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The beaches of Siesta Key, Turtle Beach and Siesta, are refreshingly natural with protected wild sea oats and mangroves providing a protective habitat for the scores of native island birds that share the island, as well as the dolphins, manatees and other aquatic wildlife living just offshore.
Shallow water depth in the near shore areas together with year-round lifeguard protection make them two of the safest beaches in the County. If you want to visit these beaches, you will have to get there early because parking is limited. Beach Amenities include the following:
| - Public restrooms |
- Concession / eating area |
- First aid / medical treatment |
| - Showers w/ handicap ramps |
- Full-time lifeguards |
- Sheltered / unsheltered picnic areas |
| - Gazebo (holds 50 people) |
- Lighted tennis courts |
- Large shelter (holds 100 people) |
| - Sand volleyball courts |
- Children's playground |
- Handicap beach chairs |
 Siesta Key was chosen "Best Overall" in the 1987 International Sand Contest. The world wide competition included entries from throughout the world. Exotic ports like the Grand Bahamas, Barbados and Antigua rivaled for the honored title of number one. The Sand of Siesta Key was judged by David Aubrey, Director of Coastal Research at the renowned Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute in Massachusetts, to be the whitest and finest in texture. The Siesta Key beaches could perhaps be called "The Crystal Beaches", for they are composed of billion upon billions of tiny crystals. The geology department of Harvard University found the sand to be 99% pure quartz. Siesta Key is proud of this world class title, though not surprised, one walk on the sugary soft sands of Siesta Keys' beaches will tell you why.
 Siesta Key is an island of culinary delights! Many of the restaurants specialize in seafood delicacies including lobster, crab, blackened fish, raw oysters, and unique, Gulf Coast seafood dishes.
Siesta Key also offers a wide selection of Italian, American, Oriental and French cuisine to suit the most discerning tastes.
Whether you enjoy formal, candle-lit dinners, ocean side casual, or family-oriented dining, you will find it here, complete with nightclubs hosting music and dancing.
For more information about Siesta Key dining establishments, we encourage you to visit our dining page by clicking here
 Siesta Key boasts many upscale real estate developments and gated maintenance-free condos. Over the past few years, Siesta Key has experienced a strong real estate market with soaring prices. A recent article in the Herald-Tribune referd to "the rising price of real estate as 'white gold'". The scarcity of premium beachfront property is what's driving real estate values upward. Real estate developers and realtors alike believe it won't be long before prices in Siesta Key and Sarasota are as high as Naples and Boca Raton.
Real Estate investors are flocking to Siesta Key to buy condos and luxury waterfront property with views of the Intercoastal Waterway and the Gulf of Mexico. Boaters want to retire here. Baby boomers are picking out properties before they retire. For more information about Siesta Key Real Estate including pricing and available properties, we encourage you to visit our Real Estate page by clicking here
Vacationers of Siesta Key are just minutes from many local attractions and sights. Some of the area's top attractions include the following:
The Ringling Estate
Cą d'Zan, John and Mable Ringling's Venetian Gothic mansion on Sarasota Bay, is one of America's important historic houses. Cą d'Zan-which means "House of John" in Venetian dialect-took two years to complete at a cost of approximately $1,500,000. The house is open for tours daily.
www.ringling.org |
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Mote Marine Laboratory
Mote Marine Laboratory is an independent, non-profit research organization dedicated to excellence in marine science. Public outreach is accomplished through the Mote Aquarium, an educational museum providing marine programs for all levels, from elementary-school children through adults.
www.mote.org |
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Marie Selby Botanical Gardens
The Marie Selby Botanical Gardens is best known for its living collection of more than 6,000 orchids. Selby's 11 bay-front acres are an open-air and under-glass museum of more than 20,000 colorful plants, many collected in the wild on nearly 100 scientific expeditions to tropical rainforests.
www.selby.org |
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Sarasota Jungle Gardens
Stroll peaceful gardens, watch exotic bird and reptile shows, and look at monkeys, flamingos, swans, wallabies, and other animals at Sarasota Jungle Gardens, an area attraction since the 1930's. Located north of downtown Sarasota, the lovely gardens will delight everyone in the family.
www.sarasotajunglegardens.com |
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G.W.I.Z.
The Gulfcoast Wonder and Imagination Zone, is a hands-on science center located in the Blivas Science and Technology Center. GWIZ is a state-of-the-art science and technology center that offers an array of interactive, hands-on exhibits, as well as educational programs for the community.
www.gwiz.org |
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Asolo Theatre
The Asolo Theatre's mission is to present high quality professional theatre for its community. The Asolo, which is not-for-profit, performs primarily in rotating repertory with a resident company to celebrate the actor-artist, to attract regional, national and international audiences.
www.asolo.org |
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| Golf Course Name |
County |
Holes |
Phone Number |
| Bobby Jones Golf Complex |
Sarasota |
45 |
(941) 365-4653 |
| Boca Royale Country Club |
Sarasota |
18 |
(941) 474-7475 |
| Calusa Lakes Golf Club |
Sarasota |
18 |
(941) 484-8995 |
| Capri Isles Golf Club |
Sarasota |
18 |
(941) 922-1312 |
| Foxfire Golf Club |
Sarasota |
18 |
(941) 921-7757 |
| Gulf Gate Golf Course |
Sarasota |
18 |
(941) 921-5515 |
| Heritage Oaks |
Sarasota |
18 |
(941) 926-7600 |
| Jacaranda West Country Club |
Sarasota |
18 |
(941) 493-2664 |
| Legacy Golf Course |
Sarasota |
18 |
(941) 907-7067 |
| The Meadows Country Club |
Sarasota |
54 |
(941) 378-5957 |
| Misty Creek Country Club |
Sarasota |
18 |
(941) 921-5258 |
| Pelican Pointe Golf & Country Club |
Sarasota |
18 |
(941) 496-4653 |
| Plantation Golf & Country Club |
Sarasota |
36 |
(941) 497-1479 |
| Rolling Green Golf Club |
Sarasota |
18 |
(941) 355-7621 |
| Sabal Trace Golf Club |
Sarasota |
18 |
(941) 426-2804 |
| Sarasota Golf Club |
Sarasota |
18 |
(941) 371-2431 |
| Serenoa Golf Club |
Sarasota |
18 |
(941) 925-2755 |
| Stoneybrook Golf & Country Club |
Sarasota |
18 |
(941) 966-1800 |
| Sunrise Golf Club |
Sarasota |
18 |
(941) 924-1402 |
| Tatum Ridge Golf Links |
Sarasota |
18 |
(941) 378-4211 |
| Village Green Golf Club |
Sarasota |
18 |
(941) 922-9500 |
| Waterford Golf Club |
Sarasota |
27 |
(941) 484-6621 |
| Venice Golf & Country Club |
Sarasota |
18 |
(941) 493-3100 |
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Source of Data: Idcide
| St. Petersburg | 42 miles | Jacksonville | 240 miles |
| Tampa | 54 miles | Ocala | 145 miles |
| Fort Myers | 71 miles | Panama City | 378 miles |
| Miami | 216 miles | Pensacola | 479 miles |
| Key West | 345 miles | St. Augustine | 227 miles |
| Daytona Beach | 186 miles | Tallahasee | 285 miles |
| Ft. Lauderdale | 203 miles | West Palm Beach | 188 miles |
| Orlando | 132 miles | | |
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