Siesta Key, Florida, rests on the Gulf of Mexico, close to Sarasota —so close, in fact, that part of the barrier island is actually within Sarasota’s city lines. In times past, it went by the name “Sarasota Key,” further cementing its kinship with the larger city. But Siesta Key is a charming vacation spot in its own right, comprised of four smaller districts and gallons upon gallons of white sand and saltwater.
Given that 32 percent of its area is water, it makes sense that Siesta Key is a good place for swim- and sun-heavy vacations. Here, we’ve chosen a few hotels that will give you easy access to the pristine shores of Siesta Key. Bright and cheerful afternoons won’t be far with any of these oceanfront options.
The Capri at Siesta
From $189/ night
A four-minute walk will bring you from Siesta Key to the beach —though if you don’t feel like walking, this property’s heated pool is another option. The villas here sport well-stocked kitchenettes and a sofa bed, as well as the usual amenities like (free) wifi and cable TV. The courtyard is another suitable place to relax, with chairs, tables and grills available. (You can also rent beach chairs and cabanas.) A landscaped exterior rounds out this hotel’s calming atmosphere, while restaurants and shops are nearby when you’re ready to venture out. Some nearby destinations include Selby Botanical Gardens and the Stoneybrook Golf Club, both within a 12 minute drive.
Tropical Beach Resorts
From $129/ night
This resort, only a three-minute walk from the beach, has garnered numerous positive reviews online —it’s current rating hovers just above a 9 on Booking.com. Like other properties in the area, Tropical Beach offers a heated pool and outdoor lounging area. If you’re looking for something more active, shuffleboard, volleyball and yoga classes are all available. If your prefer a stroll, Peruvian and French cuisine are both within walking distance, as are convenience stores and numerous other destinations. One past guest called the resort “a personal oasis,” given its walkability.
Twin Palms at Siesta
From $149/ night
This charming hotel gives visitors all the basic amenities. Rooms come with a big TV, a kitchenette and a cozy bed. The real excitement is outdoors, however, including a garden courtyard (perfect for dining, the hotel suggests) and heated pool. Most tropical and aesthetic is the flower-lined corridor that leads guests on a short walk to Siesta Key Beach. Planning a lengthier trip? Rates are offered at both weekly and daily pricing.
Turtle Beach Resort
From $216/ night
Only two minutes from the beach, this property offers privacy and tranquility along the coast of Little Sarasota Bay. It also offers more concrete amenities, like an outdoor pool and jacuzzi as well as kayaks, fishing gear or bicycles. It sounds like you won’t easily exhaust all the options for outdoorsy activities here, but once you’ve successfully tired yourself out, you can relax in your apartment-style suite’s patio or hammock.