About Siesta Key, Florida

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Have you ever dreamed about living within a short walk of one of America's top beaches? If so, consider visiting Siesta Key, Florida. A gorgeous island paradise off the coast of Sarasota, Florida. 

Siesta Beach was ranked by National Geographic as one of the top family beaches in the country. it was also named by USA Today as a Readers Choice for America's best beach. You won't find rowdy spring breakers here. The pristine sand is an oasis of relaxation. Living in Siesta Key makes the beach a part of everyday life. There is no such thing as planning a "weekend beach trip",because it is a given you'll be spending a couple of hours on the beach every Saturday and Sunday. You can even hit the beach after work and catch a couple hours of sun. It's also a great time to take in the stunning sunset overthe Gulf of Mexico with your significant other

One of the best parts about Siesta Key is you can experience all the perks of a tropical vacation without leaving home. There are several quality fishing charters throughout the Key. These friendly local sailors are more than willing to induct you into the fishing culture that is tied to the area. If you are more of an adventurous type, then you will be happy to know Siesta Key has Parasailing, kayaking, and jet skiing. You don't have to worry about owning a boat or a jet ski, as there's a good chance you'll make quick friends with someone who owns both.

Siesta Key is also filled with dozens of shops. The shops range from your typical tourist beach shop, to high-end boutiques that would impress any fashionista. There are a few shops that sell obscure items, and these funky shops are what gives Siesta Key its flavor.

If you still need convincing on the quality of the Siesta Key lifestyle, then all you have to do is make a reservation at one of the restaurants. The Village Cafe is a perfect place to grab some breakfast as you watch the sunrise. It has been in business since 1995 and is a favorite among locals. After breakfast, stop by Captain Curt's Crab & Oyster Bar for a seafood feast.

To sum it up nicely, the Siesta Key lifestyle is filled with beach relaxation, any activity involving the water, and delicious seafood.

Siesta Key Videos

Siesta Key History

People began settling on Siesta Key in the late 1800's. Back then the island was referred to as "Sarasota Key." Captain Louis Roberts and his wife, Ocean Hansen Roberts came to Siesta Key and established their claim. Do their names look familiar? Ocean Boulevard, Roberts Road and Hansen Bayou were named after the couple. In 1906, Captain Roberts enlarged his home and turned it into Roberts Hotel. In 1902 Captain Robert, Harry Higel and E.M. Arbogast formed the Siesta Land Company. By 1946, Siesta Key was still labeled “Sarasota Key” on government maps, but was called Siesta Key by the County

Harry Higel, for who Higel Avenue is named after, was responsible for many of the canals on Siesta Key. In 1910 Higel was busy dredging canals, filling in low lying areas and excavating shell deposits that could be used to surface the roads as they were built. The canal that leads from Hansen Bayou westward was dug for its shell deposits.

In 1916 Harry Higel was mayor of Sarasota and supported a bond issue that was passed and resulted in the building of the first Siesta Key Bridge in 1917. The second bridge on Stickney Point Road was built by the County in 1926. They platted the subdivision of Siesta on the northern end of the Key.

The Siesta Key Association was founded on November 12, 1948, as a community group which was dedicated to maintaining Siesta Key as an attractive residential area. The association has been the driving force behind many improvements to Siesta Key.

Where is Siesta Key?