Another fun place to bike is Myakka River State Park. This has more of a nature vibe with paved and unpaved trails.

You can also ride your bike along the six miles of beach.

18. Siesta Key Village

Siesta Key Village is a three or four-block commercial area in the heart of Siesta Key. It is a fun, walkable neighborhood. It hosts many festivals, as well as dining and art shows. This is a great place to relax and listen to some live music.

There are about 100 stores, restaurants and run activities. It is a great place to pick up some souvenirs to take home as well as some ice cream.

Siesta Key Shopping Boutiques

• Beach Bazaar of Sarasota
• Lotus Boutique
• Foxy Lady Siesta Key

19. Whitaker Gateway Park and Fishing Pier

The fishing pier and park is a beautiful area in Sarasota and is one of the great things to do in Siesta Key, Florida, especially for families. There is a really nice boardwalk that runs through the mangroves and nearby marsh restoration areas.

There is also a great picnic and playground area near a large boat launch. There are nearby walking trails where you can ride bikes or walk your dog.

20. Siesta Key Farmers Market

We love visiting the neighborhood farmers’ markets when we travel around the United States. They are all so unique and give us such great insight into the local community and people. The Siesta Key Farmers Market is held every Sunday from 8:00 am to 12:00 pm in the village.

This is a great opportunity to do some shopping and grab brunch afterward. It is a smaller farmers’ market making it a quick stop but there are some unique and fun things to do there. 

21. St. Armands Circle

St Armands Circle in Sarasota is a fun place to do some shopping and grab a bit to eat. It is home to the Circus Ring of Fame, a sidewalk of circus stars, along with boutiques, art galleries from local artists, and restaurants. This is also a fun place to hang out after dark to enjoy the Siesta Key nightlife scene.

Another fun place in this area is the Boulevard of the Presidents, a small neighborhood park. There are some rocking chairs for relaxing and a large chess set.

22. Sunset Point

Sunset Point is a quieter area on the Siesta Key beaches. You will find Sunset Point at Access 2. As the name suggests, it is a great place to watch the sunset.

There are no facilities at Sunset Point.

Things to do in Siesta Key, FLorida for families

23. Dolphin Tour

One of my kids’ favorite things to do in Florida is going on a dolphin tour. We’ve been on dolphin tours from Clearwater down through Fort Myers and we always have such a great time. My kids get so excited every time we see the dolphins.

It’s also fun to get out on the water and enjoy the beautiful Florida sunshine. This half-day dolphin tour will take you through some of Florida’s prettiest landscapes while you look for manatees, dolphins, and seabirds.

You can also make a quick stop at the beach to look for shells. If you’re planning on shelling, make sure you bring some shell bags with you. The tour does provide a cooler, beach toys, and snacks.

Check Prices for a Dolphin Tour Here!

24. Circus Sarasota

One of the fun things to do at Siesta Key, Florida for families is going to the circus. Circus Sarasota is a very entertaining show that the entire family will enjoy and is one of the best Siesta Key attractions. Sarasota is known as the “Circus Capital of the World.” The performance celebrates the rich circus culture of Southwest Florida.

The circus performance is about two hours long and features world-class acts and performances that will keep you more than entertained. There are great animal acts, aerial performers, trapeze acts, and filler clown acts. 

25. Siesta Key Breeze Trolley

The Siesta Key Breeze Trolley is a free trolley running between Siesta Key Village and Turtle Beach. There are designated stops in between but you can also flag it down if you want to get on. The trolley is a fun and easy way to get around Siesta Key, Florida, especially if you want to not have to walk as far with your kids.

The trolly runs daily. Sunday through Thursday, it runs from 8 am to 10 pm. Friday and Saturday nights the trolley runs through midnight.

26. Jim Neville Marine Preserve

If you’re looking to spend some time paddling or kayaking in Siesta Key, the Jim Neville Marine Preserve is a great place to hang out for the day. The preserve is about 35 acres and is a great place for kayaking and fishing. It also has some beautiful beaches that are accessible only from the water.

The best place to launch a kayak is from Turtle Beach. You can rent a kayak here and paddle around the island. The loop is about a mile long.

This is also a great place to look for birds. Bald eagles, great blue herons, osprey, and blue herons have been seen in the preserve. You can also keep an eye out for dolphins and manatees.

The best beaches for swimming are at the north end of the preserve. There is a nice shallow swimming area. There are no facilities in this area of the preserve.

27. Siesta Key Drum Circle

If you’re at the Siesta Key beaches on a Sunday evening, be sure to check out the drummers there at sunset. We were lucky enough to be there during the performance and it was awesome.

They are there about an hour before sunset. The beach is so lively during this time, making it one of the fun things to do in Siesta Key, Florida.

Things to do in Siesta Key, Florida on a Rainy Day

Don’t let a rainy day keep you from enjoying all the fun things to do in Siesta Key, Florida. There are lots of great options whether you need an entire day of activities or just a few hours.

28. Regal Hollywood – Sarasota

You can’t go wrong spending a rainy afternoon at the movie theater. Regal Hollywood in Sarasota is a beautiful theater complex showing the latest released movies.

29. Monte Marine Laboratory and Aquarium

The Monte Marine Laboratory and Aquarium is a great activity for families and nature lovers. It has over 100 different marine species as well as great interactive exhibits that everyone will enjoy.

The aquarium has a 135,000-gallon shark habitat as well as manatees, sea turtles, and river otters. There are also training sessions that are fun to watch on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays at 11 a.m.

30. The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature

Another fun educational stop in Siesta Key is the Bishop Museum of Science and Nature. It is the largest natural history museum on the Gulf Coast of Florida. It has a beautiful manatee rehabilitation habitat as well as a planetarium, a Mosaic Backyard Universe, and rotating temporary exhibits.

31. Classic Car Museum of Sarasota

If you are traveling with anyone who loves classic cars, the Classic Car Museum of Sarasota is a must. It is the second oldest continuously operating antique car museum in the United States. They have any type of car you can imagine including antique, European, classic, and more in their rotating exhibits.

There are over 75 cars in the museum including Alfa Romeos, Bentleys, Cadillacs, Ferraris, and more. It is amazing to see how automobiles have transformed over time. There are also volunteers on-site to answer any questions you may have.

Map of Best Things to Do in Siesta Key, Florida

If you are looking for another nearby city to visit, there are a lot of fun things to do in Fort Myers. There are beautiful beaches, world-famous shelling sites and lots of fun activities. Lovers Key State Park is one of our favorite places to visit in Fort Myers.

Where is Siesta Key in Florida

Siesta Key, Florida is on the Gulf or western side of Florida. Siesta Key is not part of the Florida keys, found in Southern Florida. The barrier is in the central part of Florida about an hour south of Tampa. It is 3.5 hours from Miami and 2 hours south of Orlando.

Nearest Airport to Siesta Key Florida

The closest airport to Siesta Key is the Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport. The drive from the airport is about 25 minutes.

If you’re looking for a larger airport with potentially better rates, the Tampa International Airport is another great option. Siesta Key is about an hour from the Tampa airport.

What is Siesta Key known for?

Siesta Key is a beautiful island known for its beautiful quartz sand and turquoise shallow waters. The downtown Siesta key area is full of great places to go shopping, resorts, and nightlife. We loved the beautiful beaches and all the amenities offered there.

Is Siesta Key worth visiting?

If you are looking for a beautiful beach to enjoy, Siesta Key is well worth visiting. It is a great destination for families looking to enjoy the beautiful beach and ocean. Siesta Key Beach is often voted the best beach on Florida’s Gulf Coast. There are so many fun things to do in Siesta Key, Florida.

Best Time to Visit Siesta Key

Siesta Key is a place you can visit year-round however the best time to go is considered to be from March through May. We visited at the beginning of March and had a great time. The weather was warm enough to enjoy spending time at the beach but not too overly hot and humid. 

If you’re looking for other beach vacation ideas in the south, be sure to look into Jekyll Island and Caladesi Island.

If you have any questions, please comment below! We love the beaches in Florida and are happy to help you plan your vacation. And make sure to follow along on our travels on Instagram @csginger.

More Florida Adventures

The Best Things to Do in Biscayne National Park
20 Best Things to Do in Orlando with Kids
The Top 15 Springs Near Orlando You Have to See
The Best Things to Do in St. Augustine with Kids
Rockets, Piers and Race Cars – Two Days on the Florida Coast

Pin This Article to Read Later – 

Want more Florida inspiration? Follow our Visit Florida Board on Pinterest!