Siesta Key

Siesta Key intercoastal to south bridge

Welcome to Siesta Key

With quartz white-sand beaches and a laid-back ambiance, Siesta Key is heaven on earth

Nestled on the Gulf of Mexico, Siesta Key is an 8-mile-long barrier island.

Known for its award-winning quartz sand beaches with pristine sand, warm water, and many beachside amenities, this oasis is a must-visit island paradise. A stroll around the island will reveal a wide range of architectural styles. This includes everything from historic properties to modern beach homes. The island offers everything from single-family homes to condos, enabling residents to find a housing type that matches their preferences. 

Siesta Key has a population of just under 8,400 year-round residents, offering the epitome of a vacation lifestyle. With 3 beaches, Crescent Beach, Siesta Beach, Turtle Beach, and 2 Villages all tucked within 3.5 miles Siesta offers plenty to do. It’s small in size and makes it easy to get around by bike, golf cart, the Siesta Key Breeze Trolly, or one of the multiple free ride services. Plus, locals can head over to nearby Sarasota, for some of the best Arts, Entertainment, Festivals, Museums, Restaurants, and kid fun! The Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport is a 20-minute drive from Siesta Key, easily connecting residents with every corner of the globe.

Boho items for sale on a table at an outdoor market
Smiling saxophone player in a colorful tropical shirt at an outdoor music festival
Smiling young women holding colorful tropical drinks in front of a multicolored wall

What to Love

  • World-class beaches
  • Year-round festivals and community events
  • Relaxed, vacation lifestyle

With so much to offer, it’s no wonder that Siesta Key is a popular vacation destination for out-of-town visitors. Despite being a popular tourism destination, the town still alludes to an intimate, tight-knit sense of community. Residents can enjoy a strong art and culture scene, close access to nature, and an array of community events. 

Siesta Key attracts everyone from families to retirees to established professionals working in the growing technology and healthcare scenes. The island offers laid-back and luxurious living, with a casual and relaxed ambiance that is hard to find elsewhere.

Dining, Entertainment & Shopping

From hole-in-the-wall cafes to upscale eateries, Siesta Key has it all. Thanks to its close proximity to the water, it’s no surprise that this vibrant island is home to many eateries that showcase the region’s best seafood. Try it for yourself at the Siesta Key Oyster Bar, a laid-back, beachy spot that’s known for its fresh oysters and handcrafted cocktails. Satisfy your sweet tooth at Jake’s Creamery, where you can choose from homemade ice cream in waffle cones and different types of fudge. If you’re looking to enjoy brunch, head over to Sun Garden Cafe. From the friendly staff to the delicious food created with fresh ingredients to the idyllic outdoor patio, it’s hard to beat an experience at this local cafe.

Locals and visitors alike applaud Siesta Key for its great shops, thriving nightlife, and shopping galore. Located just blocks from the beach, Siesta Key Village is lined with shops, cafes, restaurants, bars, and plenty to do. Meanwhile, Beach Bazar is a one-stop-shop for all beach and vacation needs.

Things to Do

Siesta Beach is consistently ranked as one of the best beaches in the world and even made TripAdvisor’s Travelers’ Choice list of best beaches on multiple occasions. Its quartz-crystal sand and turquoise water delight beachgoers year after year. In 2025, they named Siesta Key Beach #1 Beach in the USA and #4 in the world.

Siesta Key Crystal Classic is an international sand castle competition hosted every November bringing in competitors from all over the globe.

Female student wearing a backpack walking on a college campus in the Sarasota area

Schools

Sarasota schools offer “school choice.” All of Sarasota is served by Sarasota County Public Schools; the city has 15 public elementary schools, five public middle schools, and six public high schools. You can find more information about all of them below.

See what else the area has to offer

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