Situated a short drive from the city of Sarasota, Florida, Siesta Key is a quaint coastal community offering mild temperatures even during the winter months. Spend your days swimming, snorkeling around man-made reefs, shopping in the downtown area, and biking around town. Relax and unwind at a Siesta Key vacation rental located just a few feet from white sand beaches and warm, calm waters. You might even want to test your courage with an afternoon parasailing session above the Gulf of Mexico. Check out the most popular attractions in and around Siesta Key.
1. Explore the City on a Bike
Park your car in the garage of your vacation rental, and explore the town and countryside of Siesta Key on a bike. The city’s biking trails are a treat, with the Venetian Waterway Park Trail leading you along the Intercoastal Waterway, and Legacy Trail offering several access points including Sarasota’s Potter Park, one in Oscar Scherer State Park, and another at the Venice Train Depot. Consider a bike rental from Siesta Key Bike and Kayak. This locally-owned business has more than 500 bikes available for rental and is there to help you find exactly what you need. Choose an adult bike, tandem bike, or an electric bike to get around without a lot of pedal power. Rent bikes for an afternoon, day, or the entire length of your stay.
2. Stay Comfy on the Beach With Siesta Village Outfitters
Soak up the sun and catch up on your summer reading on a comfortable beach chair from Siesta Village Outfitters. This company has everything you need to make a splash on your day at the beach. They rent beach chairs, umbrellas, and carts for daily or weekly use. This company creates a special package to provide you all the chairs and umbrellas you need while saving you money. They also deliver and retrieve your equipment to your vacation rental. Just don’t forget the sunscreen.
3. Learn to Paddle Board With Get On Board SUP
Explore the ocean and sound around Siesta Key from a new perspective with a paddleboard lesson from Get On Board SUP. A professional teaches you the basics and helps get you up and balanced on your board. The lesson starts out in calm water to get your bearings. If you’re feeling adventurous, there are also lessons for surfing and boogie boarding on offer. If you already have the basics down, bring or rent your equipment and hit the water.
4. Go Sky High With Parasail Siesta
Test your bravery and see Siesta Key from an entirely new angle — from way up above the land and sea. Parasail Siesta takes you out on the water on a power boat and lets the sail go, pulling you gently, high into the air. Up to three people, depending on height and weight, can ride at a time. For a little extra fun, ask the boat driver to “dip” you on the way back down. As you descend, you dip into the water for just a few seconds to cool off.
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5. Go Dolphin-watching
Leave dry land behind, and take a tour with Key Life Charters. This charter company offers several adventure options, such as a day of dolphin watching or an eco-tour. At almost any time of year, the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico serve as home for pods of dolphins. Take the entire family out on the water to see these friendly mammals frolicking in the waters and racing the boats.
6. Snorkel a Shipwreck
Just 100 feet off shore sits the wreck of the SS Regina, and Kokomo Charters can take your party out to the wreck and show you the hotspots. This former Navy vessel now serves as a reef with fish and coral flourishing. The charter company provides you all the gear you need to see clearly.
7. Dance the Night Away at the Beach Club
Put on your dancing shoes and enjoy the music any night at the Beach Club. Throughout the week, this local club offers a rotating variety of local DJs playing all the best dance songs, and on the weekend, discover local bands playing live. Select a spot at the bar or a table for a larger group. Check the schedule before getting dressed because this club offers daily themes.
8. Cool Off at Orange Octopus
When the summer heat gets to you, stop by the Orange Octopus and cool off with some ice cream. This family-owned hot spot offers some pretty wild and scrumptious flavors, such as Kentucky Honey Bourbon and Gator Tracks with crushed Reeses and fudge. Order a cone or splurge on a sundae with hot fudge, nuts, whipped cream, and cherries. They also have a selection of coffee and ice coffee to get your energy levels up.
9. Go Shopping at Beach Bazaar of Sarasota
In business for more than 30 years, Beach Bazaar of Sarasota is your one-stop shop to find everything you need during your beach vacation. Pick out a new swimsuit to create new tan lines while your kids pick out a bundle of sand pails and sandcastle molds. This store stocks beach towels, t-shirts, and souvenirs of your time here. It also carries essentials, such as sunscreen, shampoo, and snacks to keep you going on a long day at the beach.
10. Play a Round of Golf
Set on over 700 acres, The Founders Golf Club is the place to keep your swing in tip-top shape while on vacation. Play 18 holes of golf, set amid rolling hills with lush greenery in the background. After you play through, stay for dinner at the club’s top-notch restaurant, or at least stop by the bar for something to recover from a day out on the links. This golf club doesn’t require a scheduled tee time, so just stop by.
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