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All things Siesta Key. Stories, news, and event information about Sarasota, Florida's beautiful beach.
What Is Siesta Key and Why Should I Go There?
If you find yourself in the Siesta Key/Sarasota area and start to think you might have found paradise, you’re not alone. While Florida boasts some of the best beaches in the world (and we have plenty of them!), Siesta Key is a rare gem among jewels. Not only are the beaches pristine and even healthy for you (there’s quartz in the sand!), but the local village is simply charming and holds some treasures of its own. The local experts at Best Western Siesta Key will happily share their favorite Siesta Key Village spots with you, knowing you’ll be the next to fall in love with this darling little spot.
Siesta Key Village – photo: BeachSideVillas.com
The Quaint Village
Siesta Key Village mainly consists of the shops, restaurants, cafes and ice cream parlors on Ocean Boulevard that you can visit all day long, though many people wait until the sun goes down. A quick block from the beach, you’ll do well to soak up the sun while it’s shimmering, then dine on delicious food before dancing the night away. Unless you swing by during the day to be spoiled by a massage or pedicure at The Key Spa & Salon and Massage Experience, grab some lunch and watch the parrots flying overhead. Yes, parrots. We also have terns, plovers, ibis, spoonbills, herons, storks, and egrets. And to us, that’s normal.
Siesta Key Village is a quaint, walking-friendly opportunity to spend your sunny days popping in and out of shops, booking your kayak or snorkeling excursion, viewing the tropical wildlife all while enjoying your favorite flavor of ice cream cone.
Siesta Key Shops Sign
The Cute Shops
From adorable tourist gift shops where you can find souvenirs to bring back to those who couldn’t make the trip, to local beachwear so you’ll quickly fit in like one of the locals, the shops in Siesta Key Village are full of surprises. Check out Beach Bazaar for great gifts like Florida T-Shirts and authentic shark teeth, or get your gourmet groceries at Morton’s Siesta Market if you plan to cook extravagantly while you’re here (or order fancy carry-out, as well as a delicious wine and beer selection). Foxy Lady attracts locals from the mainland as well as visitors for its vast selection of high-end island wear.
Club Dancing
The Young Crowd
In a region full of retirees living their best life after 60, it’s so fun to find a younger crowd that stays up late and loves every second. Daiquiri Deck is full of life and serves up whatever flavor of adult-slushy you could want. The Beach Club Siesta Key is a great place for dancing, with live music most nights and a full bar to go with it.
Siesta Key Drum Circle
The Cool Vibe
Walk it, run it, hop it, jump it… just don’t skip it: the Drum Circle on Siesta Key Beach happens every Sunday at sunset, just because it can. It’s been going on for years now, starting spontaneously one evening and continuing on for years. Bring your own food, drinks, chairs or beach towels, and don’t forget your hula hoops, because… that’s a thing. Whether you dance or just watch, the rhythms of the island are never more vivacious and will set the mood for your entire vacation.
Romantic Dinner
Eclectic Restaurants
We saved the best for last because there are simply so many great places to dine in the Village. Blase is known for its unique menu and even more unique decor, plus they make a great martini in their separate-but-equally-fabulous bar. Gabbianos offers upscale Italian fare with a candle-lit romantic vibe. SKOB, short for Siesta Key Oyster Bar, is THE place to get oysters on the half-shell, grouper bites and a fantastic slice of Key Lime Pie this far north of Key West. Gilligan’s features live music most nights of the week (including Reggae on Sundays), and great Beach Eats because they know you spent the day in the sun. The Cottage is your locally-sourced, farm-fresh option for fantastic fare at reasonable prices.
Siesta Key Village
Basically, there’s plenty to do and see on Siesta, and Siesta Key Village is just one small piece of that, which is why we consider this area paradise. If you don’t believe us, come check it out for yourself! The good people at the Best Western Siesta Key will be happy to help you choose and set your itinerary, and you’ll be sure to see and do everything your heart desires while you’re here.