10 Best Things To Do In Siesta Key, Florida

things to do in siesta key florida
Samantha
Samantha 
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Siesta Key, Florida is a great place to visit to soak up the sun and swim for hours at a time. The beaches make for great picnic and play areas, and the water sports are all around Siesta Key. With white sand and blue waters at the many beaches and parks, there isn’t any view that would make this vacation any less enjoyable. Tourists also get their pick of accommodations, from pet-friendly vacation rentals to beach houses.

When visiting this city in Florida, you can rent a boat and cruise Siesta Key Beach, Longboat Key, Lido Beach, Bradenton Beach and Venice and Englewood. You can also go island hopping on one of these boats. Adventure lovers can go parasailing or rent a jet ski. You can take a dolphin tour and get close to dolphins, manatees and other sea creatures. Taking a sunset tour is a perfect way to relax and spend some romantic time with your partner. The view of fading orange light melting in the Gulf of Mexico is just spectacular. For more information, keep reading for the best things to do in Siesta Key, Florida.

1. Siesta Beach

Siesta Key Beach, Sarasota, Florida
Source: Photo by Flickr user jonathansingel used under CC BY 2.0

Looking for things to do at Siesta Key Beach? Of course, you have to head to Siesta Beach, the main beach that visitors like to go to on bright sunny days. The sand is super white and unlike other beaches, the sand isn’t so hot on traveling feet. The water is crystal blue and it makes any visitor feel like they are truly in paradise. Packing a nice picnic for the beach is always a nice way to spend an afternoon. Be sure to pack the towels, plenty of water, and maybe a beach ball or volley ball for some beach fun in the sun. An umbrella is also a great thing to pack so swimmers can come up from the water with a little shade from the sun since it gets so hot. Remember the sunscreen and all should go as planned at the beach.

You will also find many outdoor restaurants, shops an cafes on the beach. You can select Hyatt Siesta Key Resort for a comfortable stay and easy access to the beach. All the rooms are spacious and bathrooms are fitted with jetted bathtubs, which comes in handy for those who want to spend some time indoors.

Siesta Beach

Address: 946 Beach Rd, Siesta Key, FL 34242

Website: Siesta Beach

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2. Siesta Key Watersports

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Never turn down the opportunity for adventure! Who are you taking with you?

Posted by Siesta Key Watersports on Friday, May 3, 2019

If travelers don’t know what to do in Siesta Key, Siesta Key Watersports is definitely the place to check out! They have jet skis, parasailing, kayaking, and even boat tours for those that want to see the area in all its beautiful scenery. For those who have never been on a jet ski, this is definitely the place to check them out. The price isn’t too expensive, about 90 USD for an hour, and it’s a blast riding the waves and splashing the others in the group. When visiting this particular attraction, only those who have a license will be permitted to drive a jet ski. For those not old enough or who do not have their driving license with them, they may only watch or they may ride with someone else in their group as long as the weight doesn’t exceed 300 pounds with the two of them.

All riders are given life jackets that best fit them and are advised to leave any personal belongings in the cubbies that they have for their customers. Jet ski rides tend to get wild and losing a pair of Oakley sunglasses in the ocean is bound to upset anyone. Goggles are a more appropriate eyewear for this particular activity, anyway. Before going out on the jet skis, riders are told of the rules and dangers that could happen, to use caution around other drivers, and most importantly, have fun. It’s hard not to have fun while riding a jet ski, so be sure to check out Siesta Key Watersports for a great time.

Siesta Key Watersports

Address: 1356 Stickney Point Rd, Siesta Key, FL 34231

Website: Siesta Key Watersports

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3. Parasail Siesta

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Parasail Siesta is only parasailing, and for those who have done it before, it’s a must to do it again. For those that have never tried the sport, it’s time to check it out. The crew members, normally two of them, will take a few people out at a time on the ocean. They will take visitors on a nice boat ride around the area to see what the land looks like up close. They then will get the first riders ready to go up into the air. Everyone is situated with a life vest for the whole trip. The harness goes around the waist and life vest, and will be like the seat that the parasailer will sit in while in the air. The belts are hooked and the actual parasail is attached to the rider(s).

There can be up to three riders at a time depending on the weight of each passenger, although two riders is normally the max with adults. All the while the boat is rocking back and forth from the ocean waves, while the other passengers await their turn. When the crew members take off, they take off pretty quick and all of a sudden the passengers are lifted into the air and slowly rise foot by foot as a crew member lets the rope get longer. It depends on how many people are in the boat and what the air is like that day when it comes to the amount of time that each pair is left up in the sky. But it is an awesome adventure because while up in the air, groups of dolphins, turtles, and smaller fish can be seen through the clear waters. This is definitely one of the best Siesta Key activities.

Parasail Siesta

Address: 1250 Stickney Point Rd, Siesta Key, FL 34231

Website: Parasail Siesta

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4. Turtle Beach

2016 SRQ county paddle Turtle Beach 07
Source: Photo by Flickr user SURFit used under CC BY 2.0

Similar to Siesta Beach, the sands are white and the waters are clearly seen through at Turtle Beach. But unlike Siesta Beach, there is not as many people here as one might expect. Siesta Beach is much more popular with travelers, but this beach has its perks too. This is more of a laid-back beach, where fewer travelers spend their day. Perhaps because it is more out of the way than the other beach. Because of the fewer traveling feet on this beach, it is much more relaxed and serene for those that wish to have a quiet day.

Although it may not offer the same scenic view as Siesta Beach, this beach is very clean and you can dodge the crowds. Long walks, fishing from the shore, swimming, sun bathing and kayaking are some ways of spending your time here.

Turtle Beach

Address: 8919 Midnight Pass Road, Saratosa, FL

Website: Turtle Beach

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5. Sarasota Wind and Water Adventures

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

This particular attraction is great for those that love the wind (and water) in their hair. The crew members will take out a few people at a time on their boat to let them partake in a multitude of activities. Customers can tube, water ski, wakeboard, and kneeboard. They also have packages with kayaking, dolphin sight seeing, and paddle boarding. For those that want to tube or water ski, be sure to wear tight fitting clothing that doesn’t come off.

Tubing and water skis are a lot of fun, but flying off of the device can occur if the customer is not holding on properly. Sometimes, the people aren’t the only ones to fly off of the device. Swim bottoms and even tops have been known to come off every now and then, so be sure to wear the proper clothing to prevent any embarrassment. Everyone has to wear a life vest while they partake in these activities, but it’s for safety only. It really doesn’t take away from any of the fun anyway, and it’s better to be safe.

Sarasota Wind and Water Adventures

Address: 221 Beach Rd, Sarasota, FL 34231

Website: Sarasota Wind and Water Adventures

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6. Kokomo Charters

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

One man’s junk is another man’s photo. You just never what you might find tooling around the canals. #sarasota...

Posted by Kokomo Charters on Wednesday, February 23, 2022

Kokomo Charters makes for a very relaxing afternoon. This is a family owned private boat charter that takes visitors around the area of Siesta Key with just one party at a time. There are no strangers with each other on this boat. They have a two hour boat ride, a four hour ride adventure, and a sunset cruise, among other adventures for customers to take up. Their prices are pretty low, so it makes for a nice afternoon without paying an arm and a leg. The sunset cruise is especially beautiful with the waters crashing around the boat and the sun putting pretty colors in the sky. It’s quite a sight to remember.

Kokomo Charters

Address: 576 Blackburn Point Rd, Osprey, FL 34229

Website: Kokomo Charters

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7. Siesta Key Bike and Kayak

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Bikes best fun on the island

Posted by Siesta Key Bike & Kayak on Monday, October 12, 2020

For a nice relaxing ride around the city, visitors can rent bicycles and pedal for a few hours if they wish. They also have electric bicycles, scooters, and scooter cars for those that want to go a little faster. The scooters and scooter cars each hold two people on them but they are a little more expensive. For those that wish to ride the scooters or scooter cars, the driver must be at least 18 years of age with a valid driver’s license.

Regular bicycles cost 8 USD for one hour and the electric bicycles cost 20 USD, while the scooter and scooter cars are 30 USD for 1 hour and 60-65 USD for four hours. Besides the bikes, they also offer kayak rides. These are perfect for the days that could be too hot to ride a bike or when someone in the group doesn’t feel like pedaling all around the area. Visitors can visit the Neville Wildlife Preserve in Siesta Key while kayaking through the waters. Customers can rent the kayaks for a few hours or a few days, if they want to make sure they see everything. Be sure to check out Siesta Key Bike and Kayak for a relaxing journey around the Siesta Key area.

Siesta Key Bike and Kayak

Address: 1224 Old Stickney Rd, Sarasota, FL 34242

Website: Siesta Key Bike and Kayak

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8. Siesta Key Jet Ski

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Cool off with our new Yamaha vx1100 wave runners. Ask about our early bird specials. 951-586-1972 www.siestakeyparasailing.com

Posted by Siesta Key Parasailing & Jet Ski on Monday, June 17, 2013

Siesta Key Jet Ski is strictly just jet skis, but this is one of the most fun things to do in Siesta Key. Everyone is situated with the proper life vest and informed of all the dos and don'ts of riding a jet ski. They can be tricky to get the hang of, which is why it is important to listen to the instructors when they are speaking about their products. It’s advised to remove anything that is loose, such as wallets, sunglasses, hats, and even shoes like flip flops. Anything can happen in the ocean, and it’s a pretty big bummer when those favorite flip flops go under the water, never to be seen again.

The crew members will float their customers out to the middle of the ocean where they have their jet skis waiting. Each one is started by a crew member, and they will again reiterate some of their rules, just so everyone is safe on these machines. Just like a motorcycle or a car, jet skis have rules and regulations that must be followed while they are on. Don’t let all the rules scare you though, they are a super fun way to spend a few hours in the water!

Siesta Key Jet Ski

Address: 1536 Stickney Point R., Sarasota, FL 34231

Website: Siesta Key Jet Ski

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9. Siesta Village Outfitters

Posted by Siesta Village Outfitters Watersports and Beach Rentals on Sunday, 25 September 2016

Located just two blocks from the sandy white beaches of Siesta Key, Siesta Village Outfitters offers kayaks, paddleboards, bicycles, scooters and many different types of beach rentals for the visitor’s full enjoyment during their vacation on the Gulf Coast. They also have guided tours for kayaking and paddleboarding along the Siesta Key area. They have so much to do here, but it’s not just the activities that are great. For those who are visiting the beach, you can rent umbrellas, beach chairs, and little carts to make lugging those coolers and chairs so much easier. Be sure to check out Siesta Village Outfitters for adventures or just some beach rentals for a relaxing day on the beach of Siesta Key.

Siesta Village Outfitters

Address: 5200 Ocean Blvd, Sarasota, FL 34242

Website: Siesta Village Outfitters

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10. Hands of Light Massage Therapy

Posted by Hands Of Light Massage Therapy on Monday, February 23, 2015

Indulging in various watersports is definitely fun but also hard on your body. After a long day out in the sun, book a rejuvenating massage at Hands of Light Massage Therapy. Depending on your needs, you can book a 60-minute, 90-minute, or 2-hour-long massage to soothe your aching muscles. Other services include a relaxing facial massage treatment, an ashiatsu bar massage, a couple’s massage, and a prenatal massage. If you’re expecting a long and tiring day ahead, don’t forget to book a spot here.

Hands of Light Massage Therapy

Address: 5255 Ocean Blvd, Siesta Key, FL 34242

Website: Hands of Light Massage Therapy

Opening hours: 10am - 8pm (daily)

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Enjoy the sun but remember to bring sunscreen

Siesta Key Beach
Source: Photo by Flickr user bebatut used under CC BY-SA 2.0

Whether visitors decide to go jet skiing or parasailing or even just on a relaxing bike tour around the area, they will most likely be in the sun most days of their vacation. The area is almost always sunny and that lets people do just about everything outside if they wish. For those who have children or sensitive skin, remember to pack the sunscreen for this particular trip. Coming home looking like a lobster isn’t as funny as it might sound and it is pretty painful. Be sure to enjoy these best things to do in Siesta Key, Florida!

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Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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Samantha Kern, holding a Bachelor's Degree in English, is passionately dedicated to her writing career. Her love for travel has been ingrained since her early years, with cherished memories of...Read more

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