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:
- Walt’s Fish Market (fresh seafood)
- Pride of the South BBQ (meats and sides by the pound)
- Publix in Paradise Plaza (grocery staples)
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.
