Prefer Italian and American BUT seafood joints are good too (as long as they have a children’s menu and burgers). We love Carrabba’s and Phillipi’s - hope they are still there. Also love Old Salty Dog in Siesta Key and the Village Cafe …

Longboat key/Sarasota

IVO’s on Siesta Drive is excellent. Was formally on Longboat. Very small restaurant but one of the few places that serves Dover Sole. I DON’T KNOW IVO. CAFE L’EUROPE ALSO SERVES DOVER SOLE. For the 20th time, Derek’s is extremely noisy …

Sarasota & the Gulf Coast Waterfront Dining Hotspots!

These are my favorite spots for waterfront dining. More info at tamaraberryman.com. Bay View at the Ritz Carlton. 111 Ritz Carlton Drive. Sarasota, FL. 941.309.2270. Casual. Lunch and Dinner. Ritzcarlton.com. Beach House Restaurant …

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We have scoured the web and are bringing you the best beach day tips.

Don’t Forget These Beach Safety Tips

While beach-related accidents are few and far between in regard to wildlife, the risk remains. Plus, there are other concerns such as water safety and sun safety you need to know about. Beach safety tips worth noting before you dive …

Tips on Vacationing with Your Dog

Although, resort areas like Hilton Head Island with its dog parks and relaxed beach regulations are extremely pet friendly, there is not an abundance of pet friendly accommodations. To get the best options, you will need to plan early. …

Sun, Sand & Surf: Beach Picnic Tips

Beach picnics are an ideal way to enjoy Memorial Day weekend, relishing in the warm breezes with the toasty sand between your toes. Here are some beach picnic tips that will keep you cool, comfy and well fed during this season of …

Quick And Nutritious Breakfast Tips For Warm–Weather Mornings

Summertime tends to conjure up images of lazy days spent relaxing on the beach. In reality, the warmer months can be just as busy and hectic as the school year.

Designer Swimwear: Fashion under the Sun

Even if the sun is emitting excruciating heat, that does not mean that you have to look dull and dry. If you’re at the beach, you can look just as astounding as any other day - and good swimwear will do the trick.

Family Beach Vacation Ideas

Throughout the West Coast of Maui, you’ll have many choices for your beach vacation. If you plan to enjoy golf, the Kapalua Resort is a great choice, as guests will receive 30% lower golf rates than those who don’t stay at the resort. …

Tips for going to the beach with your dog!

To Hear more great beach tips please join us live every Tuesday at www. healthylife.net at 1 PM PST where you too can join the fun by calling in live to 1-800-555-5453 from 1-2 PM PST Wendy’s Animal Talk …

Bargains at the beach

Gas prices keep going up, the economy keeps sinking, but summer residents in Columbia still must go to the beach. Here are tips for saving a few bucks at selected venues along the coast. Share This.

Remember, be mindful of the heat. Always bring water with you, sunscreen, and cold drinks.

Additional Siesta Key Beach Tips Sarasota Florida’s Spectacular Beaches On Siesta Key - Siesta Key is the perfect vacation destination year round because the weather is mild during the winter so it is possible to enjoy beach activities even in the coolest months. There are many unique dining experiences for you which offer … Sarasota Beaches - Since the closing of Midnight Pass in 1984, the beach allows uninterrupted walking all the way down Casey Key. Sarasota is a very friendly pet area, although there are no dogs allowed on Siesta Key Beach, there are several parks, … Beach Safety Video - They edited out all the good info about sharks, jellyfish, stingrays, etc., but it still has some good info. The law enforcement officer on Siesta Key beach had some great tips for keeping up with your kids at the [...] Florida Beaches - South Beach, Miami 2. Siesta Key 3. Palm Beach 4. Lover’s Key 5. Clearwater Beach (on the west coast / gulf coast) 6. Smathers Beach, Key West 7. Bahia Honda State Park 8. Panama City 9 This is Naples, Florida beach near the pier. …

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photo credit: ceiling

Sarasota County commissioners had a 3-2 vote in favor of instituting parking fees for all 9 county beaches. This includes the 3 main beaches in Siesta Key, Siesta Public beach, Crescent Beach, and Turtle Beach. This may not seem like big news, however the parking fees are estimated to bring $3.5 million in annual sales which could be put back into maintaining the beaches.
Siesta Public Beach is the county’s largest beach, which will bring in the most money, it will also harbor the most complaints primarily from locals. There are talks of annual passes running anywhere from $30-$35, which would eliminate most of the complaints from the locals.
For more information, check out the full story at HeraldTribune.com

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Siesta Key Beach Condos- The Herron Group which are realtors who know Siesta Key. Once you’ve visited Siesta Key, chances are you may never want to leave. The Herron group can help you find just the condo you’re looking for.

Ebmug did an excellent article that talks about how spectacular the beaches are here in Siesta Key.

….Real Ocala talks about how she had a great brunch in Siesta Key.

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Asolo Repertory Theatre

“The Asolo Repertory Theatre also performs one or two plays in the Cook each year as part of its regular season. Whether in the Historic Asolo Theater, the historical Mertz Theatre, or the Cook Theatre, local residents and visitors alike have enjoyed the outstanding professional live theatrical productions of the Asolo Rep for generations. As we embark on our 48th season, it is our sincere hope to continue this legacy of presenting the highest quality professional theatre for the enjoyment and education of many generations to come.”

Florida Orange Groves & Winery

Our winery, Florida Orange Groves Winery, is a family owned Florida Farm Winery that had it’s beginnings in shipping and packing fresh citrus in the early 1970’s in St. Petersburg, Florida. Producing Florida’s only ultra-premium tropical, citrus and berry wines, this FL wine distributor and authentic Florida Farm Winery is proud to say that our tropical, berry and citrus wines are the only Florida wines allowed to display the Florida Department of Citrus’ official mark of superior quality - the Florida Sunshine Tree.

Ringling Museum of Art

The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art is the remarkable legacy of a circus entrepreneur, collector of art and financier who endowed the State of Florida with a rich cultural future. As a part of Florida State University, the Museum of Art, Circus Museum, and Cà d’Zan mansion located on a 66-acre estate overlooking Sarasota Bay, is the state art museum of Florida.

Mote Aquarium

Activities relate to marine research, oceonographic educational activities including public education (aquarium), mariculture, coastal and wetlands ecology and other activities. Mote Aquarium was expressly designed for the purpose of educating the public about the marine environment and its fauna and flora.

Sarasota Opera

Sarasota Opera produces outstanding opera true to the vision of the composer to entertain, enrich, and educate our communities, as well as patrons from across the state and around the world. In addition to striving for artistic excellence, Sarasota Opera directs itself toward becoming accessible to all segments of the greater community. Coordinated artistic, educational, informational, and social outreach programs to accomplish this accessibility.

Marie Selby Botanical Gardens

Marie Selby Botanical Gardens is a respected center for research and education as well as a famous orchid showplace. The mission of The Marie Selby Botanical Gardens is to understand and conserve tropical plants — with emphasis on epiphytes and their natural habitats - through programs of research, education and horticultural display that promote appreciation of plant life and provide enjoyment for all who visit the Gardens.

Daiquiri Deck

The original world famous Daiquiri Deck is located on Siesta Key of the southwest coast of Florida in beautiful Siesta Key Village. Catch some sun then catch a nice cool daiquiri at the coolest hot spot in

Sarasota.

Circus Sarasota

Each season, Circus Sarasota produces a brand new show introducing artists who receive top-billing in circuses throughout the world. Circus Sarasota is a unique non-profit circus with enriching and educating outreach programs 365 days a year for seniors and children. Nearly 80% of the program funds to run Laughter Unlimited and Big Top Education come from box office proceeds during the winter performances.

Florida Gulf Coast Railroad Museum.

The Museum offers one of the most unique museum experiences in the world. Here you “Ride the Exhibits!” Throughout the year, the Museum schedule special event weekends that couple exciting themes with a ride on the train. Examples include a train robbery, World War II re-enactment and a trip to the North Pole.

Livingstons Amusement Center.

Livingston’s is Sarasota’s most inviting entertainment experience. With over 45,000 square-foot of state-of-the-art fun, Livingston’s is the ultimate place to hang out, be amused, drink, and socialize. We’ve spent the last 15 years perfecting fun… so any way you turn… you’ll have fun at Livingston’s.

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Of all the condominiums in Siesta Key, that have benefited from the recent re-nourishment of Turtle Beach, Fisherman’s Cove has been improved the most. There is now a nice wide beach in front of Fisherman’s Cove. On a recent visit to Fisherman’s Cove to preview some very nice gulf front units, I took the video footage that you see below.

Fisherman’s Cove is located directly along the shores of Turtle Beach and in unique to the south end of the island as it is only beachfront property that allows 1-7 day rentals. Every unit at Fisherman’s Cove has a direct Gulf view. Excellent rental income due to unit views and short term rentals. Turtle Beach has long been just a bit less popular than Crescent Beach but recent luxury development is changing the feel of the Turtle Beach area.

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Condos

photo credit: neajjean

Many visitors who come to Siesta Key stay for at least a week, and there are lots who spend over a month at a time. The most cost effective way to do this would be to stay in a rented condo. There are lot of them to choose from on the island, however not all have access to not only a private beach, but also docks on the Intercoastal Waterway. Some of the best condos on the island can be found at Fisherman’s Cove which sits directly on Turtle Beach.

Hotels

If a shorter stay is on your agenda, then perhaps a hotel makes more sense. There are price ranges for any

photo credit: minghong

budget and area, however keep in mind the closer you are to the beach the more expensive it can get. Many of the hotels and resorts will offer amenities that only a large business can provide you, such as reduced or no cost rentals of water sports, private boat chartering so that you can go deep sea diving, and more.

Peak Times

Siesta Key is a beach town; therefore it has its busy seasons. This greatly has an influence on the cost of your accommodations. Our peak tourist season is fall and winter, and off season is spring to summer. If you want to get greatly reduce the amount you pay for your accommodations, then reserve your room early and during off season.

Location Location

Being close to shopping, restaurants or the beach for that matter is not a major concern in Siesta Key because everything is centered on the shopping districts. There are 3 main beaches, each with its own personality. Staying closer to the one where you will use the most is ideal. Crescent beach is quiet and secluded, whereas Siesta Public Beach is action packed with all the activities you desire. If a family friendly beach is more your style, then Turtle beach is your destination as there are playgrounds, picnic areas and more.

There are many things you need to consider when booking your vacation to Siesta Key. Many of these choices directly impact the amount of money you will pay for where you stay. With a little inside information from the locals, you can save yourself a lot of money.

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Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar - Dining

Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar is the ultimate steakhouse destination for food and wine lovers seeking a stylish, lively memorable dining experience. Nationally renowned for its Prime beef and steakhouse fare, Fleming’s is equally celebrated for the Fleming’s 100 its award winning wine program that features 100 wines by-the-glass.

While Prime beef reigns supreme at Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar, other flavorful dishes offered include daily-featured selections of fresh seafood, fresh salads, and tasty appetizer selections. Critically acclaimed for its simple fare, the restaurant serves fresh vegetables family-style—among the selections are five different potato preparations. Tempting desserts made from scratch every day include the Chocolate Lava Cake and Crème Brulée.

Anna’s Deli

Anna’s Deli has been serving their Famous Specialty Sandwiches, featuring the highest quality meats, cheeses, and toppings as well as fresh, daily prepared salads, since 1971. Come experience why Anna’s continues to be a Siesta Key tradition for over 37 years!! Anna’s Deli strives to provide their guests with the highest level of product quality and friendly, courteous service.

Broken Egg Restaurant and Gallery

The Broken Egg Restaurant, Gift Shop and Gallery has been an island tradition for breakfast and lunch on Siesta Key since 1984. Our in house bakery offers fresh cakes, pies, breakfast pastries, cookies and other delectable treats to enjoy in our dining room or to take home for later! The Broken Egg Gallery features works by both Floridian and National Renowed Artists.

Turtles Restaurant

Few sites on Siesta Key hold more allure than Turtles Restaurant. With its majestic coconut palms inhabited by hosts of wild parakeets and its spectacular view of Little Sarasota Bay, Turtles has been luring customers to its doors since 1986 when its local owners first opened it to the public. Come visit for a little bit of paradise.

We believe that once you discover how wonderful Siesta Key is, you’ll want to be here as much as you possibly can. We’re sure that once you know how much fun it can be, you’ll want to plan your Siesta Key Vacation! And we’ll be here to welcome you!

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Siesta Public Beach

Siesta Public Beach is the northernmost beach area. Siesta Public Beach is renowned for its breath-taking sunsets, easy-going waves, and gorgeous, crystal-white sand. At the “Great International White Sand Beach Challenge” held in 1987, it was recognized as having the “whitest and finest sand in the world.”
Shallow water depth in the near shore area together with year round lifeguard protection, makes this one of the safest beaches in the County and great for small children. The Public Beach has a shaded picnic area, playground, pavilion, tennis courts and beach volleyball courts. There’s always something to do at Siesta Public Beach, and it’s within easy walking distance of the many shops and restaurants in Siesta Village.

Crescent Beach

photo credit: markus941

Crescent Beach offers the same lush, white sands, azure waters, and stunning sunsets, but it is relatively secluded and quiet, as it has only one public access road. Visitors staying in the resorts, apartments and beach clubs here enjoy a quieter beach experience. Most resorts have private beaches beyond the public beach area and the water’s edge. At the southern tip of this beach is the Point of Rocks - a lovely snorkeling and diving area that is rich with coral rock formations as well as colorful and abundant marine life. So, if a quieter beach experience is what you may be after, then Crescent Beach is where you want to go.

Turtle Beach

Turtle Beach, south of Crescent Beach, offers an entirely different experience. Turtle Beach provides a sportier, “family play” beach experience. Located right on the beach there is a playground, picnic areas, a horseshoe pit and boat launching ramp. The sand on the beach tends to carry more shells, making it perfect for beach combers and shell collectors.

No matter which of our gorgeous beaches you choose to visit, your time will be memorable. Enjoy Florida the way it used to be - unspoiled beaches, abundant wildlife, and beautiful sunrises and sunsets. Visitors can find ample accommodations close to the area that suits them best, but you can easily visit and enjoy all three.

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Shopping

photo credit: satguru

You can shop right on Siesta Key in two shopping districts, which are found on the northwest and south ends of the Key mixed in with attractions and commercial businesses. Whether you are looking for souvenirs, groceries, gifts, or island clothing, there are 150 stores to explore. You’ll find a full service grocery store, nearby drug store and post office all convenient to surrounding accommodations and beach access areas.

Dining

Siesta Key is an island of culinary pleasures. Many of the restaurants specialize in seafood delicacies including lobster, crab, blackened fish, raw oysters, and unique Gulf Coast seafood dishes. Siesta Key also offers a wide selection of Italian, American, Oriental and French cuisine to suit the most discerning tastes. There are restaurants where you can go to grab a quick breakfast or lunch in your flip-flops and sandy toes, or to relax in style over an extraordinary dinner.

Fun

Fun in the sun is what Siesta Key is all about. Our tropical climate makes every sort of outdoor activity available and enjoyable nearly year-round. With nearly 1,000 species of fish, there is year-round onshore and offshore fishing. You may wish to try deep-sea fishing, bridge fishing, or surf-casting. There are many types of saltwater fish in the waters that will give you the fishing challenge of a lifetime including barracuda, black drum, grouper, pompano, snapper and tarpon. There is also boating, sun tanning, dolphin tours, sunset cruises, and parasailing. Beach facilities include picnic areas, restrooms, concession stands, playground, trails, and tennis and volleyball courts. For collecting shells, Turtle Beach at the south end of the island is the popular hotspot.

Siesta Key is the perfect spot for all ages. Where ever you go and whatever you do you’ll experience the warm welcome and island hospitality that brings people to Siesta Key and calls them back year after year.

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