Siesta Key provides the quintessential Florida setting. Picture the blue Gulf of Mexico lapping the shore, swaying palm trees and, best of it all, sand softer and whiter than anything you have encountered before. But where to stay in Siesta Key for the best experience?
For the ultimate accessibility, the Siesta Beach area is the best place to stay in Siesta Key. Here, you enjoy both that world-famous beach and an array of eateries, watering holes and shops.
If you prefer something quieter, Crescent Beach and Turtle Beach are other gorgeous options for where to stay in Siesta Key.
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Where to stay overview
- Siesta Beach – Main beach
- Crescent Beach – Off the beaten path
- Turtle Beach – Hidden beach
- Lido Key – Next island
Siesta Beach – Where to stay in Siesta Key for it all
The sugar-white beaches of Siesta Key are established as some of the best in the world. Among the three main portions of the coastline, the northernmost Siesta Beach grabs most attention.
Although the awe-inspiring beach is popular (how could it not be, just look at it), its width allows beachgoers to spread out. It also offers shallow water and a lifeguard station, making it a great beach for visitors of all ages.
Need a quick bite during your stunning beach day? Siesta Beach’s concession stands provide tasty snacks and refreshing drinks.
This is a beach that has it all and where you happily spend hour after hour.
But before the sun gets the better of you, head to the nearby Siesta Key Village. The charming district — cut in two by the village’s main street, Ocean Boulevard — boasts laid-back restaurants, cooling bars and trinket-full shops.
How far it’s from Siesta Beach to Siesta Key Village? Only a few minutes inland by foot from the closest beach access point (number 5) — how convenient isn’t that?
But pay attention to that Siesta Key Village is situated at the northern end of Siesta Beach, meaning that a Siesta Key hotel in the south puts you further from the action.
In short, Siesta Beach is for good reason the most popular option for where to stay in Siesta Key. Embrace the stunning white shoreline; then walk to Siesta Key Village for precious after-beach entertainment.
Recommended Siesta Key hotels in Siesta Beach
Tropical Breeze Resort
At the Tropical Breeze Resort, palm-dotted landscaping and tropical-themed rooms make for a quintessential Siesta Key vacation. As appreciated, at least, is the location: A minute from both the beach and Siesta Key Village, you have your whole vacation on your doorstep.
The Inn on Siesta Key
Built in 1936, The Inn on Siesta Key knows all about creating unforgettable vacation memories. Check in here to enjoy a rare mix of Old Florida and top-level comfort. There are only six units: Book this Siesta Key hotel early.
The Sea Spray Resort
Choose from 16 vacation-ready units defined by bright colors, each feeling like the ideal Florida home. Siesta Beach across the street is a glistening magnet, but this lovely Siesta Key resort also puts you within a 10-minute walk of the restaurant-dotted Siesta Key Village.
Crescent Beach – Where to stay in Siesta Key off the beaten path
Trace the renowned Siesta Beach south to arrive on Crescent Beach. Although the two are connected and as pretty, Crescent Beach is a significantly less frequented option for where to stay in Siesta Key.
Why is that?
First of all, framed by hotels and condo complexes, Crescent Beach has only two public access points. In other words, Siesta Beach is much more accessible for daytrippers.
Secondly, Crescent Beach is sheltered away from the island’s busy entertainment hub, Siesta Key Village. There, visitors find more distractions to indulge in.
But if you think Crescent Beach doesn’t offer any off-the-beach fun, think again. Crescent Beach, a self-contained vacation enclave, offers a fine (although smaller) array of restaurants and bars too.
For dinner, sit down at Spearfish Grille, serving some of the freshest seafood there’s to get. In particular, the today’s catch selection impresses.
Just need some ice cream to cool off? Orange Octopus happily scoops up their delicious handmade ice cream for you (and they have great coffee too).
At Crescent Beach’s southern end, the white Siesta Key sand collides with hard rock. Point of Rocks, a half-a-mile rock formation, boasts clear waters and fascinating marine life — snorkelers love it here.
In conclusion, Crescent Beach is an appealing off-the-beaten-path option for where to stay in Siesta Key. Sure, it’s tucked away from Siesta Key Village, but the area still has all you need for an exceptional Siesta Key stay.
Recommended Siesta Key hotels in Crescent Beach
Tropical Beach Resorts
Well-groomed grounds with plenty of shaded areas, perfect for reading or card games, and two swimming pools set a friendly tone at Tropical Beach Resorts. Families, couples and solo travelers — this is a great Siesta Key resort for everyone.
Hyatt Residence
Looking for a beachfront Siesta Key hotel? Then don’t look past Hyatt Residence; picture condo-style accommodations facing that world-class beach — wow!
Captiva Beach Resort
Captiva Beach Resort has an apt name. Providing 19 comfy rooms and suites, within steps of both Crescent Beach and bayside restaurants, Captiva Beach Resort truly is a captivating option for where to stay in Siesta Key.
Twin Palms at Siesta
A just-of-the-right-size oasis, Twin Palms at Siesta lure you in with its tiki-framed swimming pool. As appreciated are the modern yet cozy rooms, ensuring the best of sleep during your Siesta Key stay.
Turtle Beach – Where to stay in Siesta Key for seclusion
The southernmost of Siesta Key’s three beaches, Turtle Beach stands out as the most secluded option for where to stay in Siesta Key. Are you ready to experience a Siesta Key away from the crowds?
Hiding at the end of Midnight Pass Road, Turtle Beach doesn’t have its own mainland connection. The closest, Crescent Beach’s Stickney Point Bridge, is 3 miles (5 km) north.
If you plan on visiting Siesta Key Village, it’s 5 miles (8 km) north.
The result of Turtle Beach’s screened position, at the end of an in-and-out road, is that you can hear a pin drop.
Although Turtle Beach isn’t as white and wide as the other Siesta Key beaches, it offers unrivaled serenity. Without any distractions, spread out your towel, feel sand between your toes and take dips in the Gulf of Mexico.
Up for an adventure?
A mile (1.6 km) to the south, Palmer Point Beach Park is Turtle Beach’s best-kept secret. This park, offering a timeless Florida landscape, is not accessible by car — hike, kayak or boat!
When it’s time to eat, choose from appealing waterfront restaurants: Turtles Restaurant is a laid-back place where visitors who look for a casual meal thrive, while Ophelia’s on the Bay offers a more upscale experience.
All in all, Turtle Beach doesn’t have the sugar-white “wow” factor of Siesta Beach or Crescent Beach. However, it’s the best place to stay in Siesta Key for those who crave for the ultimate seclusion.
Recommended Siesta Key hotels in Turtle Beach
Turtle Beach Resort
An old-school Siesta Key resort, the greenery-surrounded Turtle Beach Resort offers sought-after serenity. On your private patio, recharge your batteries in the jacuzzi or let the breeze rock you to sleep in the hammock. For the best experience, book one of the rooms overlooking Little Sarasota Bay.
Lido Key – Where to stay near Siesta Key
Siesta Beach, Crescent Beach and Turtle Beach are not the only beautiful beach spots in the Sarasota area. Floating north of Siesta Key, Lido Key is another stunning beach destination — Sarasotians really are spoiled.
Walk along Lido Key’s shoreline, and it’s likely that you find some colorful shells. Lido Key Beach is coarser and more golden, compared to the super-fine and record-white Siesta Beach.
Taking in the landscape, you enjoy a refreshingly quiet vibe. That there’s no developed downtown area on Lido Key keeps the noise level down.
But for sophisticated shopping, dining and drinks, just make your way over to the neighboring St. Armands Key. Called Sarasota’s jewel, St. Armands Circle (or just the Circle) overwhelms you with a mix of upscale offerings.
Beware: It’s easy to break the bank here.
In short, Lido Key and Siesta Key make an gorgeous duo. Because it’s less than 30 minutes between the two, you can easily enjoy both during your vacation in the Sarasota area.
Final words about where to stay in Siesta Key
Congratulations! You’re in for a magical Florida treat: Siesta Key really is as white and pretty as pictures show.
For that picture-perfect sand, opt for Siesta Beach (lively) or Crescent Beach (more private). The southernmost Turtle Beach is not as white but a top pick for those who crave for seclusion.
Where to stay in Siesta Key FAQ
Here you find the answers to some frequently asked questions about where to stay in Siesta Key, FL.
Offering that sugar-white sand and treasured entertainment, Siesta Beach is the quintessential Siesta Key part. However, Crescent Beach is an appealing off-the-beaten-path enclave, while Turtle Beach is the perfect area for those who crave for solitude.
Both Siesta Key and Lido Key are beautiful beach destinations. Siesta Key stands out for its sugar-white beach and fun entertainment scene, whereas Lido Key offers a quieter beach scene closer to Downtown Sarasota.
Siesta Key is the ultimate destination for a picture-perfect beach vacation. However, consider Sarasota if you rather look for a relaxed city stay with great beach access.
The breathtaking beachfront location is the number one drawcard of Hyatt Residence Club. Add to that well-equipped resident-style rooms where you happily spend an extended Siesta Key stay.
Directly on the beach, Hyatt Residence Club makes it effortless for families to go from sandcastle building to pool splashing. Or, to enjoy a small-scale Old Florida experience, consider The Inn on Siesta Key, providing only six homey units.
For beach bums, Siesta Key is a bucket list destination. Boasting the whitest of sand, Siesta Key has been named the best beach in America numerous times.
