By Jane Bartnett
It’s spring break time. For families visiting Siesta Key, we’ve put together a family fun guide to make a visit to the island enjoyable for all. While there may be an endless number of things to do, be sure to stop by the Siesta Key Visitors Center, located in the Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce at 5223 Avenida Navarra, Siesta Key.
Beaches 101
Siesta Beach
Swimming, walking on the beach, building sandcastles, volleyball and shell collecting are all popular activities. The main entrance is covered and has picnic tables. Grab a bite or something cool and refreshing at the food concession before heading down the blue mat to the beach. Bathrooms and an outdoor shower are available.
A large playground for little ones is located next to the tower, where there is a second food concession stand, and several volleyball nets are permanently set up and available for play. Lifeguards are on duty daily at Siesta Beach.
Yoga with Tranquility by the Sea
Take a yoga class on Siesta Beach between the green and red lifeguard stands. Bring a mat and join in. Donations of $10 per person are suggested. Check the Tranquility by the Sea Facebook page to confirm class times.
Pickleball Courts — Siesta Beach
Bring your paddles and take to the court as space becomes available. The pristine courts are near the Siesta Key firehouse.
Beach Volleyball
Located near the main pavilion, with multiple nets and open play unless a tournament is being held.
Crescent Beach
Crescent Beach is its own Siesta Key neighborhood. It begins at the intersection of Stickney Point Road, at the start of Midnight Pass. Here, the beach is quieter but features the same soft, powdery sand as Siesta Beach. No lifeguards are on duty at Crescent Beach.
Turtle Beach
A great place to fish from the shoreline, the sand at Turtle Beach is more coarse but ideal for shelling. Favored by locals, Turtle Beach offers a quieter beach option. Unlike Siesta Beach, there are no lifeguards on duty. The adjacent Turtle Beach Campground is open to campers year-round.
Yoga with Chesapeake Yoga on Turtle Beach
Tuesdays and Thursdays, 8:30-9:30 a.m., through April. Donations are suggested.
Kayak Through the Mangroves
Ride & Paddle by Siesta Sports Rentals is based at Turtle Beach and offers stand-up paddleboarding, kayaks and a chance to glide through the saltwater mangrove trails.
Getting Around Without a Car
Free Rides
The Frog Hop, Johnny’s Original Free Ride Siesta Key and Breeze offer free rides on Siesta Key.
• Call 844-FROGHOP to request a pickup. Drivers appreciate tips.
• Johnny’s Original Free Ride — drivers work for tips only — offers rides on the Key. Call 941-928-9200.
• Breeze is a free trolley service provided by Sarasota County that stops at designated locations on Midnight Pass Road, Beach Road and Ocean Boulevard.
Robin Hood Rentals — Zip around town in a golf cart, scooter or other transport. Located in the heart of Siesta Key Village. Call 941-554-4242.
Go Parasailing
Feeling adventurous? Try parasailing over the blue waters of the Gulf and the white sands of Siesta Beach with Parasail Siesta. Visit parasailsiesta.com or call 941-357-1143.
Go Fishing
The largest on the water bait & tackle shop in Sarasota offering Siesta Key boat rentals, parasailing, jet ski rentals, fishing charters, and clothing for everyone. Call 941-349-4400.
Fun Boats & High Tide Tiki Sunset Tours
Get out on the water by boat and watch dolphins and Gulf sunsets. Both Fun Boats and High Tide Tiki Tours offer day and evening cruises with professional captains and comfortable covered boats.
Fun Boats — https://funboattours.com/
High Tide Tiki — https://hightidetikiboat.com/
Shopping in Siesta Key Village
Siesta Key Village is a shopping and dining destination unto itself. With so much to see, be sure to stop in at:
Near the South Bridge
• C.B. Saltwater Outfitters — Casual clothing for everyone, from shorts and shirts for men to dresses, tops and skorts for women, plus shoes and hats.
• Fin Island Company — Active clothing for all ages, along with accessories for the beach and beyond.
On Ocean Boulevard
• Foxy Lady — A longtime destination for women’s fashion, serving customers for more than 50 years.
• Beach Bazaar — A one-stop shop for everything you need for a Siesta Key visit, including hats, sunscreen, bathing suits and children’s beach items.
• Created Gems — Home of Spektralyte diamonds, featuring rings, necklaces, bracelets and earrings.
• Tunaskin Aquatic Apparel — Activewear for men and women who enjoy the coastal lifestyle.
• Morton’s Market — Prepared foods ready for the beach or home, plus groceries, beer, wine and produce.
Siesta Village Plaza
• Bean Coffeehouse — Fresh-brewed coffee, teas and light bites, with indoor and outdoor seating.
• Tommy Bahama — Beach and casual wear for men and women.
• Sea Glass Lane — Elegant and casual women’s attire inspired by coastal colors.
• Comfort Shoes — Quality brands including Birkenstock, OOFOS and OluKai, with personalized fitting service.
• Rochelle’s — Trendy and classic women’s clothing and accessories from brands such as Beach Riot, Sunkissed Coconut, Z Supply and Free People.
Shopping in Crescent Beach
• The Crescent Beach Market — Deli sandwiches, groceries, a large beer and wine selection, gluten-free options, smoothies and more.
Captain Curt’s Village
• Home to Captain Curt’s Crab & Oyster Bar and the Tiki Trading Company gift shop. Also stop by the Sniki Tiki Bar and Orange Octopus for ice cream.
Southgate Shopping Center
• Anna’s Deli — Home of the well-known Surfer Sandwich.
• Bungalow Bagel — Coming soon, featuring New York-style bagels.
• The Green Turtle — Gifts and beach items for the home and family.
• Silver City Jewelers — Featuring Watercolor Gemstone jewelry inspired by Siesta Key colors.
Crescent Plaza Shopping Center
• Eye Style — Designer sunglasses and eyewear.
• Key Casuals — Casual clothing and accessories for men, women and children.
• Sunshine & Sand — Affordable gifts, beach gear and home items.
• Big Water Fish Market — Seafood market with deli and family-friendly seating.
• Lenny’z Pizza — A convenient stop for a slice before or after the beach.
Shopping on Stickney Point Road
• Swim City — A wide selection of designer swimwear and accessories for men and women.
Worth the Trip — Off the Key
Shopping & Dining in the Gulf Gate Area
• Alpine Steakhouse — A full meat market, deli and restaurant on South Tamiami Trail.
• Boca Boutique — Home décor, clothing and gifts in a curated setting.
• Capriotti’s Sandwich Shop — Located near Stickney Point Road.
• Culver’s — Known for Butter Burgers and family-friendly dining.
• Dutch Valley Restaurant — A diner-style favorite with an extensive menu and all-day breakfast.
• Foxy Lady Outlet Store — Discount boutique near Phillippi Estate.
• Only Eyes Optical Boutique — Eyewear and eye exams available.
• Food + Beer — A neighborhood sports bar on Superior Avenue.
• Fresh Catch Market & Grill — A family-owned seafood restaurant.
• Gulf Gate Barber Shop — A full-service barbershop since the 1960s.
• Mama G’s German Bakery — Located on South Tamiami Trail.
• Mellow Mushroom — Pizza, wings and more.
• Nikki’s Greek Cafe — Casual, family-owned Greek dining.
• Scandinavian Gifts, Baked Goods & Grocery — Specialty imports and treats.
• Solorzano’s Pizzeria — Popular for pizza and delivery to Siesta Key.
• The Shop SRQ Barber Shop — Straight razor shaves available.
• Tony’s Chicago Beef Company — Chicago-style favorites.
• Wild Ginger Apothecary — A metaphysical shop with yoga and wellness items.
Nearby Gulf Gate
The Landings Shopping Center, South Tamiami Trail
• Appolonia — Mediterranean-inspired cuisine with Sunday brunch.
• Corkscrew Deli — Sandwiches and casual fare.
• Da Ru Ma — Japanese steakhouse and sushi bar.
Bee Ridge Road
• Rico’s Pizzeria & Pasta House — A family-friendly dining spot.
Casey Key
• Casey Key Fish House — An open-air restaurant with classic Florida charm.
Evening Entertainment for Adults on Siesta Key
• Blase Cafe
• The Big Tiki Lounge
• Crescent Club, Crescent Beach
• Gilligan’s, Siesta Village
• The Beach Club, Siesta Village
Family-Friendly Siesta Key Restaurants
• Anna’s Deli, Crescent Beach
• Big Water Fish Market, Crescent Beach
• Bungalow Bagels
• Casa Masa
• Captain Curt’s Crab & Oyster Bar
• Daiquiri Deck, Siesta Village and Crescent Beach
• Lenny’z Pizza, Crescent Beach
• MVP MyVillage Pub
• Siesta Key Oyster Bar
• Spearfish Siesta Grille
• Toasted Mango Cafe
• Turtles on Little Sarasota Bay
Ice Cream (and Gelato) Time!
Abel’s Ice Cream, Stickney Point Road
Jake’s Ice Cream, South Bridge Plaza
Made in Rome Gelato, Siesta Key Village
Orange Octopus, Captain Curt’s Village, Crescent Beach
Enjoy your stay!
