Siesta Key Area Information

Gorgeous world renowned beaches, enticing shops, restaurants, and dazzling arts and entertainment: come find why Siesta Key and Sarasota are the perfect setting for your stay in paradise, whether you want to do it all… or nothing at all!

Siesta Key Beach

Siesta Key is rated as one of the top beaches in the world and #1 beach in the US by TripAdvisor and it’s not hard to see why. Gentle surf that stays warm year round is coupled with the very special quartz sand that is amazingly soft and cool to the touch. It’s perfect for a romantic barefoot stroll or a friendly sand castle building competition. Fill your day with adventure and fun as you explore the many activities like snorkeling in the unique underwater rock formations, kayaking, or parasailing just to name a few possibilities. You can also rent a Jet Ski, boat, or Segway. Or simply lay back and take in the stunning natural beauty while lounging under the shade of a beach umbrella provided by our hotel’s friendly beach service. Be sure to stay and watch the drama unfold as the sun sets behind the azure blue waters and paints the sky in rosy hues of gold and magenta and violet. If you’re lucky you may even spy the green flash as the last sliver of sun slips below the gulf waters!

Sarasota

Sarasota residents have perfected the art of blending the finer things in life with a casual beach lifestyle. Stylishly sophisticated, yet charmingly laid back, you’ll find much more to Sarasota than her beautiful coastline…

Arts and Entertainment

This quaint seaside town can boast the arts, culture, and entertainment venues that you’d usually only find in a large city. Glean some inspiration from a tour of The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art or some of the dozens of art galleries you can find throughout town. Sit back and take in a performance at the Sarasota Opera House, the Sarasota Orchestra, or the Sarasota Ballet. Sarasota is also home to the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall where you can see some of the best in live entertainment. Theater lovers will find plenty of choices like the Asolo Theater, The Florida Studio Theater, and The Players Theater just to name a few. For a few laughs check out McCurdy’s Comedy Club. Simply want to see a movie? Head to one of our movie theaters or for something a little different see foreign and independent films at Burns Court Cinema.

Shopping

From chic boutique shops to national name brands and everything in between, Sarasota is the place for those of us who love to shop. Two Westfield Shopping Malls and numerous shopping centers in town provide patrons with large department stores like Macys, household names like Gap, Banana Republic or Old Navy, and upscale indulgences like Coach and Saks Fifth Avenue. You can find the perfect souvenir in one of Siesta Key Village’s unique shops and get a bite at one of the many casual eateries where flip flops are always welcome. Stroll the tree lined streets of Downtown Sarasota brimming with art galleries, boutiques, restaurants and specialty shops. For a uniquely Sarasotan shopping experience head out to swanky St Armand’s Circle for the excellent shopping, dining, and people watching.

Dining

Whether you’re hungry for tasty casual fare overlooking the water, or you crave the excitement of chef created dishes in intimate dining rooms with a view, Siesta Key’s restaurant scene has something to satisfy any palate. There are dining options located conveniently within an easy walk from the resort. There are even more options on the key in Siesta Key Village or a short drive onto the mainland. There are familiar favorites like Carraba’s and Red Lobster; local hang outs like Blasé Café, Mattison’s, or Selva Grille; and of course plenty of great sea food. International, casual, or fine dining; our friendly staff will happily assist you with restaurant recommendations for any taste or budget.

Night Life

After the sun goes down the night heats up. Sip on cocktails, listen to live music, and dance the night away at one of the many night time hotspots. Take a short stroll to find restaurants bars and nightclubs that are easily accessible on foot right down the road from your room. Further down the key you’ll find even more excitement in the Siesta Key Village where beachside nightclubs and bars like Gilligan’s, The Beach Club, and The Daiquiri Deck keep the party going through the night. In downtown Sarasota you can visit established local favorites like the Gator Club, show off your tan at Surfside Sally’s, or visit the sleek and sophisticated Ivory Lounge.

Golf

Florida is known as a golfer’s mecca and Sarasota is emerging as one of the Country’s top golf destinations. You can challenge yourself at the Arnold Palmer designed Legacy at Lakewood Ranch or enjoy the beauty of Sarasota’s woodlands while playing The Groves at The Meadows or Tatum Ridge Golf Links. Play 27 holes while overlooking Sarasota Bay at the Longboat Key Club or gaze at tree lined fairways nestled amongst Florida’s wilderness at Oak Ford Golf Club. With over 100 courses in the area to choose from you can find the perfect fit for your skill level and budget.

Family Activities

Bringing the kids along and looking for an alternative to a day at the beach? We’ve got you covered. Check out the arcade and indoor playground at Coconuts Family Entertainment Center. Discover The Children’s Garden where your little ones and their imaginations can run wild in a whimsical garden playground. Find out how much fun history can be at one of our historical attractions like the settlement at Spanish Pointe, the Sarasota Classic Car Museum, or the Circus Museum. Get hands on with science at G-Wiz. We also have a variety of movie theaters, bowling alleys, and parks. The Circus culture has been a big part of the town’s history and is still going strong here. For some fantastic shows check out Circus Sarasota; or our amazing youth Circus, dubbed “The Greatest ‘Little’ Show on Earth”.

Nature

Nature Lovers can marvel at attractions like the Marie Selby Botanical Gardens or one of our State Parks like Myakka River and Oscar Scherer, not to mention the many beaches and parks that lining the coast and throughout town. Mote Marine Aquarium, Sarasota Jungle Gardens, or the Big Cat Habitat can entertain and inform animal lovers of all ages.

Day Trips

If you are eager to explore, you’ll find that a day trip to the Tampa (approx. 1 to 1.5 hrs) and Orlando Areas (approx. 2 to 2.5 hrs); famous for their family friendly parks, museums, and historic sites, is well worth the drive.