Coming back from vacation is always tough. Adjusting back into a routine, washing loads of laundry, and coming to grips with the fact that the beach will not be a short walk from the house is a hard reality to face (okay, maybe I’m being a little dramatic, but you get my point). What does make it a little sweeter, though? Getting to recap it with you and re-live all the beachy moments again as I share some of my favorite spots, tips, and memories in this Siesta Key Travel Guide. Let’s dive in!
Why Siesta Key Should Be on Your Travel List
If you’ve been craving that white, fluffy sand that miraculously stays cool in the hot Florida temps and warm Gulf waters, Siesta Key is your spot. This little slice of Florida paradise is known for its laid-back charm, stunning sunsets, and small-town beach vibes. Whether you’re planning your first Siesta Key vacation or returning for your yearly getaway, this Siesta Key travel guide has you covered.
Where to Stay in Siesta Key
From beachy Airbnbs that feel like a Pinterest board come to life, to cozy little inns that are just a few steps from the shore—Siesta Key has no shortage of dreamy spots to stay. If you’re traveling with a toddler or a crew, look for something walkable to the beach (trust me, dragging a beach wagon three blocks is no small feat). If it’s more of a couple’s trip, Turtle Beach is quieter and perfect for slowing down. Bonus: many places come with bikes or beach gear, which is a chef’s kiss. And if you’re looking to save a little money, stay across the bridge in Sarasota. It’s about a 6–7 minute drive to Siesta Key Village, but you’re away from the busyness and there’s a cost savings for sure. Wherever you land, this Siesta Key Travel Guide has you covered with stay options for every vibe and budget. Here are a few options we’ve stayed at along with some other recs.
Where to Eat in Siesta Key: Some of My Favorite Spots
Let’s be real—half the fun of vacation is the food. I love that almost every night we got to try a new menu and new ambiance. Isn’t that kind of the whole point of exploring somewhere new? This Siesta Key Travel Guide wouldn’t be complete without sharing a few of our foodie highlights. Siesta Key nails that casual-cute balance with the best seafood spots, chill bars, and cozy cafés that actually feel like vacation.
Our first full night there, we went to The Old Salty Dog in Siesta Key Village, I got the coconut shrimp served with a side of berry jam which was such a yummy combination. We sat on the patio, and it was such a vibe with the smell of the salt water wafting through the air. The next evening, seafood was on my mind again, so we hit up a highly recommended local favorite, Walt’s Fish Market in Sarasota. This restaurant is highly sought after, so expect a longer-than-usual wait time, but I promise it’s worth it.
Here are a few other favorites you simply have to try:
For a quaint breakfast experience with a beautifully shaded patio, you have to check out the Sun Garden Cafe. Drew got chicken and waffles that looked divine. I got biscuits and gravy, and it was so good and so filling! Also, they have the coolest art on the walls, vintage Life Magazine clips.
For a quick, pre-beach coffee stop, you have to pop by the cutest coffee and donut stand that was feet from our beach house called Meany’s Mini Donuts & Coffee House. You can’t dine inside because there isn’t an inside to sit in, but there are plenty of benches throughout the Siesta Key Village where you can relax and enjoy your coffee.
If you are looking for a delicious array of oyster options, you have to check out another local (and very popular) favorite, Siesta Key Oyster Bar (SKOB). Every day from 3-6 PM they have a their oyster Happy Hour, a dozen oysters for $12! OMG, they were so good. We ordered a full table of steamed, raw and fried oysters and I honestly could have eaten here the rest of the trip.
Looking for a refreshing, frozen beverage, Daiquiri Deck is the move. With almost every kind of seafood you can imagine, a bunch of handheld sandwiches and wraps, and salads, there is something for everyone. Did I mention, their daiquiri menu is…robust (obviously!)
If you’re going for an elegant, coastal vibe, Summer House has to be on your list. We didn’t have a reservation, but I put our name in and headed next door to My Village Pub (MVP) for a tropical drink at the outdoor bar while we waited. About 25 minutes later, our table was ready—and it was so worth it. The decor is stunning—light, airy, beachy details that are basically begging to be photographed. Add this spot to your Sunday brunch list, too. The vibe is next level and totally Instagrammable.
Craving crab or lobster? Add The Lobster Pot to your list. It’s a cozy little spot, so expect a bit of a wait—but it’s never too long. We passed the time wandering through the shops in Siesta Key Village, which made it feel more like part of the experience. Inside, it’s super cute and has that old-school, slightly divey charm in the best way. The food? So good. I had both the crab and lobster (because why not?) and also tried the seared scallops—loved them!
When you’re craving something sweet, Olaf’s ice cream spot is your go-to! Every time we went, there was a line out the door, but it moved so fast and their options were endless–ice cream, frozen yogurt, waffle cones, sugar cones, smoothies, milkshakes. Trust me, you actually will like having some time in line to decide what you want because it all sounds so good! My personal favorite was the toasted coconut ice cream in a waffle cone.
For a colorful and vibrant outdoor dining experience, you have to visit The Hub Baja Grill. With outdoor dining and live music seven days a week, this is a coastal dining experience that immerses you into the local scene. The menu is a delicious mix of Baja flavors with yummy grilled options, and their tropical drink menu is so robust! You’ll love it!
A few places we didn’t make it to, but heard great things:
Captain Curt’s, it’s kind of a destination in itself–dining, entertainment, and steps away from the beach. It’s affordable and family-friendly so you know it’ll be a good time for all.
When you’re ready to take a break from all the seafood and crave something cozy and carb-filled, Flavio’s is the move. Their brick oven pizzas and decadent pasta dishes look incredible—major FOMO that we didn’t make it there this time. Safe to say it’s already at the top of my list for next time.
As a martini girl, The Blasé Café & Martini Bar was high on my list—but we didn’t make it (not exactly toddler-friendly, lol). The food menu isn’t huge, but let’s be honest… you’re really going for the cocktails. Definitely saving this spot for next time.
Must-See Spots & Hidden Gems You’ll Want to Bookmark
You’ll obviously want to hit up Siesta Beach—it’s iconic for a reason—but don’t sleep on Turtle Beach (great for shelling and less crowded) and just a few minutes south of Siesta Key beach. Point of Rocks is beautiful if you’re into snorkeling and want to see the iconic mansion where they filmed MTV’s Siesta Key television series.
And as I’ve been talking about, Siesta Key Village is a must! It’s super cute, colorful, vibrant, and walkable–full of shops, bars, and live music. And if you’re looking for a more chill sunset spot? Crescent Beach has a local feel without the crowds and just a few minutes further south of Siesta Key.
All the beach deets you need to know:
When you’re in Siesta Key, you’re spoiled with choices when it comes to beach access, and while that’s amazing, it can also feel a little overwhelming figuring out where to go. So I’m breaking down a few quick recs to help you find the best spot for your beach day.
First things first: there are over 10 beach access points for Siesta Key Beach. You’ll know you’ve found one when you spot the bright blue signs marking each access. Some have little to no parking, while others (like the big public beach access at 948 Beach Road) offer large lots. I’d recommend starting here on your first day or two—this is the main public beach with a big pavilion, public restrooms, concession stands, and lifeguards on duty. It’s lively, vibrant, and always feels like a fun beach party. Just a heads-up: parking fills up fast, so try to arrive before noon (even earlier on weekends). Also, on Sunday evenings, they have a huge drum circle at this beach where people go to dance and enjoy the beautiful sunset.
A quick note: at this access and a few nearby, it’s a bit of a walk from the lot to the shoreline. But the beach itself? Massive. It’s the biggest beachfront I’ve ever seen—easily fitting thousands of people—so definitely stay close, pick a meeting spot in case you get separated, and keep valuables hidden or locked up. One of the coolest things about Siesta Key is that the sand is made up of 99% quartz, which means it never gets too hot, even in 90-degree weather. Your feet will thank you.
Now let’s talk about my personal favorite: Sunset Point Beach, located at the northern tip of Siesta Key. If you follow me on Instagram, this is where you saw that dreamy calm water we were wading in. It’s much quieter than the main beach, and the walk from parking to shore is super short—huge win if you’ve got littles in tow. There’s also a sandbar not far off the shore, and during low tide, it creates a big, warm wading pool right at the waterfront. The water was only about a foot deep—perfect for Gisele to splash around without any waves crashing in.
If you’re looking for something a little more low-key and off the beaten path, check out Turtle Beach, located south of Siesta Key. There’s a decent amount of parking, and while the sand is more coarse than the powdery sandy further up north, it’s great for shelling, spotting wildlife, snorkeling, and even camping (there’s a campground nearby!). This beach is also a major sea turtle nesting area, so keep an eye out for protected nest sites.
Honestly, you can’t go wrong—every beach in Siesta Key has its own unique charm. We made it a mission to visit all three during our trip, and I’m so glad we did. Because let’s be real—what’s a beach vacation without a little exploring?
Cute Shops to Pop Into While You’re in Siesta Key Village
No Siesta Key Travel Guide would be complete without a little shopping moment—because strolling through beachside boutiques with a cold drink in hand is basically a sport for me. Siesta Key Village is full of fun, walkable shops that are colorful, unique, and perfect for browsing between beach stops and cocktails.
One of my favorite spots was The Beach Bazaar—you cannot miss it. It’s bright, beachy, and packed with every kind of souvenir imaginable, from personalized magnets to tropical-print totes and oversized sun hats. It’s one of those places you walk into just planning to look and leave with a bag full of goodies.
Alvin’s Island, also located in Siesta Key Village, is another can’t-miss stop for all your Siesta Key merch. It’s basically souvenir heaven, with everything from t-shirts and beach towels to classic crew necks and baseball hats. They usually have a buy-one-get-one-free deal running too, so you can stock up without blowing your budget.
And then there’s The $10 Jewelry Market, which totally surprised me. This tiny little shop is full of the cutest colorful bracelets, mix-and-match charms, small handbags, and accessories—all for ten bucks. I found the most beautiful beaded handbag there that I’m already mentally packing for my next trip. It’s the perfect spot to grab a fun keepsake without spending a fortune.
So yes, the beaches are dreamy—but don’t skip the shops! They add even more character (and color) to the Siesta Key experience.
Things We Didn’t Get to This Time (But Are Totally Worth Bookmarking)
Even with our best intentions (and a Notes app full of recs), there were a few things we just didn’t get to this time—and that’s okay. More reason to plan another trip, right? I still wanted to include them here in my Siesta Key Travel Guide because they looked too good not to share. Consider this your little list of “next time” gems that are totally worth bookmarking.
Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium. Be sure to check their website because they are about to embark on a huge renovation, so check their hours ahead of visiting. We can’t wait to visit when they re-open as Mote SEA.
Private guided mangrove tours. This is an activity that is best sans children. It’s quiet, peaceful, and everything meant for a tired mama on vacation. Too bad this was another one that I didnt get to do while we were there, but I promise I’m getting back there to do this.
Sarasota Jungle Gardens. Reptiles, flamingos, and a petting zoo are just a few of the things to see and do at this tropical zoo. Honestly super bummed we didnt make it here because I love flamingos and would have loved to see them!
The John & Mable Ringling Museum of Art. This is one I would have appreciated on a solo outing. This whole museum and the museum grounds looks stunning and I cannot wait to go back so I can visit this for the day.
Free (or Nearly Free) Things to Do in Siesta Key
We love a good beach splurge, but not everything needs to cost a ton of money. Walk the beach at sunrise, hit up the Sunday night drum circle at the public beach, or hop on the free trolley to explore the island. Rent bikes, paddle through the mangroves, or pack a picnic and post up for sunset. You don’t need much to have a full Siesta Key experience.
5-Day Siesta Key Sample Itinerary
After packing in all the beach recs, foodie favorites, and hidden gems, I wanted to make it even easier for you to plan your own trip. So I put together a simple, step-by-step Siesta Key Travel Guide itinerary that takes all the guesswork out of it. From where to eat and what beaches to hit, to the must-see shops and sunset spots—it’s all laid out for you so you can spend less time planning and more time soaking it all in.
Day 1: Arrival & Classic Siesta Key Welcome
- Check into your beachy Airbnb or cozy inn near the Village.
- Grab lunch at The Hub Baja Grill—colorful patio, Baja-style eats, and live music.
- Spend your afternoon settling in and soaking up the sun at Siesta Beach. Look for one of the bright blue beach access signs and head toward the public beach area (Access 5 or 7 is a solid spot).
- Dinner at The Old Salty Dog—get the coconut shrimp with berry jam (you won’t regret it).
- Post-dinner treat from Big Olaf’s Creamery—we’re team toasted coconut in a waffle cone.
Day 2: Coastal Coffee & Village Strolling
- Start your morning with a donut-and-coffee run to Meany’s Mini Donuts & Coffee House.
- Head north to explore Sunset Point Beach—perfect for calm water, toddler-friendly wading, and stunning views.
- Wander through Siesta Key Village and pop into The Beach Bazaar, Alvin’s Island, and The $10 Jewelry Market for the cutest souvenirs and accessories.
- Dinner at Walt’s Fish Market in Sarasota—expect a bit of a wait, but the seafood is worth every minute.
Day 3: Chill Beach Day + Happy Hour
- Sleep in a little, then grab breakfast at Sun Garden Café—the shaded patio and retro art are unmatched.
- Head down to Turtle Beach for a quieter scene, great shelling, and sea turtle nesting spots.
- After a beach nap or book session, head back into the Village for oyster happy hour at Siesta Key Oyster Bar (SKOB) from 3–6 PM. Try them steamed, raw, and fried.
- Catch the sunset at Crescent Beach—less crowded and equally beautiful.
- Dinner at The Lobster Pot—grab crab, lobster, or scallops, and enjoy the nostalgic charm inside.
Day 4: Beachy Bucket List Day
- Spend your morning at Point of Rocks, perfect for snorkeling or checking out the famous MTV Siesta Key mansion.
- Lunch at Daiquiri Deck—refreshing frozen drinks, seafood, wraps, and chill outdoor seating.
- In the afternoon, relax back at Siesta Beach or hop on the free trolley and explore more of the island.
- Dinner at Summer House—elegant, coastal, and totally Instagram-worthy. If there’s a wait, sip a tropical drink next door at My Village Pub (MVP) while you wait.
Day 5: Farewell Beach Strolls & Sweet Goodbyes
- One last sunrise walk at Siesta Beach—because you’ll want to soak it all in before heading out.
- Swing by Meany’s again (yes, again) for your final coffee and mini donut fix.
- Make one last stop in the Village for souvenirs or that bracelet you meant to grab from the $10 Jewelry Market.
- Check out and cue the already planning your next trip back moment.
Whether you’re heading there for the first time or planning your next return trip, I hope this Siesta Key Travel Guide gave you all the inspo you need to make the most of your beachy escape. If you end up trying any of these spots, tag me or send me a message—I’d love to hear what you think! Until then, I’ll just be over here daydreaming about that toasted coconut ice cream from Olaf’s and planning my next visit.
♥ Once your Siesta Key trip is booked, you’ll need some cute vacation outfits.
♥♥ And when you need a little strategy for packing your bags, this should help!
