Where to stay in Siesta Key, FL

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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Siesta Beach – Where to stay 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 the 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 appreciated 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 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.

Best 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 resort also puts you within a 10-minute walk of the restaurant-dotted Siesta Key Village.

Crescent Beach – Where to stay 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.

Best 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 stay.

Turtle Beach – Where to stay for seclusion

The southernmost of three beaches, Turtle Beach stands out as Siesta Key’s most secluded area. Are you ready to experience an humbler 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 to get there!

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.

Best 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 experience 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