Siesta Key is a barrier
island just 8 miles long. Many who live on "The Key" consider it
paradise. During the winter, on the occasional day when the temperature
drops, the warm water of the Gulf of Mexico keeps the temperature on
Siesta Key warmer than would be found further inland during a cold snap.
Renowned for the whitest and finest sand in the world, Siesta Key is a
mixture of communities. From artists and writers who call Siesta Village
home, to middle class "Keyites" to the exclusive waterfront residences,
Siesta Key has a unique charm.There are two drawbridges that link
Siesta Key to the mainland. The south bridge, on Stickney Point Road
leads directly to I-75 as it changes name to Clark Road heading east
toward Arcadia. On the northern tip of the Key the drawbridge links
Siesta Key into Sarasota. Both bridges cross the Intracoastal Waterway
and open to allow larger boats to pass. A portion of the north end of
Siesta Key lies within the boundaries of the City of Sarasota, while the
majority of Siesta Key lies in the unincorporated Sarasota County.
Siesta Key is a great location for visiting other parts of Florida.
You're only a short drive to
Miami, Orlando and
Disney World or Tampa.
The main, approximately 6 mile long, beach is known the world over.
In 1987 an international contest was held and the sand of Siesta Key was
declared the finest and whitest sand in the world. Every day hundreds of
walkers and joggers pass by on the water's edge along with a variety of
sea birds such as egret, sandpiper, herons and of course sea gulls. Many
days dolphins can be seen feeding and playing just off the beach along
with the occasional manatee. The shallow depths make it a very popular
beach as walking hundreds of feet offshore the depth barely reaches six
feet. More on Siesta Beach.
There are two shopping areas on Siesta Key. Just a bit north of the
public beach is Siesta Village. Dozens of boutiques, restaurants, bars
and real estate offices are located here as well as a small but fully
stocked supermarket. Just to the south of where Stickney Point road
meets Midnight Pass Road is the second commercial district. Many similar
boutiques and offices are located here. In addition there are some very
unique restaurants here and further south on Siesta Key.
There are only approximately 12-thousand people who call Siesta Key
home year-round. The population nearly doubles during the winter as the
hundreds of condominiums and hotel rooms fill up as the "snowbirds"
arrive. Take a stroll on Siesta Beach and you'll hear many different
languages spoken as Siesta Key is a popular destination for people from
around the world.
