Siesta Key Beach
It wasn’t until the 1900s that Siesta Key Beach was acknowledged for its beauty. Nowadays, this barrier island in Florida attracts hundreds of tourists who come to enjoy the unique white sand and clear, clean water.
Siesta Beach has sand that is comprised of 99% quartz. Stepping on it feels cool and soft. This distinct feature of Siesta Key Beach has earned it several awards over the years. More than three decades ago, the sand was named the finest and whitest in the whole world. In 2004, the Travel Channel named Siesta Key Beach the best sand beach in the USA. Its most recent award was won in 2015 when TripAdvisor called it the number one best US beach.
This barrier island lies off Florida’s southwestern coast. It measures 3.5 square miles and houses around 7,000 residents. The beach is seldom crowded and is a favorite for families and children. The shallow water near the shore paired with lifeguard protection make Siesta Key Beach one of the safest places to enjoy the ocean and get a tan at the same time.
Why Siesta Key Beach?
Not only one of the most beautiful beaches in Florida, but one of the most beautiful in the world, Siesta Key Beach boasts lovely sands and mesmerizing sunsets. However, there are more unique characteristics determining why tourists choose to visit:
- overall good weather year round;
- a wide array of street performances;
- tropical atmosphere with secluded spots;
- wild parrots in the palm trees;
- amazing wildlife including storks, snowy egrets, herons, plovers, and terns;
- exotic flowers;
- experienced sand sculptors visit in May;
- vibrant nightlife.
Siesta Key Beach weather
The best part about this barrier island is that it enjoys the luxury of great weather all year. The average temperature year round is 72 degrees. But when is the best time to visit Siesta Key Beach? The super-hot days only last from June through late September. If you don’t mind intense sun and hot temperatures, visit the beach then for a one of a kind tan.
The other 8 months are milder, still offering plenty of sunshine and warm water. October and November are some of the best months to go to Siesta Key Beach because the temperature is ideal. With a maximum of 81-86 degrees and a minimum of 61-68 degrees, you can enjoy beach activities without worrying about getting too hot.
If you don’t mind witnessing a thunderstorm, visit in the summer months. Thunderstorms are a frequent sight from June to November. This period is also known as the rainy season. High heat and humidity are the main characteristics of days with thunderstorms.
Siesta Key Beaches
Renowned for its magnificent sunsets and powdery white sands, Siesta Key offers tourists three beaches to choose from. Siesta Public Beach is wide and perfect for family picnics. Located in the middle of the island, Siesta Public Beach has trees, restrooms, and grills that make it ideal for all tourists. Siesta Villages is just a short walk away.
Turtle Beach is on Siesta Key’s southern end. The ample beach has coarser sand and it drops off abruptly. This makes it ideal for shelling and snorkeling. However, Turtle Beach does not have lifeguards, which is why families with small children might prefer the Public Beach instead. Otherwise, this beach has all the needed amenities, despite being quite secluded. Tourists can enjoy playing volleyball or horseshoe.
Palmer Point Beach extends from Siesta key’s southern tips to Casey Key’s northern end. Secluded and quiet, Palmer Point beachgoers won’t benefit from lifeguards or restrooms. The recent restoration project cleared out the unappealing vegetation and made the area more welcoming for tourists.
Siesta Key Beach activities and events
The beautiful weather and the gorgeous sand should be enough to keep you entertained for days. However, if you want to do more than just relax all day long, there are plenty of outdoor and indoor activities to choose from in Siesta Key Beach.
Both children and adults will enjoy these types of activities that are entertaining and fun:
- marine laboratory;
- aquarium;
- botanical gardens;
- guided tours of caves and lagoons.
Boaters can have a great time exploring the canals that extend for 50 miles. Other free outdoor activities include nature walks, wildlife and bird watching, hiking, picnicking, beach volleyball, and watching street performers.
Siesta Key Beach has no shortage of events either. Each year in November it hosts an International Sand Contest. Both tourists and locals are invited to make sand sculptures and sand castles and compete for the first prize. The Drum Circle of Siesta Key performs in Siesta Villages every Sunday night. The Siesta Key Craft Fair takes place every February on Ocean Boulevard. Starting in November, visitors can admire the decorations and holiday lights throughout Siesta Key Village.
The Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce also organizes an Easter egg hunt that takes place each year, several boating festivals, classic car cruises, and a tarpon tournament.
Attractions near Siesta Key Beach
Although Siesta Key beach offers plenty of attractions and activities on its own, some tourists might want to explore other nearby places as well. Sarasota can easily be reached by boat or ferry ride. The place boasts a wide range of historic and cultural attractions. Visitors who are passionate about natural history and the region’s heritage will benefit from a trip to Saratosa. Home to various art galleries, an Asian art museum, and an opera house, in Saratosa you can also visit the planetarium, state parks, and aquariums.
Accommodation in Siesta Key Beach
Siesta Key can be visited year round, which means it’s easy to find accommodation whenever you decide to visit. Hotels and apartments for rent in Siesta Key can be booked for short or long term stays.
Whether you are visiting for the weekend or you plan to stay an entire month, you can take your pick from dozens of condos and two-bedroom units. From luxury rooms to budget friendly cottages, Siesta Key Beach visitors can book a place on individual websites or using Airbnb. Most discounts pop up during summertime when the days are hotter and the chance of rain increases.
