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All things Siesta Key. Stories, news, and event information about Sarasota, Florida's beautiful beach.
Parking Tips, Tricks, & Insider Secrets for Siesta Key Beach
When it comes to parking at the beach, it can feel like such a challenge sometimes, it can almost make a person want to stay home. Almost. But if you know where to go, when to get there, and what to avoid, you may actually find the beach parking process a breeze. Follow these tips provided by the insiders at The Best Western Siesta Key to find the parking you need so you and your crew can enjoy your day at the beach…not in the car circling the parking lot.
Full Parking
Siesta Key has a unique system of access points– places where you can get onto our long stretch of beach. Some have great parking, some have none, but all are unique in their own ways. If you have a carful of kids, toys, towels, umbrellas, and coolers, you probably want to find easy, straight-forward parking where you can stay as long as you like. For this type of situation, you’re going to want the Siesta Key Pavilion. With restrooms, a playground, lifeguards, grilling and picnic pavilions, showers, volleyball courts, and even floating wheelchairs, this area boasts “plenty of parking” as only one of its many amenities. To enjoy easy parking but a more natural, laid-back beach experience, consider Beach Access points 7, 8 or 11. All have decent parking but more protected wildlife and plant life, making for a quiet, picturesque day at the beach.
Partial Parking
Some beaches are worth the questionable parking situation. If you can find a spot, the time spent exploring these stretches of beach is well worth the effort. Access Points 2, 4, and 12 offer limited parking but fantastic views. Parking near Siesta Key Village provides a short walk to access points if parking is unavailable. Access Point 9 has limited parking but offers a scenic look at the Ringling Beach House for a touch of local culture and history as you walk to the beach.
Siesta’s Soft Sand
No Parking
Of course, the least accessible beaches are the most pristine, since they tend to remain relatively untouched. Access Points 1, 3, 5, 10, and 13 have no parking. In some cases, parking can be found nearby (like at Access Points 10 and 13) while others (Access Points 1, 3, and 5) are best reserved for pedestrians, bike riders, and campers (yes, you can camp on some of our beaches!). Due to their untouched nature, several of these beaches are perfect for shell collecting or even snorkeling!
Beach parking can definitely be a headache, but it doesn’t have to be. Plan ahead for what kind of day you hope to enjoy on the beach, then be a little patient as you look for the perfect spot. Observe parking signs and other posted directions to make sure your perfect beach day doesn’t end with a ticket! Of course, when in doubt, just let the professionals at The Best Western Siesta Key call our beach taxi for you. We’ll get you there and back with no parking involved so you have more time to enjoy the day.