Siesta Key Vacation Guide

Where to Eat, Shop, Play, and Stay in Siesta key

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About Siesta Key

Situated on the Southwest Gulf coast south of Clearwater Beach, Siesta Key is a barrier island just off the mainland city of Sarasota

Siesta Key Beach was twice named the nation's best beach with 8-miles of brilliant quartz sand and turquoise waterfront. For such a small area, this little Key is big on shopping, dining, and nightlife with waterfront amenities. Whether you're looking for a fun vacation with the kids or a romantic trip for two, Siesta Key offers something for everyone.

Siesta Key hosts a variety of festivals and events year-round like the unique Chalk Festival with 3D pavement artwork delighting visitors. There is also a Siesta Beach Seafood and Music Festival, Sand Sculpting Festival, and more that draw visitors to relax and enjoy the fun in spacious rentals


Cities in Siesta Key

Ideally located close to the culturally diverse city of Sarasota, Siesta Key is ideally perched on the Gulf of Mexico in southwest Florida offering stunning beaches, outdoor activities, as well as great shopping and dining


Cities Close To Siesta Key

  • Sarasota
  • Lido Key
  • Longboat Key
  • Anna Maria Island
  • Bradenton
  • Venice
  • Englewood
  • North Port
  • Port Charlotte

Siesta Key zip code: 34242

Siesta Key area code: 941

Siesta Key is located in Sarasota County


Siesta Key Vacation Rentals

Siesta Key Vacation Rentals


Highlights of Siesta Key

What are the Highlights and Area Attractions on Siesta Key?

There are three powdery white beaches on Siesta Key made from quartz white sand that stays cool to the touch. There's something for everyone whether you want to relax or go kayaking in the Gulf of Mexico.

  • The Siesta Key Beach area recently underwent a $21 million renovation including an esplanade to stroll.
  • Siesta Key Beach
  • Crescent Beach
  • Sarasota Beach
  • Turtle Beach
  • Hundreds of sea turtles return to nest each year at Turtle Beach
  • Best Suited for beach lovers and anyone looking for a relaxing vacation whether families or couples on a romantic getaway.

Things to do in Siesta Key

Siesta Key is small, but there is still plenty to do whether you want to explore the beach and indulge in water sports or enjoy some upscale shopping and dining. Here's a round-up of some of our recommended activities on Siesta Key to curate your own wish-list of what to see and do.

  • Breathtaking beaches - Siesta Key Beach, Crescent Beach, Sarasota Beach and Turtle Beach
  • Smaller beaches for tranquility like Shell Beach
  • Point of Rocks outdoor attraction for fishing, shelling, and viewing birds and marine wildlife
  • Boating
  • Kayaking
  • Fishing
  • SUP boarding
  • Kiteboarding
  • Jet-skiing
  • Biking
  • Parasailing
  • Scuba diving
  • Skimboarding
  • Bodyboarding
  • Eco-Tours
  • Boutique shopping
  • Fine dining and casual restaurants

Explore Siesta Key

Food and Drinks on Siesta Key, Florida

Restaurants

  • Made in Rome Organic Gelato
  • Summer House Steak & Seafood
  • Meaney's Mini Donuts
  • Big Water Fish Market
  • The Cottage
  • Sun Garden Cafe

Where To Find Vacation Rentals In Sanibel Island FL

You're in luck! You can find vacation rentals right here on Florida Rental By Owner (FLARBO)! Our rental listings are 100% managed by the property owner or manager. Ditch the pesky third-party fees and interference - no middle man (Or woman) here!

Do you have questions about Sarasota Florida, or need help planning your trip? Join our Sarasota- Siesta Key Travel Facebook group here



Transportation for Siesta Key

Getting To and Around Siesta Key FL

There are several airport options to choose from when visiting Siesta Key. Choose from low-cost airline carriers or large airlines making flights from major cities in the U.S., Europe, and beyond.

Sarasota - Bradenton International Airport - (SRQ)

Sarasota - Bradenton International Airport is the closest airport to Siesta Key at just 10.4 miles away (16.8 km), or roughly a 30-minute drive by taxi or rental car. 

Airlines: Air Canada, Allegiant, American Airlines, Delta, Elite Airways, Frontier, Jet Blue, Southwest Airlines, Sun Country, and United. Some routes are seasonal.

Car rentals, taxis, limos, public transportation, Uber, and Lyft are available

St. Pete - Clearwater Airport - (PIE)

St. Pete - Clearwater Airport is centrally located between Clearwater and St. Petersburg, and is just under 64 miles (102.9 km) away from Siesta Key. It usually takes an hour and ten minutes to get from the airport to Siesta Key. However, travelers should note this route has a toll. Low-cost airline carriers fly into St. Pete - Clearwater Airport including Allegiant Air, as well as private planes and executive jets for business travelers.

Car rentals, taxis, limos, public transportation, Uber, and Lyft are available

Tampa International Airport - (TPA)

Tampa International Airport is 71 miles (114.2 km) away from Siesta Key. This route includes a toll and usually takes up to 1 hour and 15 minutes to travel. 

Airlines: Alaska Airlines, Air Canada, American Airlines, Breeze Airways, British Airways, Cayman Airways, Copa Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Edelweiss Air, Frontier, Jet Blue, Lufthansa, Silver Airways, Southern Airways Express, Southwest Airlines, Spirit Airlines, Sun Country Airlines (seasonal), Swift Air, United, WestJet

Car rentals, public transit, taxis, limos, Uber, and Lyft are available

Southwest Florida International Airport - Fort Myers - (RSW)

The Southwest Florida International Airport is 89 miles (143 km) from Siesta Key taking 1 hour and 30 minutes.

Airlines: Air Canada, airBerlin, American Airlines, Delta, Frontier, JetBlue, Silver Airways, Spirit, Southwest Airlines, Sun Country, United, and West Jet. 

Public transit, car rental, and taxis, limos, Uber, and Lyft are available.


Transportation on Siesta Key

Although you will need a taxi service or rental car to get from your airport of choice to Siesta Key, there are plenty of nearly-free transportation options once you're on the island. Here's our list of transportation options to and around Siesta Key for a successful vacation.

  • Conscious Cab of Sarasota

If you need a taxi around the key (or off), Conscious Cab of Sarasota is ready to deliver. Book a ride to or from the airport, or get in touch for an excursion off of Siesta Key. Call 941-306-6653 to get in touch whether you're going on a brief journey or long-distance car transportation.

  • Johnny's Original Free Rides

Johnny's was the first company to offer free transportation around Siesta Key with service from Siesta Key Village all the way to Turtle Beach on the opposite end. Rides are free, but you're expected to tip generously. The team offers rides from 10 a.m. to 2 a.m. daily. Call 941-928-9200 for more information or to set up your free ride.

  • Sun Ride Pedi Cab

Sun Ride Pedicab in Siesta Key prides itself on being the only true "eco-friendly" tour and transportation service. Rides around the Key are free, but drivers expect you to tip generously. Call 941-343-3400 to get in touch with Sun Ride Pedicab.

  • Siesta Key Breeze Trolley

Take a charming trolley ride around Siesta Key for free with the Siesta Key Breeze Trolley. You'll get to skip the parking or traffic battle during peak tourist season. Call 941-861-1234 for more information.

  • Siesta Key Free Ride

Siesta Key Free Ride is a 6-seater electric car that operates on tips alone from 10 am until 2 am. Eco-friendly and open-air, these purpose-built carts help keep our beaches safe and clean. Call to reserve your pick-up time: 941-952-8294

  • Siesta Key Frog Hop

You won't miss these brightly colored vehicles. Friendly drivers with local knowledge,  this unique service is also tip-only and requires a call-ahead for pick up or reservations. Running from 9 am until 1 am, they can also be rented ahead for special occasions. 844-376-4467

  • SurfSide Free Rides

Caribbean-themed beach vehicles are happy to service Siesta Key for tips-only. Call ahead to reserve your beach-ready ride! 941-961-8328

Bike Rentals

Riding the Key is a great way to get around and get in your exercise too!

There are several bike shops in the area that rent bicycles by the hour, day or week for reasonable prices. Suggested local shops: Siesta Key Bike & Kayak or Siesta Sports Rentals 



Statistics about Siesta Key

16+ Properties for rent

Prices range from $229.42/night


Weather for Siesta Key

With the fabulous weather patterns year-round, any time of the year is good a time to visit Siesta Key. 

The hottest and the rainiest periods on Siesta Key are from June through August, but the rain is not usually an all-day event.

The coolest months are December through February with daytime highs in the 60's F


FAQs about Siesta Key

Answers to the most frequently asked questions.

Yes, there are many homes and condos that rent on a monthly basis on and near Siesta Key, Florida that are perfect for longer stay guests. Don't forget to search for more options just off the island in nearby culture-rich Sarasota.
Yes, we have a lovely selection of pet-friendly rentals in our Siesta Key inventory of homes. We love our pets, and we are sure you do too! FLARBO.com has many pet-friendly rentals on Siesta Key. You can use our search feature to narrow down our Siesta Key rental properties to show those that are pet-friendly.
Florida Rental By Owners (FLARBO)has a wide variety of vacation rentals in Siesta Key, Florida including condos, cottages, town-homes, duplexes, villas, holiday and private homes. We recommend selecting a property based on your needs such as proximity to beach areas, waterfront docks, parking, wheelchair accessible, nearby attractions, and whether or not the property is pet-friendly or boat-friendly.
Siesta Key is the perfect place to bring your boat or rent one from a local vendor! FLARBO.com (Florida Rental By Owners) has many boat-friendly vacation rentals with docks on Siesta Key. Use our search filters to narrow down our Siesta Key rental properties to show those that are boat-friendly .
You're in luck! You can find vacation rentals by owner right here on Florida Rental By Owner (FLARBO)! Our rental listings are 100% managed by the property owner. Ditch the pesky third-party fees and interference - no middle man (Or woman) here!

Yes! We have several subscription levels to advertise your vacation rental suitable for any budget. Our Book Direct, No Commission Fee Subscription Model suits the majority of short-term rental owners, learn more here.


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