4 Things to Know Before Visiting Siesta Key

Siesta Key is known as one of the best vacation destinations in the country, consistently ranked as a top contender on Mr. Beach’s annual top list. If anyone knows beaches, it’s Mr. Beach. Siesta Beach also won 2017’s Best Beach from TripAdvisor’s Traveler’s Choice Awards.

Of course, Siesta Beach is considered by many to be the top attraction and reason to visit. But, there are a few other things you should know about Siesta Key to get the absolute most out of your next journey to the area.

Check out Siesta Key Village as it was featured in USA Today

Siesta Village Where the Action is At

Tucked away on the north end of this island escape is a quaint village/shopping area. It is known as Siesta Village, and it is home to some delightful beach boutiques and fine dining restaurants with that flavorful Old Florida charm.

Siesta Village is not a tourist haven nor is it a specialty shopping district with exclusively niche shops. It is a welcoming and approachable mix of both, offering assorted gift items to take home as well as unique hand-made oddities and art. 

Siesta Key Outfitters (5121 Ocean Blvd) has tourist-oriented clothing and gifts at affordable prices. CaliFlorida Surf and Skate (5221 Ocean Blvd) sells top-of-the-line skate products and Siesta Key Tropical Wines and Gifts (5138 Ocean Blvd Suite C) offers an eclectic array of rare wines and flavor-filled gift baskets featuring mixes, spices, wine samples, and other items.

A block away, you will find The Donut Experiment (217 Avenida Madera), which has customized donuts available. The made-to-order selections offer the freshest donuts you can find anywhere in this unique spin on a traditional donut shop. 

Some of the top restaurants in the village include the Village Café (5133 Ocean Blvd) and its delectable breakfast options, The Hub Baja-Grill (5148 Ocean Blvd) and its delicious pan-Latin fare and fun tropical theme, Siesta Key Oyster Bar (5238 Ocean Blvd) with the freshest seafood and raw bar, live music and drink specials, and so many other fun eateries, bars, and casual to more upscale restaurants.

These are just a few of over 70 points of interest in the village, all within a walkable distance. Where some visitors will stop by briefly for beachwear or souvenirs, others will want to spend more time here to appreciate the unique flavors and characteristics of the many different specialty restaurants.

The Beach is Always Nearby

No matter where you stay on Siesta Key, you’ll always be within walking distance of the beach. Siesta Village is within a hop and skip of several beach access points on the northwest end of Siesta Key. For many, the village is the center of the action, and a premiere place to see the shops and spend a day at the beach without going back to find new parking.

Visitors will often visit the beach and then circle back around through the shops. The village is also within walking distance of Sarasota Point, which is the westernmost point of the island and a lovely fishing and sunbathing area. Siesta Beach is located just about a mile southeast of Siesta Village and within a reasonable walking distance.

There Are Tons of Outdoor Activities to Enjoy

Sarasota and Siesta Key are both loaded with outdoor activities to enjoy, from fishing, to boat tours, beachgoing of course, kayaking, boating, snorkeling and more. 

Many of the local tour and rental providers are a great source for you to find out what’s available such as Siesta Key Watersports (1536 Stickney Point Rd., Sarasota, FL) or the Siesta Key Marina (1265 Old Stickney Point Rd, Sarasota, FL) where you can get information on rentals, tours and more.