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All things Siesta Key. Stories, news, and event information about Sarasota, Florida's beautiful beach.
Our Secrets for Beating the Crowds on Your Siesta Key Vacation
Siesta Key is home to one of the best beaches in the country and around the world, with its pristine white quartz sand and inviting warm turquoise water, making it one of the most popular vacation destinations in Florida. Whether you are spending a day at the beach, ready to hit the town for dinner, or sightseeing and enjoying the area’s captivating museums and attractions, there is always a way to avoid the crowds. Here at Best Western Siesta Key, our local team is sharing all the secrets for dodging large seas of people and navigating Siesta Key and Sarasota quickly, easily, and efficiently.
The Best Months to Visit Siesta Key
The most ideal time of year to visit Siesta Key if you want to beat the crowds is September through November. This time of year offers some of the best beach temperatures and is also when the crowds are slim compared to other times of the year. Although, be prepared for a bit of rain as the autumn months fall within Florida’s hurricane season. Starting in December, “snowbirds” flock to Sarasota and Siesta Key to escape the cold temperatures up north. While Florida weather this time of year is lovely, the streets are busier, attractions experience larger crowds, and prices tend to rise. As those who call Sarasota home during the winter tend to head back north as soon as the weather breaks in March, the beaches and restaurants are still bursting with spring breakers and northerners ready to jumpstart their summer.
Ideal Dinner Times
We know it can be hard to leave the beach early enough to get ready for a 4 o’clock dinner, but that might be why this is the best time of day to eat. Another excellent option for avoiding a long wait at your favorite Siesta Key or downtown Sarasota restaurant is to wait a little later in the evening. Eat a small snack after your day of lounging at the beach, and plan to eat dinner around 8 o’clock. Our favorite hack to share with our Siesta Key visitors is to plan ahead and make meal reservations, especially if you have your heart set on dining at a Sarasota hot spot.
Tips for Parking at the Beach
Parking at the beach, whether Siesta Key Beach, Crescent Beach, Turtle Beach, or Lido Key Beach, can be challenging, especially in the afternoon. As the beach fills up and sees its busiest time of day between 11 AM and 5 PM, this is also the time of day when the parking lots will be the most crowded. To find a perfect parking spot, or at least have an easier time locating a place to park your car, we recommend enjoying an earlier beach day and arriving before 10 AM. If you love watching the sunset over the Gulf Coast, which is truly an amazing and brilliant sight, arriving at the beach after 6 PM is best.
Optimal Days to Visit Museums and Attractions
Although it can be common for museums to offer deals and discounted tickets on Mondays, the optimum days to visit museums and attractions are Tuesdays and Wednesdays. The middle of the week gives you a greater chance of missing families, couples, and friends who are enjoying long weekends or juggling kids, school, and work. During your trip to Siesta Key and Sarasota, there are numerous museums and attractions to visit and explore with your family, friends, and significant other. Whether a day trip to Busch Gardens Tampa Bay or the Salvador Dali Museum in St. Pete, or an afternoon adventure to The Ringling Museum & Ca’ d’Zan, Myakka State Park, Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium, or Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, try planning your excursions on Tuesday or Wednesday to avoid the crowds.
Florida’s Gulf Coast is a lovely, vibrant, and fun destination to visit all year round, even during peak season. So, no matter when you plan your getaway to Siesta Key and Sarasota, we are confident that your experience will be relaxing, beautiful, memorable, and fun, especially when you stay with us here at Best Western Siesta Key.