Siesta Key Beaches
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This article is connected to Robin's profile. Even on the hottest days, the sand is so reflective that it feels cool underfoot. Approximately 20 parking spaces. USA Today Readers Choice Top Beaches in Florida.
A survey of 700 residents conducted last year by the Siesta Key Association found 70 percent support paid parking on the key and the Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce has endorsed the idea, as long as there is a method for key residents to continue to receive free parking, such as with resident decals. Some of the shelters can accommodate large groups and can be reserved in advance.
Siesta Key Beach Park - More than 3,000 feet of pristine white sand, concession and gift shop, restrooms, picnic tables and a pool.
Authentic Florida provides tips for beaches, restaurants and accommodations while visiting Siesta Key, a southwest Florida barrier island off the coast of Sarasota, renown for its white powdery quartz sand. The sugary white powder sand, the calm and temperate Gulf of Mexico and gentle breezes ruffling through nearby palm fronds will certainly soothe the savage beast, and even the stressed vacationer in search of island relaxation. Gulls swoop, pelicans glide and sandpipers play tag with each wave. A Siesta Key sunset Fortunate to be born and raised on Siesta Key, I actually have some knowledge of the area and have been forever spoiled by the contrast of the white sand, turquoise Gulf of Mexico and pink-tangerine sunsets. My bohemian parents loved the beach and cherished island living. They sought views of the Gulf of Mexico and found that by renting small cottages near the beach they could afford to have the view every day. Family time for us was not traveling to a theme park, or even going to the mainland; it was a walk on the beach followed by a swim in the Gulf. No complaints from this Florida gal. Siesta Key sandman As a child, I roamed every inch of the key and have always enjoyed my home from an authentic perspective. But is it possible to find authentic Siesta Key, now home to mega mansions, beach condos and auspicious wealth? My answer is: Know where to go. Enjoying authentic Siesta Key would include a departure from the standard high-rise condominium, leaving behind the fast food or not so good food meal, and passing by the parking at crowded beach lots. First, some geographical perspective, the eight-mile long island is connected to the mainland by two drawbridges, on the north end and one mid-island. The north bridge connects you to downtown Sarasota, while the south bridge will connect you to south Sarasota and Venice. Near the north end is Siesta Village, a quaint area with restaurants, bars and shops. To the south end is Siesta Village South, a slightly smaller version of the north end village. The Beaches Siesta Key Public Beach The Siesta Key Public Beach is popular if you don't mind the parking and crowds. Early morning is the key to secure your space. There are plenty of amenities beach volleyball, picnic areas including a beach pavilion. Siesta Key beach There are 13 public accesses to Siesta Beach, some with limited parking, but again, the early bird gets the parking. I also like the beach off the Terrace or Access 5 , at the south end of Siesta Village or any of the accesses 2-10 heading south towards the public beach. Most have nice wide beaches and are perfect for a sunset view. Siesta Key Crescent Beach Because of its shape, the portion of the beach to the south of the main parking lot is called Crescent Beach — it's an enjoyable 2-mile stroll from the public beach. As you reach the end of the actual beach, a sea wall will stop your stroll, but I recommend climbing around the seawall and walking along Point of Rocks, a collection of old, flattened boulders that have little tidal pools carved out from the waves. Just be careful, the wet areas can be slippery. Siesta Key Turtle Beach At the far south end of the Key is Turtle Beach - also a favorite. There are nearby facilities and a nice lagoon on the bay side where you can launch a boat, kayak or paddleboard. Manatees are often spotted in the canal. A nearby preserve in and around the mangroves is excellent for kayaking, especially on full moon evenings. Several outfitters on the island can supply kayaks, bikes and beach toys. Here are a few: South Siesta Key — Don't let the name fool you. This is an older, low-rise motel with apartments directly on the beach located near Point of Rocks at the south end of Crescent Beach. I have stayed there many times and have always enjoyed it. Most are within walking distance of the beach. It resembles a 1960s postcard but is well kept and lovely. Small and popular so reservations are a must especially during the winter season. North Siesta Key — this is a collection of homes that have been purchased within the same neighborhood, but well designed to look like a resort. The accommodations are classically restored and within walking distance to Siesta Village and the beach. Walking distance to the Village. Here are a few that stand out for me: My favorite place for seafood the authentic Florida food is off the island, called you can buy it fresh too located on the Tamiami Trail U. For purchasing fresh fish or a casual lunch, try the on the south end of Siesta Key. My favorite Siesta Key restaurant for a grouper sandwich, a Gulf coast favorite, is , on the north end of Siesta Village. Siesta Key Village Personally, my favorite restaurant for Key Lime Pie, is in Siesta Village, but Key Lime Pie is a dessert staple around here and you could have so much fun trying and comparing the many offerings. If you want to take a picnic lunch to the beach, try on the south end. For fine dining, try , both for the food and especially the view, located on the south end. You can eat outdoors. And if you need to look good for that dinner, try the. Once the winter home for the Ringling Brothers Barnum and Bailey Circus, many circus stars made Sarasota their home. And two circuses — Sarasota Sailor Circus and Circus Sarasota keep the circus heritage alive. Circus Sarasota To receive Authentic Florida's free ENEWs, featuring travel and living updates, delivered weekly, sign up on the home page:. About the Author: Robin Draper is a Florida native and blogger devoted to the simple and delightful pleasures for Florida living. This article is connected to Robin's profile.
There is also an amateur sand castle contest the second weekend in May. Pete Beach all charge a wide array of different hourly, daily and annual fees. Easy handicap accessibility for pedestrians and users of wheelchairs, strollers, and beach carts via the 450-foot Mobi-Mat pathway, which extends across the sand from the concession pavilion towards the Gulf of Mexico. The commission will hold a special workshop sometime this year to discuss implementing paid parking at Siesta Key beaches, a move county officials believe would encourage carpooling to unclog roads and free up parking at the crowded tourist destination. Please use them to transport disabled people and return it so someone else can use it. They are contiguous sections of a 100- acre property that interacts with four bodies of water; The Gulf of Mexico, Big Pass, Sarasota Bay and Brushy Bayou. If the beach parking lot is full, is there anywhere to pay to park.
