Overview
Siesta Key is a barrier island in Southwest Florida, and has one of the most beautiful beaches in North America and possibly the world. The beach is a fine white powder that is never too hot to enjoy a walk. Calm Gulf waters are typically warmer than the Atlantic coast. It is a short distance west of Sarasota.
2 sights · 1 things to do · 3 places to eat · 3 places to stay
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Best things about Siesta Key
Siesta Beach
Rated the best beach in the U.S. in 2017 and 2020.
Crescent Beach
Turtle Beach Park
Beaches and kayaking activities. Search the shoreline for cool seashells and shark teeth!
Plan your trip
Best time to visit & weather
Most comfortable: Oct–May. Summer highs reach about 92°F; winter lows dip to about 52°F. Very hot (Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep) — plan outdoor time for mornings. Wettest: Aug and Jul. (climate data from nearby Sarasota)
Blue bars: average daily high and low (°F). Purple columns: average monthly rain and melted snow (inches).
Getting there
- From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
- SRQ Sarasota Bradenton International Airport, Sarasota/Bradenton — 6 mi away (major hub). Directions
- PIE St. Petersburg Clearwater International Airport, Pinellas Park — 43 mi away (major hub). Directions
The northern entrance is Siesta Dr, which connects from US-41 on the mainland (Sarasota). At the junction with Higel Ave, take a left. When Higel Ave intersects with Midnight Pass Rd, a left turn bypasses the downtown, while a right turn from Higel Ave onto Ocean Blvd a block later goes to the downtown.
Full “Get in” guide ↓Budget & where to stay
No prices are listed for this place yet. See the Sleep guide ↓ for options.
Sample 1-day itinerary
Day 1
- Morning Siesta Beach, Crescent Beach
- Lunch Gilligan's Island Bar
- Afternoon Turtle Beach Park
- Dinner Siesta Key Oyster Bar
Stops are grouped by area so each day needs little backtracking. Check opening hours before you go.
Food for you
Cuisine (tap to filter)
What to ask about, for your diet
Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder
Map
Every listing with a location. Tap a pin for its Google Maps link.
Get in
By car
The northern entrance is Siesta Dr, which connects from US-41 on the mainland (Sarasota). At the junction with Higel Ave, take a left. When Higel Ave intersects with Midnight Pass Rd, a left turn bypasses the downtown, while a right turn from Higel Ave onto Ocean Blvd a block later goes to the downtown.
The "southern," or eastern entrance to the park is via Stickney Point Rd (FL-72). This road intersects US-41 on the south side of Sarasota.
There is no road to Siesta Key from Ben Franklin Rd; to go to Longboat Key, it is necessary to drive a route via the mainland. There is also no highway connecting to Siesta Key from the south (Palmer Point Park).
See
There are a number of public beach access locations including Avenida Messina (#2), Columbus Blvd (#3), Avenida Navarra (#4), Ocean Blvd (#5) Calle de Siesta (#7), and Plaza Des Las Palmas (#'s 8 and 9).
Do
The best beaches in Florida! You must stick your toes in the sand to truly get the full benefit of this beach! It's like walking on a beach full of talcum powder, completely cool to the touch. It's a great time for families of all ages!
Eat
Sleep
Stay Turtle Beach Resort and Inn
Turtle Beach Resort offers 2 properties, both waterfront: The Resort sits on Sarasota Bay and The Inn sits on the lagoon overlooking Turtle Beach that boasts the best sunsets on the island. Each cottage has a private patio with private hot tub, hammock, and kitchenettes. Guests have access to kayaks, canoes, bicycles, fishing gear, 2 heated pools and guest laundry. There are 3 restaurants in walking distance from the hotel and they are pet and boater friendly with easy access docks located at mile marker #48 on the intracoastal waterway.
Go next
Nearby
Sarasota
City / town · 55 listings · 3 mi away
Longboat Key
City / town · 8 listings · 8 mi away
Bradenton
City / town · 9 listings · 13 mi away
Palmetto
City / town · 6 listings · 15 mi away
Venice
City / town · 8 listings · 16 mi away
Anna Maria Island
City / town · 13 listings · 18 mi away
Englewood
City / town · 8 listings · 26 mi away
Ruskin
City / town · 3 listings · 29 mi away
My experience
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