Location: Siesta Key
Top Things to do in Siesta Key
Countries
Top 10 Things to do in Siesta Key, United States
Looking for world class powdery white quartz sand beaches, 100 golf courses within driving distance, and an endless selection of cultural and family activities? Siesta Key is the laid-back beach town that goes above and beyond. Right nearby in Sarasota, you'll find museums, art, wildlife, circuses, opera, ballet, symphonies, theater, film festivals, botanical gardens, baseball spring training... the list goes on.
Restaurants in Siesta Key
1. Siesta Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 6 reviews
Public swimming beach known for its clean, hard-packed sand.
Reviewed By kpthelen - Saint Johns, Michigan
If you don’t mind a long walk in soft, cool sand to get to the water, this is the perfect beach! The sand was very clean, well maintained and there was plenty of it. You probably want to get to the beach by 9:30 if you want to find parking and a spot close to the water.
2. Crescent Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 847 reviews
Reviewed By Lynne C - Lowton, null, United Kingdom
Started at a place on Sara sea circle. The area is lovely, peaceful, clean and welcoming. Some lovely places to eat, Clayton's, Captain curts, the fish market to name a few. Couple of lovely cafes, a 7/11 and some nice gift shops. The beach is beautiful and clean. Very natural and nice to swim. White sand like icing sugar. I fell in love with the place instantly.
3. Marie Selby Botanical Gardens
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2 reviews
A sprawling botanical garden.
Reviewed By Darleen C - Rye, New Hampshire
What a treasure this place is. It’s pricy for a day admission $25. but we thoroughly enjoyed the orchid exhibit and all the rare trees and plants. Several water displays and places to rest and take in all the beauty.
4. Sarasota Opera
Overall Ratings
5 based on 222 reviews
The excitement is palpable during the Sarasota Opera season. As you arrive at your seats, you'll see the familiar faces of opera lovers just like you, and also meet new people. Our intimate 1119-seat theater—with the perfect acoustics for live opera—gives a sense of intimacy to our performances while enhancing your overall experience. Now in its 59th Season, Sarasota Opera is the only opera company in the world to have performed all of Verdi's works. People from all corners of the world come to see our world-class productions, which range from early Italian Bel Canto to contemporary American opera. This Winter, we are bringing to you Puccini’s Manon Lescaut, Bizet’s Carmen, Bellini’s Norma, and d’Albert’s Tiefland. All performances have simultaneous English translations above the stage and opera goers are encouraged to dress as they feel comfortable: suits and ties mix with khaki and jeans. Tickets start at only $19!! Come and experience the magic that is Sarasota Opera!
Reviewed By JordanS8 - Sarasota, Florida
Start with a wonderful venue, fill in with a world class orchestra and finish it off with hugely talented singers, scenery and settings. Sarasota’s Opera can easily complete with March larger companies in bigger cities.
Tonight we saw Carmen and it was an awesome production In fact, over the 18 years I have been coming here, I have not seen a production that was not excellent. Definitely worth the time and money.
5. Turtle Beach
Overall Ratings
4 based on 775 reviews
Reviewed By Susan G - Saratoga Springs, New York
Nice and empty the chilly day we visited! So windy the sand hurt when it hit my bare legs. More like a January day than the March day ! The gulf was churning.
6. Point of Rocks
Overall Ratings
4 based on 318 reviews
This rare geologic feature is a great place to view birds and marine wildlife, and it is also next to a scenic beach.
Reviewed By Regina E
Our group actually stumbled upon these rocks not really knowing what they were until after our trip was done. Really cool for formation rocks that were naturally formed it’s called Sea cement. I Did not wear shoes and my feet did get a little messed up but my friends had shoes on and they had no issues walking through the area. A lot of different wildlife around there.
7. Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3 reviews
Located at the Mote Marine Laboratory, this is home to a 135,000 gallon outdoor shark tank and many other marine species.
Reviewed By motordavid - Waynesville,NC & Naples, FL
We have been to a dozen plus big name aquariums, but this research facility with aquarium and exhibits is worth the time, imo.
It was our first trip. Took 15 yr old granddaughter who also has been to several aquariums with us...but she/we enjoyed the Mote very much.
It it obviously SW FL species oriented, very educational and informative, and offers many different exhibit and educational areas.
The volunteers do an excellent job of offering short lectures/info if one chooses to listen at the different exhibits.
We took the Sarasota Bay Explorers eco boat trip first, (connected with/but separate booking from the Mote), and highly recommend doing both. An earlier morning boat trip, (couple of hours), followed by a couple hours in the Mote is a very enjoyable informative half day for visitors of all ages.
8. South Lido Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 404 reviews
Reviewed By Astrid1511 - Fredericton, Canada
A beautiful natural park with something for everyone. This morning on our walk we met fisherman. One of them caught a Bonnethead shark. It is a member of the Hammerhead shark family.It was about 2 feet long and it is good eating we were told. We saw kayakers, mangroves, beautiful beaches and families barbequing. There were clean washroom facilities and swings with a childrens play area. This is a great place for a walk.
9. Sarasota Farmers Market
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 188 reviews
The Sarasota Farmers Market was established in 1979. The market continues its tradition of providing the community with local produce, plants, prepared foods, and artisans.
Reviewed By BessieLil - West Springfield, Massachusetts
For no good reason, this was my first visit to the Farmer's Market after four farmers-marketless visits to Sarasota. Was surprised and pleased by the 'do-ability' of the setup. A few streets are closed right near the Whole Foods Market. Farmers, food trucks, local honey,...MoreWe are so glad you enjoyed the market! The violinist is Cal Morris, and you are correct, many people stop just to listen to him. Thank you for sharing your visit with us. We hope you come again soon.
10. Florida Studio Theatre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 302 reviews
Florida Studio Theatre (FST) is one of the major cultural resources in the Gulf Coast region, bringing the best in Contemporary plays, musicals, and comedy to the Sarasota community since 1973. An professional regional theatre, the FST campus is a village of five theatres - the historic Keating and Gompertz Theatres,the Parisian style Goldstein Cabaret and John C. Court Cabaret, and Bowne's Lab Theatre. Near the Sarasota bayfront, FST brings an energy and vitality to the downtown area. Each theatre is small in size and large in impact - providing an intimate and engaging setting for high-quality, professional performances. Hip and historical, entertaining and challenging,where everyone is welcome to come and engage in the art of theatre. FST has modeled itself on the strength of creating the best in contemporary theatre at an affordable price. Overall, FST serves over 200,000 attendees per year through its six major programs: the Mainstage Series, the Cabaret Series, the Stage III series, WRITE A PLAY, Education, and New Play Development.
Reviewed By Joanna W - Middlebury, Indiana
We love FST! Last night we saw our third showing of “Once”, and I would go again. We’ve seen many shows, including the Cabaret and haven’t been disappointed. We have been to the restaurant before a show. The menu has a nice variety and a full bar. Drinks are allowed in the theater which is a bonus. The staff is always knowledgeable, pleasant, accommodating. We will continue to support FST.
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