SIESTA KEY, FLORIDA

Siesta Key, Florida is an eight mile long sandy barrier island off the shore of Sarasota on the Gulf of Mexico.  The total population of the communities on the island is about 5,600. 

Vintage Postcard of Siesta Key

Siesta Key includes four separate communities:  Siesta Beach, Crescent Beach, Turtle Beach, and Siesta Key Village.

It is part of the large Bradenton-Sarasota-Venice Metro Statistical Area which includes more than 700,000 people.

Siesta Key had different names over the years.  At one time it was called Clam Island.  Years later it became Little Sarasota Island and then Sarasota Key.

In the 1800s and early 1900s it was sparsely populated with a few fishing families. 

Most of the island was so mosquito infested and loaded with snakes, wildcats, and feral hogs that it was not an attractive place to live.

Siesta Key Before Development

One of the early promoters of the island was Harry Higel, a Sarasota businessman and promoter of that city as a wonderful place for wealthy northerners to vacation and live. 

He built the Higelhurt Hotel on Big Pass.

Early Siesta Key Post Office

Another pioneer was Captain Roberts who converted his home into a hotel.  He and some partners formed the Siesta Land Company and that's when Siesta Key got its modern name.

The northern end of the island was connected to the mainland in 1917, and another bridge a couple of miles south at Stickney Point was built in 1927. 

This new access was what allowed the island to begin to grow, especially between the two bridges.

Siesta Key in 1951 re Florida Memory

In the 1940s and 1950s, two well known Sarasota architects (Ralph Twitchell and Paul Rudolph) designed and built several homes on the island and it grew to nearly 300 residents.

The beautiful white sand beaches of Siesta Key are the draw for regular folks.  There are several public access points on the island.

Siesta Key Beach
Flickr/Mike Miller

It's a beautiful but expensive place to live, with median home prices approaching $900,000.  

Siesta Key Homes

This is because no matter where you live on Siesta Key, you are a short hop to a beautiful beach.

Siesta Key Beach Hyatt
Flickr/Siesta Key Restaurants

There are many upscale hotels and wonderful restaurants.  Dining and lodging are usually right on the beach or very close to it.

Birds Enjoying Siesta Key Beach
Flickr/Don Johnson 395

Siesta Key with its expansive view of the Gulf of Mexico is a wonderful spot to enjoy the magnificent sunsets.

Siesta Beach Sunset
Flickr/Roger W

Famous author John D. MacDonald, the creator of Travis McGee and author of many best selling novels, lived on Siesta Key in two different homes from 1952 until his death in 1986.

Travis McGee and The Busted Flush

Read more about John D. MacDonald

Read more about Travis McGee

THINGS TO DO IN SIESTA KEY, FLORIDA

Siesta Key Beach
948 Beach Rd, Siesta Key, FL 34242

Siesta Key Beach is renowned for its fine, quartz sand that stays cool underfoot and its turquoise waters. We enjoy spending the day soaking up the sun, watching beach volleyball, or just taking a leisurely stroll along the water's edge.

The beach also offers tennis and playground facilities. There are two concession stands. It makes it ideal for families looking for a fun and relaxing day out.

Siesta Key Village
Ocean Blvd, Siesta Key, FL 34242

Siesta Key Village is the heart of the island, with a variety of shops, restaurants, and bars. We love wandering through the colorful boutiques, grabbing a bite at a local eatery, or enjoying live music at one of the bars.

The friendly atmosphere and charming beachside vibe make it a perfect spot to unwind and enjoy the island life.

Point of Rocks
6900 Point of Rocks Rd, Siesta Key, FL 34242

Point of Rocks is a notable snorkeling location on the island, offering a chance to explore marine life in clear, shallow waters. We enjoy the peaceful snorkeling experience here, where you can see a variety of fish, and occasionally, dolphins and manatees.

It’s also a popular spot for fishing and a great place to capture stunning sunset photos.

Turtle Beach
8918 Midnight Pass Rd, Siesta Key, FL 34242

Turtle Beach is known for its darker sand and is less crowded than Siesta Beach. We enjoy kayaking and paddleboarding here, with rentals available nearby. Nice shells and even petrified shark’s teeth have been found here.

Fishing is permitted in the adjacent Blind Pass Lagoon. The beach is also a nesting ground for sea turtles during the season, making it an exciting place for wildlife enthusiasts.

The Siesta Key Breeze Trolley
Siesta Key, Florida

Free for all riders, the Trolley runs seven days a week from 8 am to 10 pm, making getting around convenient. The Trolley route follows Ocean Boulevard to Beach Road and down Midnight Pass Road.

Hop on the Trolley at the Gazebo in Siesta Key Village, at any Trolley stop between the Villages, or flag down the Trolley south of Stickney Point Road.

Siesta Key Drum Circle
Siesta Public Beach, 948 Beach Rd, Siesta Key, FL 34242

The Siesta Key Drum Circle is a weekly event that takes place every Sunday near sunset. Locals and visitors gather to play drums or dance. 

Enjoy the festive atmosphere as the sun goes down. We love the energy and community spirit of this unique beachside celebration.

Siesta Key Farmers Market
5211 Ocean Blvd, Siesta Key, FL 34242

The Siesta Farmers Market, held every Sunday from 9am to 2pm, is a place where we enjoy browsing local produce, handmade crafts, and sampling delicious street food.

The market is a great way to support local artisans and farmers while enjoying the community vibe.

Siesta Key Watersports
1536 Stickney Point Rd, Siesta Key, FL 34231 | (941) 921-3030

Siesta Key Watersports offers jet ski rentals and parasailing adventures. Guests love the thrill of jet skiing across the open waters or soaring above the Gulf of Mexico while parasailing.

It’s an exhilarating way to experience the beauty of Siesta Key from a different perspective. They offer boat rentals, jet ski tours, dolphin and sunset cruises or charters.

Siesta Key Rum
2212 Industrial Blvd, Sarasota, FL 34234 | (941) 702-8143

Siesta Key Rum is an award-winning local distillery just off the island. We love touring the facility to learn about the rum-making process and sampling their different rums. The tours are informative, and free.

The tasting room provides a cozy atmosphere to enjoy some of the best rums in Florida and is open seven days a week. So is the gift shop.