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All things Siesta Key. Stories, news, and event information about Sarasota, Florida's beautiful beach.
Five Secrets and Legends of Siesta Key
Every unique vacation destination has a signature tale, like the witch trials in Salem, MA, or the country music capital of the world in Nashville, TN. Siesta Key, FL is a world-renowned beach, has been voted number one in America, and is known for its white quartz sand and serene turquoise waters. However, the experts here at Best Western Siesta Key know there is much more to this Gulf Coast Island than powdery sand, calm surf, and blue-sky sunny days. From shipwrecks and pirates to Native American blessings and celebrity homes, Siesta Key is a treasure trove of secrets, legends, and unbelievable facts. Here’s a small glimpse into the wonder of Siesta Key.
Siesta Key Has Seen Many Historic Shipwrecks
Among the brilliant reefs located off the coast of Siesta Key, you might be able to spy some ruins from noteworthy shipwrecks, including the Charta, the Antonio Ensenat, and the Bay Ronto. In 1943 a bow-to-bow collision between the Charta and the Antonio Ensenat resulted in the sinking of the Antonio Ensenat within ten minutes, losing 300 barrels of Cuban rum. The Bay Ronto, a 1905 British freighter, was sunk by a hurricane in 1919. It has since settled upside down beneath 110 feet of water and provides an ideal spot for expert divers and spearfishers.
Buried Treasure Lies Below Point of Rocks on Crescent Beach
On the south end of Crescent Beach on Siesta Key is a remarkable rock formation called Point of Rocks. This magnificent snorkeling destination is home to colorful fish, picturesque reefs, and, according to some resources, buried treasure. Legends have named Point of Rocks as a primary hiding spot for pirates’ treasure that was plundered and looted from ships and vessels that made their way through the waters near Siesta Key. Numerous treasure maps and stories have led treasure hunters to Point of Rocks in search of bags of gold dust hidden in a hole beneath the formation.
Stephen King’s Sarasota Home Can Only Be Seen by Birds
One of Sarasota’s famous residents, American author Stephen King, often visits his home on the northern tip of Casey Key, located about 12 miles south of Siesta Key. Although a glorious 6,817 sq-ft estate, King’s home is only visible by the seagulls and birds that fly above due to the many trees, foliage, and privacy measures in place. His novel Duma Key was inspired by the island and greatly represents his love for the Sarasota area, referencing the beaches as perhaps “the most beautiful place in the world.”
Siesta Key Is Said to Have Been Blessed by Native Americans
Florida is susceptible to storms and hurricanes. However, the last time a hurricane directly hit siesta Key was in the 1800s. While the island has experienced the damaging effects of storms, legend says that the Native Americans who once called Siesta Key home blessed the island to keep it safe and protected from hurricanes. Whether this tale is accurate is heavily debated among locals and historians.
The White Sand on Siesta Key Has Magic Powers
Additional theories have also surfaced to explain the lack of hurricanes on Siesta Key. One such “myth” is that Siesta Key’s white quartz sand possesses magical powers. What we know for sure is that the white powdery, sugary, soft, cool sand is 99% quartz, and even on the hottest, balmiest days of August, this sand still feels cool to walk over. Many yogis and spiritual believers also claim that they can feel the healing powers of the white sand as it’s a natural conductor of energy. Could it also be that the legendary lost city of Atlantis resides nearby and is helping to charge the quartz? Whether it’s scientific evidence pointing to these energetic powers or the powers of Atlantis, many Siesta Key visitors undoubtedly enjoy inner peace and feelings of inspiration as they walk over and rest on the sand.
If you are in search of adventure, wonder, magic, or peace and quiet, Siesta Key is the perfect getaway. There is so much to do and explore, as well as endless places to find calm, inspiration, and warmth on this slice of heaven along the Gulf of Mexico. Your friends here at Best Western Siesta Key are eager to welcome you and share more insights into the surrounding area.