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Top Attractions of Siesta Key: A Beach Lover’s Paradise

Siesta Key offers an irresistible mix of sun, sea, and outdoor adventure, making it one of Florida’s most beloved beach destinations. From bustling public beaches to secluded coastal gems, here are the top beach attractions that draw visitors year-round:

Siesta Public Beach

Why It’s Popular: Siesta Public Beach is the island’s largest and most iconic beach. Famous for its soft, cool-to-the-touch quartz sand, this award-winning shoreline stretches along the Gulf of Mexico with plenty of room for sunbathing, swimming, and beach games.

What to Expect:

Bonus: Stick around on Sunday evenings for the famous drum circle, a free-form, family-friendly beach event that celebrates rhythm and sunset.

Crescent Beach

A Quieter Coastal Experience: Just south of Siesta Public Beach, Crescent Beach is perfect for visitors seeking a more laid-back vibe. Named for its crescent shape, this stretch of coastline offers beautiful views and a calm, uncrowded atmosphere.

What to Expect:

Activities: Ideal for swimming, kayaking, paddleboarding, shelling, and snorkeling—especially near the Point of Rocks.

Siesta Village Beaches

Village Vibes Meets Natural Beauty: Access points 2 through 10 lead to the Siesta Village beaches, each just steps away from world-class shopping, dining, and entertainment in Siesta Key Village.

What to Expect:

Activities: Perfect for swimming, exploring unique sandbars and lagoons, or strolling to brunch in your flip-flops.

Turtle Beach

Family-Friendly and Fisher-Approved: Located at the southern tip of Siesta Key, Turtle Beach is loved for its relaxed pace and recreational options. As the name suggests, sea turtles frequently nest here during the season.

What to Expect:

Don’t Miss: Kayak tours launching from Turtle Lagoon, which take you through scenic mangrove trails and bird preserves.

Point of Rocks Beach

Snorkeler’s Dream Spot: Near the south end of Crescent Beach lies Point of Rocks, a limestone reef famous for its tide pools, shallow water, and underwater life. It’s a must-visit for anyone who loves to snorkel, paddleboard, or explore.

What to Expect:

Activities: Snorkeling is the main draw, with vibrant fish, crabs, and shells among the rocky outcrops. A mile-long reef leads to the deeper waters of Sanderling Lagoon, ideal for more adventurous kayakers.

Find Your Favorite Stretch of Sand

Each of Siesta Key’s beaches offers something special, whether it’s the energy of the drum circle, the serenity of a hidden cove, or the thrill of underwater discovery. No matter your style, you’re sure to find your perfect beach day right here on Siesta Key.

Ready to plan your trip? Check out our local vacation rentals and start packing your sunscreen!

 

Siesta Key isn’t just a beautiful place to catch some sun—it’s a true family vacation paradise. With powdery white sand, calm Gulf waters, and a welcoming, laid-back vibe, it’s a destination where parents can unwind and kids can create lifelong memories.

From outdoor adventures to marine life encounters, this guide covers everything you need to plan an unforgettable family trip to Siesta Key.

Why Choose Siesta Key for a Family Vacation?

Consistently ranked among the top beach destinations in the U.S., Siesta Key is a favorite for families for several good reasons:

Located just west of Sarasota and near the Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport (SRQ), it’s easy to reach and even easier to enjoy.

Top Things to Do with Kids in Siesta Key

1. Spend the Day at Siesta Key Beach
With its 99% quartz sand that stays cool underfoot, Siesta Key Beach isn’t just beautiful—it’s family-friendly too.

Why families love it:

Pack beach toys, a picnic, and consider a beach wagon to haul your gear.

2. Join the Siesta Key Drum Circle
Every Sunday evening near the main beach pavilion, locals and visitors gather for a lively drum circle. Music, dancing, and sunset vibes make this a can’t-miss experience for kids.

3. Kayak Through the Mangroves
Book a guided kayak or paddleboard tour through Ted Sperling Nature Park. The mangrove tunnels are calm and scenic—you may even spot manatees, dolphins, or tropical birds.

4. Ride the Free Siesta Key Breeze Trolley
Explore the island stress-free with the free trolley. It travels from Turtle Beach to Siesta Village and is a fun, breezy way to get around.

Best Day Trips from Siesta Key with Kids

1. Sarasota Jungle Gardens
Just 20 minutes away, this park features flamingos, lemurs, alligators, and more. Kids love feeding the free-roaming flamingos and watching live animal shows.

2. Myakka River State Park
For a more adventurous outing, visit Myakka River State Park. Enjoy canopy walks, airboat tours, or hiking trails. Kids love spotting gators and birds in the wild.

3. Marie Selby Botanical Gardens
The Children’s Rainforest Garden features treehouses, waterfalls, and exploration trails—perfect for curious kids. Grown-ups can enjoy the beautiful Sarasota Bay views.

4. Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium
A great rainy-day choice just 20 minutes away. Highlights include:

5. Livingstons, Jumping Jack Inflata & SkyZone
With over 500,000 square feet of entertainment, these three venues feature zip lines, inflatables, arcades, obstacle courses, go-karts, and more. Great for burning off extra energy.

Where to Stay: Family-Friendly Vacation Rentals

Skip the hotel and opt for a vacation rental with space and comfort. At Gertrude Rentals, we offer handpicked homes and condos designed with families in mind.

Why families choose us:

Want to stay near Siesta Beach? Explore our Siesta Key rentals or contact us for personalized help.

Kid-Approved Places to Eat in Siesta Key

The Hub Baja Grill
A lively Village favorite offering tacos, wraps, and live music. Great atmosphere for families.

Big Olaf Creamery
Locals love this spot for homemade ice cream and toppings galore.

The Daiquiri Deck
Colorful beach décor, kids’ menu, and lots of fun non-alcoholic daiquiris.

Meaney’s Mini Donuts
Fresh, warm mini donuts that kids (and adults) can’t resist.

Planning Tips for a Smooth Trip

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Siesta Key good for toddlers?
Yes! The shallow water and soft sand are perfect for little ones.

Can I bring a stroller to the beach?
Yes, but soft sand can be tricky. A beach cart or all-terrain stroller is better.

Where can we rent baby gear?
ABC Baby Rentals delivers cribs, high chairs, and more. At Gertrude Rentals, baby gear comes included.

Is Siesta Key walkable?
Absolutely. Siesta Village is compact and family-friendly. Use the trolley for longer trips.

Plan Your Siesta Key Family Getaway Today

From beach adventures to kid-friendly meals, Siesta Key is the perfect blend of fun and relaxation. Let Gertrude Rentals help you find the right home base.

🔗 Explore Siesta Key rentals
🔗 Need help? Contact us
🔗 Read more on the Gertrude Rentals Blog

 

How to Save $500 a Week on Siesta Key

Going out is fun—and yes, you should absolutely do it—but the real goal of any vacation is to relax, connect, and make memories. Here’s a smart way to do that without draining your wallet.

Start & End the Party at the Rental — Save $100+ Per Couple, Per Day

Why it works: Bars on Siesta Key are fun, but they’re not cheap. With drinks ranging from $10–$20 (plus tip), it’s easy to spend hundreds in a week. Instead, try hosting pre- and post-bar gatherings at your rental.

Control the vibe: When you host a cocktail hour at home, you skip the crowds and the wait—just you, your crew, and the sunset. A bottle of Svedka vodka costs about $18 at ABC Liquor, five miles from Siesta Key. That’s enough for 39 drinks at 1.5 oz pours. Add mixers, and each drink costs about $1—compared to $15 or more at local spots like SKOB.

Real savings: If my wife has three drinks and I have 12 (don’t judge—I start early), that’s $150+ saved in one day alone.

Add Some Fun: Rotate Hosting Duties

Traveling with friends or family? Take turns being the host. A little competition around signature drinks adds fun. My favorite: the Madras—vodka, orange juice, cranberry, and lime. Add flair with swizzle sticks, or assign the most tattooed member of your group to bartend (usually me).

Keep it Simple: Clean-up Tips

Drinks outside on a Siesta Key patio are hard to beat. Alcohol is allowed on Sarasota beaches, but not glass—use plastic cups to keep it safe.

For cleanup, make it easy: put out garbage bags, keep the party to one area, and label drink cups with Sharpies or creative “call signs.” I like to kick off the morning with coffee and a playlist, and people usually pitch in.

Reminder: Some rentals, like Gertrude Rentals, have shared spaces and curfews (ours close at 10 PM). When you need a change of scene, head to happy hours at The Hub, SKOB, or The Summer House for a great vibe and two-for-one drinks.

Save on Food — $100+ Per Person, Per Day

The restaurant markup problem: Meals at tourist-area restaurants can run $35–$70 per person. Between tax and tip, you’re looking at a 250% markup. But you can eat well and save big by staying in.

Keep It Easy: Grill and Reuse Sides

Save the upscale dinner for one special night (The Summer House’s potato-crusted snapper is worth it). For the rest, stick to grilling fresh meats and reusing sides. A simple combo of olive oil, lemon, salt, and pepper keeps prep and cleanup low-stress. Every Gertrude Rentals unit comes with a full kitchen and a grill—and we clean the grill when you check out.

Quick Tips for Sides and Shopping

Buy large deli or BBQ trays for group meals, and have each guest contribute a simple homemade side. I love tomato, strawberry, and basil salad with balsamic—it works cold or room temp.

Skip overpriced beach stores and shop here instead:

A 12 oz ribeye at Publix is $16, and 8 oz of fresh mahi at Walt’s is $15. Compare that to local restaurant entrées, and your savings add up fast.

Final Hosting Tips

Use visible trash bins, avoid messy foods, serve buffet-style, and eat outside. Use foil trays or reusable containers. Label drinks and share cleanup duties. Walk your plate to the beach or eat under the stars—views no restaurant can beat.

Fridge Tip: Many vacation rentals have small fridges. Before doing a big grocery run, check the space. And remember: once a fridge fills up, it can take 6+ hours to cool down again.

Bonus Tip: Try an Early Bird

Want to dine out affordably? Hit an early bird special. Turtles on the Bay offers two-for-one drinks from 3–6 PM and entrée prices straight out of the 1970s. You’ll be home for sunset—and maybe even a nap.

(Updated April 13, 2025)

SIESTA KEY THIS MONTH, IN PICTURES AND WORDS

Siesta Key is 100% back to normal (on average:)) after the hurricanes, but we do still need your support.  Feedback on each attraction is below!

Beaches 105% – Beaches are better than normal because they are wider, have more shells, and the Sandbar formations have been outrageous. Most beaches look like they gained about 40 feet and I haven’t seen shells like this in 30 years – look at the beach live here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NLhxcyzXQxM . Sandbar formations that go dry at low tide are popping up from the Village to the public beach and it’s clearwater lagoons everywhere. A hook shaped sand-bar down at the village end of the beach stretches 200 yards long out into the ocean and has a crystal clear, 8 foot deep Lagoon on the short side! Check out Scooters post on the Patriot Pier sand-bar and lagoon – https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=1119121446244358&id=100044395390774 .

Restaurants 105% – There have been a few new restaurant openings and many places like the Hub, the Lobster Pot, Captain Curts and the Sneaky Tiki all had makeovers last month.

Yards 98% – All our property exteriors have been cleaned up, re-shelled, and re-mulched. Still, we might have a fence panel or some branches missing here and there.

Economy 90% – It’s pretty slow right now.  I think it’s a bad news cycle/hangover. If you have the ability to come down in April and May, take it vantage of low rental prices while you can.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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