About 10 years ago I read an article in the newspaper about the
beach at Siesta Key on the Gulf side of Florida. The article described powdery
white sand, blue water, and a fun vibe in the little town, Siesta Village. My family decided to give it a whirl, and
after a week, we decided it was best beach vacation we’d ever had in the United
States.
 |
| On rougher surf days, kids will have enough wave action to use boogie boards and play in the water. |
Fast forward to 2015 and another trip to Siesta Key. I was
reminded about why the beach on this barrier island has been named the “#1
beach in America.” The Caribbean- white sand, made from pure white quartz, is
soft and cool beneath the toes. It’s a pleasure to walk on, a pleasure to look
at, and awfully for fun building sand castles.
The surf here is typically calm, and the warm summertime
water is like soaking in a bath. Waves don’t crash like they do over on the
Atlantic side, but on rough days the kiddos have enough water action to keep
them busy.
The wide swath of public beach sits central to the island
and is the only lifeguard-managed portion of beach. The public beach offers
amenities, such as food, restrooms, a surf shop, and handicap accessibility.
The parking lot fills quickly during the busy season, so day trippers need an
early start to grab a good spot.
Siesta Village is the hub of all activity on Siesta Key. Visitors
will find a plethora of restaurants and shops nestled here. The Daiquiri Deck
and Gilligan’s are two delicious restaurants to visit. Also, save room for
dessert at Big Olaf’s ice cream. Handmade and hand scooped, it’s worth more
than one visit. Shops in the village offer everything from the typical tourist
trinkets to swimwear to high-end clothing. Parking is an issue in the village,
so smart visitors just walk from their lodgings, when possible. Otherwise, any
of the free shuttles can transport folks to the village for a simple tip to the
driver.
 |
| The excellent Siesta Dunes condo complex is an ideal place to stay on Siesta Key. |
When a trip to the Caribbean is too far away, do the next
best thing. Stick your toes in the white sand at Siesta Key, America’s #1
beach.
Restaurants I recommend...
Captain Curt's Oyster Bar: http://www.captaincurts.com/
The Daiquiri Deck: http://www.daiquiridecksiestakey.com/
Gilligan's Island Bar: http://gilligansislandbar.com/ (On our most recent trip, this was our best meal of the week!)
Phillippi Creek: http://www.creekseafood.com/
The Hub Baja Grill: http://www.thehubsiestakey.com/
The Old Salty Dog: http://www.theoldsaltydog.com/SiestaKey/
Big Olaf's Ice Cream: http://www.bigolafsiestakey.com/
Also Consider...
Siesta Key Oyster Bar (SKOB): http://www.skob.com/
Walt's Fish Market and Restaurant: http://www.waltsfishmarketrestaurant.com/
Lobster Pot: http://www.sarasotalobsterpot.com/
Restaurants I recommend...
Captain Curt's Oyster Bar: http://www.captaincurts.com/
The Daiquiri Deck: http://www.daiquiridecksiestakey.com/
Gilligan's Island Bar: http://gilligansislandbar.com/ (On our most recent trip, this was our best meal of the week!)
Phillippi Creek: http://www.creekseafood.com/
The Hub Baja Grill: http://www.thehubsiestakey.com/
The Old Salty Dog: http://www.theoldsaltydog.com/SiestaKey/
Big Olaf's Ice Cream: http://www.bigolafsiestakey.com/
Also Consider...
Siesta Key Oyster Bar (SKOB): http://www.skob.com/
Walt's Fish Market and Restaurant: http://www.waltsfishmarketrestaurant.com/
Lobster Pot: http://www.sarasotalobsterpot.com/
 |
| This baby sea turtle washed up on our beach. Don't worry, he was on his way to safety via the local sheriff! |
 |
| Never a dull moment eating at Phillippi Creek Seafood! |
