Best of Land & Sea: Activities on Siesta Key & Sarasota

Posted by Best Western Siesta Key onOctober 28, 2019 in Events, Things To Do.

What to Do on Siesta Key

There’s something for everyone on Siesta Key, no matter what time of year or how you enjoy spending time. There are seasonal events, which we keep updated on our Siesta Key events calendar, but our favorite activities year-round on the Key will keep you moving and grooving the whole time you’re here. Get out on the water with Captain Kasay at Coastline Excursions or shop ‘til you drop along Ocean Boulevard. Go fast, go slow, start early, stay up late- whatever works for you. Once you arrive at the Best Western Siesta Key, you’re on island time now, and it’s time to soak it all in!

 

Breakfast in Sarasota

Before you head out for a round of golf, a shopping trip, or hit the beach, you’ll want to grab a bite. If you stop by The Toasted Mango, you might even pick up a bit of local color, as well! Located on Midnight Pass Road just south of Stickney Point Road in the Crescent Plaza, The Toasted Mango is the place to go for breakfast when you’re looking for quality service with a smile. Clean and friendly, this cheery atmosphere will warm your heart and fill your belly at the same time. With a peek at the Gulf of Mexico as you dine, a dog-friendly outdoor seating area, and yummy cocktails that accentuate the warm Gulf breezes, we’ll be happy to see you and let you experience a little bit of friendly local hospitality at reasonable prices.

 

Shop Til You Drop

If shopping is your thing, you’ll love the variety you find on the Key. From local souvenir T-shirts to beach brands and flowy tropical attire, there’s something for everyone. Here are a few of our favorites:

Fin Island Company: Located over the South Bridge to Siesta Key and underneath the two-story Daquiri Deck, Fin Island Company has resort-style surf brands from Roxy, RVCA, Quiksilver and Vissla to OluKai Shoes, Rainbow Sandals and Ray-Ban as well as Costa Sunglasses. We also offer a wide variety of stylish Siesta Key T-Shirts for the whole family and have Jet Ski Rentals and Parasail Trips that leave right from Siesta Key. Stop in and see why we are your local go-to store for all things surf and sun! Contact us at 941-349-3600 or visit our Instagram Page @FinIslandCo for special deals and offers.

 

CB’s Saltwater Outfitters and Boat Rentals: Located just over the South Bridge to Siesta Key, CB’s is the largest on-the-water Orvis Endorsed Outfitter and Bait & Tackle Shop in Sarasota on Siesta Key. We offer Boat Rentals, Fishing Charters, Fishing Tackle, Jet Ski Rentals, Parasail Trips, and we carry the leading name brands in outdoor sportswear for men and women, such as Patagonia, Royal Robbins and Columbia, plus Siesta Key T-Shirts for the whole family. Bring the family and stop by to see why CB’s on Siesta Key has become one of Sarasota’s must-see landmarks since 1959, and a leader in the sportfishing community. Contact us to reserve your Boat Rental today at 941-349-4400 or check out our Website and Social Media for special boat rental and clothing deals! Check out our Instagram Page: @cbsoutfitters

 

Get on the Water

If there’s one thing we have in abundance in Florida, it’s water. Swim it, fish it, paddle it, boat it… however you do it, you’re going to want to spend a little time near it. With warm, sparkling, clear, calm waters, opportunities to snorkel, paddleboard, kayak, boat, and fish are everywhere. To get in on the water sports and activities, check out some of our favorite vendors:

 

Siesta Key Jet Ski Rentals and Tours: With no previous experience necessary, you can experience the wind in your hair, the warm Florida sun on your face, and the refreshing spray of salty Gulf water dancing on your skin as you speed through the waves. Rentals can last up to four hours- plenty of time to stop and watch egrets, osprey, and pelicans dive for fish, or stop to sun on one of the many sandbars. Swim in our warm Gulf waters or collect a few shells before heading back. Fast or slow, old or young, morning or eve

ning, everyone can enjoy Siesta Key on a jet ski, which seats 1-3 people. Located over the South Bridge next to the new Daiquiri Deck. 1250 Stickney Point Rd, Siesta Key.  941 346 3000

 

Suncoast Fishing Adventures: Off-shore fishing with an experienced captain is a must-try when visiting Florida’s Gulf Coast! Even if you’ve never caught a fish in your life, picture yourself reeling in one of Florida’s exotic local fish. Try Florida’s favorite sport and experience the thrill of being on the water, making a catch, and reeling it in! Bring the whole family or enjoy a sunset cruise or eco-tour.

Keys Huka Dive: No Experience Needed! Even without SCUBA certification, you can experience Florida in a unique and natural way: underwater. Keys Huka Dive uses a surface float for air supply, meaning you can enjoy the underwater reefs from a fish’s eye view. Keys Huka Dive also offers snorkeling excursions and provides all the equipment necessary to enjoy Florida’s better half- the underwater world.

 

Coastline Excursions: Explore the warm, tropical waters of Siesta Key, Anna Maria Island, and Egmont Key with this hands-on underwater experience with local Florida marine life. From underwater ruins to gorgeous Florida sunsets, you’ll get to soak in the sun and sights as you tour the coastline and experience Florida at its finest- on the water!

 

Sarasota Paddleboard Company: For a slower pace that allows you to fully absorb the natural beauty of Florida’s coastline, rent a stand-up paddleboard (it’s not as hard as it looks!) or a kayak to explore. Breathe in the fresh salty air and enjoy a little exercise as you glide through the exotic mangrove tunnels. This is Florida like you’ve never seen and an experience you’ll never forget!

 

Stay on Land

If landside is more your style, we’ve got you covered! Florida is home to some of the most pristine, majestic golf courses around. Amateur or professional, beginner, or life-long lover of the game, you’ll enjoy the beautiful surroundings and challenging courses while soaking in the Florida sunshine. While we don’t have any golf courses on the Key, here are some of the closest ones in Sarasota:

Bobby Jones Golf Club: Located a short drive from Siesta Key on Circus Blvd, the Bobby Jones Golf Club is a legendary staple in the Sarasota community. Named for legendary golfer Robert Tyre Jones, Jr, this course was also personally dedicated by him in 1927. Experience the natural beauty and gorgeous landscape that makes Florida famous when you spend a morning golfing one of our pristine courses.

Sarasota National Golf Course: Experience the challenge at any level on our championship golf course. Our beautiful setting is an Audubon International Certified Signature Sanctuary, providing a dramatic backdrop from any angle at any hole. Surrounded by natural wetlands and preserves, you’ll experience the full effect of Florida sunshine and tropical surroundings.

 

To get around the Key and experience the natural side of Florida, check out Ride and Paddle by Siesta Sports Rentals. Explore Florida the way you were meant to- outdoors, with the sun on your face and the wind in your hair. Ride and Paddle will deliver your rental equipment right to your hotel and pick it all up when you’re finished! Rent bicycles, scooters, or kayaks to enjoy as much of Siesta Key as you can cover in your time here. See the local wildlife, experience island breezes, and feel the sunshine warming your entire body as you make your way around in the open air.

 

Whatever You Do, Don’t Miss The Sunset!

Florida sunsets are extraordinary, almost every evening. All you have to do is be outside, preferably on the beach, a few minutes ahead of time for this dazzling show. And, if you’re really lucky, you might even see a little something extra:

Green Flash Sunset: This amazing phenomenon will be the crowning moment of your days here in Florida. Sometimes, when conditions are right, and you’re in exactly the right setting, you can see a green flash of light for just a few seconds as the sun melts into the horizon. The moment is brief and not guaranteed, so you have to be watching for it! While there are plenty of sound scientific explanations for this trick of the light, we consider it one of the more magical elements to life on Florida’s Gulf Coast.

End Your Day With A Bang

Once you’ve had your day in the sun, watched an amazing sunset, and grabbed a delicious dinner, dance the night away at one of the area’s hottest nightclubs. Here are a few that keep us coming back time and time again:

The Beach Club: Located on Ocean Blvd, The Beach Club is the place to experience Siesta Key nightlife at its best. With regular live music and plenty of frosty beverages, you’ll cap off the night swinging to the best beats around.

The Gator Club: Head into Sarasota’s Main Street to enjoy The Gator Club, a vintage-themed venue with tons of character. Live music downstairs and a DJ upstairs provide ample sound bites, and the atmosphere is one to enjoy all night long.

 

When you come to Siesta Key, you enter a paradise all your own. The natural beauty and warmth of the area has so much to offer; you can truly make the experience unique to you. Book your stay at the Best Western Siesta Key and let us help you take an adventure on the best beach in America! Enjoy everything Siesta Key has to offer. But be careful- once you get here, you may not want to leave!