Siesta Key, a tropical paradise, is an enchanting barrier island located in the Gulf of Mexico, just off the western coast of Florida. Connected by two bridges to Sarasota on the mainland, the Key combines the charm of island living with easy access to countless points of interest for both young and old alike.
First-time visitors to Siesta Key fall in love with the laid-back, old-Florida lifestyle that flourishes here. Beautiful beaches with fine white sands and azure waters beckon sun lovers to slow down and soak it all up, while diverse opportunities for recreation, shopping, dining, and nightlife keep life interesting. With so much to offer, it´s no wonder that many Siesta Key visitors decide to make a home here.
The population of the island (7,652 in 2005) nearly doubles during the winter months, as vacationing "snowbirds" arrive to escape the harsher winters of the north.
The Legendary Beaches of Siesta Key
In the Great International White Sand Beach Challenge of 1987, scientists studied samples from more than 30 beaches around the world before declaring that the beaches of Siesta Key were home to the finest, whitest sand in the world-a designation they still hold today. The geology department at Harvard University determined Siesta´s sand to be 99 percent pure quartz and of such a fine texture that it remains cool even during the hottest hours of a sunny day.
The appearance of Siesta Key´s Crescent Beach can only be described as dazzling. It is consistently rated among the top ten beaches in the world, with several awards from other sources, including
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The Best of the Best Sand-Conde Nast Traveler, 1999
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One of the top three beaches in the United States-USA Today
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Best Sand Beach in America-The Travel Channel
Siesta Key Living
When we say Siesta Key has something for everyone, we´re not exaggerating. The Key offers endless possibilities for active recreation, on land or on the water, including fishing, bicycling, boating, kayaking, rollerblading, snorkeling, scuba diving, tennis or golf . . . or just searching for seashells.
Spectator sport fans also have plenty of reason to cheer-the Sarasota area hosts the spring training camp for the Cincinnati Reds in February and March, as well as the Single-A Sarasota Red Sox, a farm team of the Boston Red Sox.
To nature lovers, Siesta Key is a virtual paradise, with many species of tropical trees and flowering shrubs in residence, as well as diverse and exotic animal life, such as parrots, gulls, terns, plovers, pelicans, egrets, herons, ibis, spoonbills, storks and cranes. The island´s waterways are home to about 1000 species of fish, and dolphins and manatees can often be seen playing offshore.
Artists, musicians, and writers are attracted to the eclectic, free-spirited lifestyle of Siesta Key and the thriving cultural attractions of nearby Sarasota. Just a six-mile drive over the bridge from the island, Sarasota is home to more than 30 art galleries, artist communities, the Ringling Museum of Art, and the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall. Other attractions include the Asolo Theatre Company, Florida West Coast Symphony, Jazz Club of Sarasota, Sarasota Ballet of Florida, and the Sarasota Film Festival.
As the sunset sets, Siesta Key´s nightlife thrives. Siesta Village, just to the north of the public beach, has bars, restaurants, and shops to amuse and entertain. Whether you prefer candlelit dining, enjoying cool daiquiris and munching on appetizers, or shopping in the many boutiques where local artisans display their wares, you will find plenty to fill your evening. Another commercial district to the north, south of the intersection of Stickney Point Road and Midnight Pass Road, also offers boutiques, offices, and dining opportunities.
Diners will find a mouth-watering array of culinary delights on Siesta Key. From simple fare to more exotic ethnic and seafood offerings, your taste buds will love the variety and quality of dining options available on the island. In addition to tantalizing menus, many of the restaurants provide atmosphere, too, with open-air seating and live music.
On most Sunday evenings, the Siesta Key Drum Circle-an internationally known event that grew out of a spontaneous local phenomena-takes place. The festivities begin about an hour before sunset, as the evening air comes alive with the rhythm of drums, bongos, and maracas.
Come on Down!
If you are looking for a place of your own in a tropical paradise, you will find a wealth of possibilities to choose from on Siesta Key. From modest bungalows and efficiency apartments to high-rise condominiums and exquisite estates, the Key offers something for everyone. Moreover, with miles of gulf shoreline, canals, and lagoons, waterfront property is plentiful and relatively low in price.
Start by choosing a Siesta Key realtor with the knowledge and experience to deliver the specialized service you deserve. As an expert on the Sarasota area, including Siesta Key, I´ll keep you informed on trends in the local marketplace and help you to make sound decisions for the most important purchase sale in your lifetime. Whether you are considering buying a Siesta Key home or would just like additional information about Siesta Key, Siesta Key real estate or the Sarasota area, please contact me.
