Boating Sarasota Florida
A Michael Saunders Guide to

Siesta Key

Boating Sarasota Florida
Beautiful Beach Sarasota Florida

Known for its brilliant quartz sand and relaxed, beachtown vibe, Siesta Key is an eight mile-long island that’s both easygoing and off-beat, where shopping, resorts, dining, and nightlife offer something for everyone.

Attributes
  • Beachy
  • Laidback
  • Casual
  • Colorful
  • Relaxed
Neighborhoods
  • Gulf and Bay Club
  • Sanderling Club
  • Surf and Racquet
  • Casarina
  • Peppertree
  • Oceane
  • Siesta Towers
  • More...
County
  • Sarasota
01
Overview

Off the coast of Sarasota, Siesta Key is lush with palm trees, bright colors, and unexpected sights. Here, you’ll find world-renowned beaches and a vibrant, eclectic community. Though many people come for the sand and sunshine, the connection to the mainland will give your trip much more than beach days. With Sarasota just over the bridge, you have access to arts and culture and a bustling downtown within a short drive.

What locals say
This is so much more than a beachtown.
03
Lifestyle

Siesta is most well-known for its stretch of powdery white sand that is cool to the touch due to its 99% quartz composition. There are three beaches along the Gulf of Mexico where visitors love to dip their toes in the sand, fly kites in the salty breeze, or stroll along the water’s edge at sunset. For those seeking a true island experience, just below the surface, you’ll find an area rich in culture, recreation, year-round amenities, and a friendly community spirit.

beautiful aerial of sarasota florida
A harmonious network of canals, bayous, Intracoastal waters, and open sea weave their way throughout the island.
trolley in southwest florida
The Village is a walkable stretch of shops, food markets, restaurants, and ice cream joints. After dark, you can enjoy fine dining, live music, or dancing.

Siesta Key as we know it began to take shape in the 1920s when it was promoted nationally as “an ideal spot for winter and summer homes.” As the island built up, it gave rise to a variety of architectural styles from Mediterranean to Key West-style, and mid-century modern. Today, architecture is one of the island’s many attractions as it’s the home to classic examples of the Sarasota School of Architecture.

Siesta Village, known simply as “The Village”, is the heart of the island. You can find everything from luncheonettes to beach bars and live music. Locals love The Beach Club, where live music plays well into the night and friends gather for Monday night karaoke.

restaurant nightlife
There are over fifty restaurants to choose from on Siesta Key – many featuring freshly caught seafood, burgers, pizza, or local craft beer in a tropical-style atmosphere.
Sarasota Florida
The sun seems to move a little slower on these barrier islands, where you will discover a life that's as calm and care-free as the gentle ebb and flow of the tide.

Every Sunday artists, percussionists, dancers, and tourists gather on Siesta Beach at sunset to experience the rhythmic beat of the famous Siesta Key drum circle. As the sky is painted with shades of pink, gold, and purple, you’ll find a mellow atmosphere in front of the Siesta Beach Pavilion.

There is a wealth of outdoor attractions on the island — some well-known, some well-hidden. Point of Rocks is a collection of limestone ledges in the Gulf where snorkelers can spot fish, colorful shells, crabs, and coral. Big Pass is a prominent sandbar where boaters and stand-up paddleboarders gather to enjoy clear, shallow water and a private-island feel. Or walk to Sunset Point Pier where concrete ruins jet into the Gulf and locals gather to watch the sunset or hang seashells and sand dollars as an annual holiday tradition.

You can get off-the-radar on Siesta, too. Catch a free trolley ride to Stickney Point Bridge at the south end of the island to spend time on the less-traveled Turtle Beach.

For an end-of-day treat, Ophelia’s on the Bay is a perfect seafood spot with some of the best sunset views on the island.

04
Offices

Let’s talk local.

Our agents are local insiders. Connect with us, we'd love to share our knowledge with you.

Siesta Key - Michael Saunders & Company
Siesta Key

941.349.3444

Siesta Key - Michael Saunders & Company