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Destination guide
Siesta Key vacation rentals are anything but a snoozefest
With a name like Siesta Key, you might think this Florida island is a real snorer. But there's a wealth of shopping and dining options, as well as opportunities for outdoor adventures like snorkeling, kayaking, and fly fishing. Meanwhile, Siesta Key's white-sand beaches regularly rank among the country's best, and its turquoise waters make an excellent backdrop to any beach wedding. If you're feeling more fiesta than siesta, you can spend your evenings at a tiki bar for drinks and live music.
History
History buff? You're in luck – your Siesta Key vacation rental is the perfect base for travelling back in time. Siesta Key is in Sarasota County, whose past is filled with colourful stories and characters. You can start your time travel at Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, named after a much-admired Floridian woman who loved the great outdoors. Then you can head on to the Bidwell-Wood House – it's the oldest house in Sarasota, and was the site of a murder fit for an Agatha Christie plot. After that, check out the Ringling Estate, home to a massive collection of European art.
Activities
Activities and attractions in and around Siesta Key
Do you want to find things to do in the area? Although it can be tempting to stay in your comfortable vacation rental, you'll want to experience everything that makes Siesta Key a fun place to get away. Here are some of the top attractions to explore, all within 30 miles (48.2 km) of the city center:
- Mote Marine Aquarium (4.1 mi / 6.6 km)
- Coconuts Family Entertainment Center (2.9 mi / 4.7 km)
- Gulf Gate Golf Club (3.8 mi / 6.2 km)
- Evie's Golf Center (5.8 mi / 9.3 km)
- Stoneybrook Golf & Country Club (6.5 mi / 10.5 km)
- Bobby Jones Golf Complex (6.8 mi / 10.9 km)
Weather
Seasonal weather averages in Siesta Key
If you're hoping to enjoy some warm-weather activities on your vacation, August, July, June and September are the hottest months to visit, when temperatures average 91°F.
Natural features
Exploring the beaches and other natural features in Siesta Key
Siesta Key is famous for its breathtaking sunsets, beautiful ocean views and tropical locale. Whether you're looking for fun outdoor activities or just want to appreciate the scenery, Siesta Key is a great place to get out in nature. These are some of the area's most enchanting natural features, all within 30 miles (48.2 km) of the city center:
- Venice Beach (14.1 mi / 22.7 km)
- Siesta Key Public Beach (0.9 mi / 1.5 km)
- Marie Selby Botanical Gardens (4 mi / 6.4 km)
- Sarasota Jungle Gardens (6.4 mi / 10.3 km)
- Crescent Beach (2.4 mi / 3.8 km)
- South Lido Park (2.4 mi / 3.9 km)
Transport
How to get around from your Siesta Key vacation rental
Siesta Key doesn't have a public transit system, so getting from one point to the next on this island can be a challenge if you don't have your own ride. Thankfully, a number of enterprising Siesta Key citizens have answered the call and now provide a variety of options for getting around the island. These options range from trolley buses to jitneys to pedicabs reminiscent of Thailand's tuktuks. The best part? You can use many of these services for free – just remember to tip the driver who took you where you needed to go.
Food & drink
Take a culinary trip from your Siesta Key vacation rental
When you get an attack of the munchies and you don't feel like cooking at your vacation rental, all you need to do is to make your way to Siesta Key Village, the island's main commercial hub. On the way there, you'll pass by a lot of restaurants ranging from the casual to the upscale, and offering a variety of world cuisines. With so many options, you can easily find the means to satisfy your craving. Seafood is a staple in Siesta Key, and the oysters are especially popular during the cooler months.
Essential info
Fast facts for a delightful Siesta Key holiday
Siesta Key is a barrier island facing the Golf of Mexico off the southwestern coast of Florida. It has a total area of 9 square kilometres – 6.1 square kilometres are land, while water makes up the remaining portion. Siesta Key has 3 main beaches, namely Siesta Beach, Turtle Beach, and Crescent Beach. Nearly 9,000 people live on this island, and most of them speak English as their first language. As a US town, the currency used here is the US dollar, and 911 is the number to call in emergencies.