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The Best Ways to Ring in the New Year in Siesta Key and Downtown Sarasota

Posted by Best Western Siesta Key onDecember 20, 2022 in General.

While the holiday season in Siesta Key is exciting, festive, relaxing, and simply wonderful, celebrating the New Year on Florida’s Gulf Coast is also magical. With fireworks, rooftop soirees, and soaking up the sun on one of the best beaches in the world, we cannot think of a better way to kick off the New Year. To help organize your plans for New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day, our local experts at Best Western Siesta Key share some of the best ways to start making great memories in 2023 right here in Sarasota.

Downtown Sarasota’s Annual Pineapple Drop

An annual tradition in Sarasota is the pineapple drop downtown on Main Street. Like New York City’s Ball Drop, a giant glowing pineapple is dropped in the heart of downtown as the clock strikes midnight. This tradition comes from the welcoming symbolism of pineapples; you can even spot pineapple light fixtures on buildings near Main Street. As this event is marked by a family-friendly carnival that consists of rides, live music, events, games, food, and beer until 1:00 am, many local restaurants and businesses offer a variety of New Year’s deals all day and evening. Learn more about Sarasota’s annual New Year’s Eve tradition, including day and night happenings, its history, and parking advice for attendees, here.

The Waterfront Fireworks at Marina Jack Restaurant

One of the best places to view Sarasota’s NYE fireworks is from the water at Marina Jack. Marina Jack is a popular marina near Downtown Sarasota offering a beautiful waterfront view and several boat cruise options, like LeBarge, which is known for celebratory cruises with food, music, and drinks. Take a stroll along Bayfront Park and admire the glow of fireworks over Sarasota Bay. You also can drop into O’Leary’s Tiki Bar and Grill for a late-night snack and adult beverages.

Brilliant Fireworks on Siesta Key Beach

If you want to avoid the parking nightmare and crowds of downtown Sarasota, there are still plenty of ways to celebrate New Year’s Eve on Siesta Key. If you make your way to the northern end of Siesta key, you may be able to see the grand firework display in downtown Sarasota; however, no matter where you go, you will surely be able to see “unofficial” fireworks brightening the sky! Alternatively, Siesta Key restaurants like the Daquiri Deck and Siesta Key Oyster Bar host their own New Year’s Eve celebrations with live music and deals.

New Year’s Day Brunch

After a long night of celebrations and partying on Siesta Key, it can be hard to start your New Year’s Day. Luckily, Sarasota is in no shortage of delicious and enticing brunch spots. With numerous great places to grab a bite on a lovely Siesta Key morning, you can enjoy some incredible comfort foods of all varieties as well as healthy and accommodating options that still make the mouth water. Whether you’re gearing up on New Year’s Eve or moving slowly on New Year’s Day, there’s no better way to start your holiday than with a Siesta Key breakfast or brunch! Check out some of our favorites here.

Enjoy a Florida Hike

If you are looking for a beautiful and invigorating way to start the New Year, there is an excellent selection of hiking trails to get the blood flowing and experience the beauty of Sarasota this New Year’s Day! Sarasota has some nice 1-mile hikes to stretch your legs, such as the Celery Fields loop and the Ted Sperling Nature trail. There are also some beautiful 2–4-mile hikes to get the blood pumping and connect with nature a little longer. These include the famous Ringling Estate Loop and the beautiful and bustling Nathan Benderson Park. If you’re looking for a solid day of hiking and to get a jump on your New Year’s resolutions, there are some fantastic 5+ mile hikes, including Myakka River State Park. For more tips and information on hiking in Sarasota, check out our nature trail roundup and celebrate a new year and a new you.

Siesta Key and Sarasota have a wide variety of activities for celebrating New Year’s Eve and ringing in 2023 with style and excitement. No matter how you choose to honor the new year, we have no doubt you will leave with fond memories. After enjoying your holiday, however you prefer, we will be waiting to welcome you back for a good night’s sleep here at the Best Western Siesta Key.