Florida Beaches? Siesta Key, or surrounding Key or Ft Myers Beach

[slamzim]

We are heading to Florida at the beginning of September, (Disney for a couple days of course ) but are looking to stay at a beach for a couple days. Any lodging recommendations? We have stayed at Ft Myers Beach, but we are leaning towards Siesta Key area, but not sure where to stay for a couple nights, We would love to be on the beach, but most were $$$$ and weekly rentals.

Thanks for the advice!

 

[LMC]

We stayed at tropical shores on Siesta Key. It is not upscale but it had a kitchenette and enough bed for all 5 of us. And they allowed our small dog. I would go there again.

 

[Mickey527]

this has been posted so many times but I always add my favorites.
I love Siesta Key but the area seems more expensive. The restaraunts I have seen are a bit pricy for my taste. I know there are Mc'D's etc in the area but I like to sample the local places when I am down in that area. If someone knows of any nice place3 pleas post, I will definately try.
Siesta Key beach is beautiful, the sand is different from any other beach. The food in the food court on the public beach is a bit expensive so I haven't tried it. Others might have and can tell you if it is worth it. I usually make a day trip out of Siesta Key, it is about 2 hours from Clearwater, maybe less. The sand is a little whiter and softer than what you will find in clearwater, and it is nice to see it especially if you might never get back there.
I love Clearwater. The beach is beautiful and there are lots of local places where the restaraunts are good and inexpensive. You can get a nice sandwich and soup or salad for under $10. I get restaraunt.com coupons for Mandalay Bay and love their food. Try the crabcakes, yum...
Siesta Key doesn't have much other than the beach and some small boats to rent.
Clearwater has the beach, and on the boardwalk there are things like climbing blowups and those bungee cord trampolines. They also have music on the boardwalk at night and the bars on the beach have local bands.
Clearwater also has boat cruises that are fun. You can go on a dinner cruise, a drinking cruise, or the pirate cruise that is fun for kids and adults. they also have fishing excursions that you might want to check out. You can pick and chose from so many different boats, both size and cruise offerings.
You won't find many shells along either beach. I have found quite a few sandollars at Siesta Key, mostly in the cooler months, from Feb, to April. I was there in July and found nothing.
Clearwater has some small shells, but nothing unusual.
If you want shells take a day trip down to Sanibel/Captiva. Definately worth the trip if you want some souveniers you found yourself.
Remember to bring along a small sandwich bag for your sand. I have some sand in a jar on my shelf from each of the beaches down there that I have visited. It can be put in your packed luggage without a problem.

 

[tripletots]

We stayed at Tropical Shores in Siesta Key last August. Like the PP said it isn't upscale, but it is nice. It is not directly on the ocean, but a short walk and you do not cross any roads. The beach there is beautiful and full of shells and white sand.

Read reviews on tripadvisor about Tropical Shores. It got such wonderful reviews last summer, that's why we stayed there. I would return there if we could.

Edited to add: We stayed there last year around Aug. 20, we had two rooms since there are 7 of us and we paid $85.?? for each room. That was with a AAA discount. So our room was under $100 just a year ago. I guess it was also value season, but I'm not sure of that. We ate dinner at Sweet Tomatoes since we had coupons and it was great!

 

[wmharley]

We stayed at tropical shores on Siesta Key. It is not upscale but it had a kitchenette and enough bed for all 5 of us. And they allowed our small dog. I would go there again.

We used to stay at TS way back when it was under $100. VERY nice. the prices I know have gone way up. But that area, we LOVE... anything on the Sarasea circle. We've stayed in 3 different hotels there.

The difference between Siesta and Clearwater is this.....

1) you want crowds or alot of activities? go to Clearwater
2) you want tranquility and a vacation to RELAX? go to Siesta.
3) You want clearer water? go to Siesta.

The hotels on the Sarasea circle loop are on the beach side of the road. Its a short walk (100yds or so depending on the hotel) to the actual water. ITs on the southern end of the main Siesta Key soft sand, and away from the public beach, so its nice and quiet.

 

[acmmommymouse]

Siesta Key one of my favorite places in the world.
Most places to stay are a little pricey and have minimum nights stays. Close to when you are going you might be able to get something for a night or 3 night min.
Lido beach, just off of St.Armands, just north of Siesta Key, has a Holiday Inn that is quite affordable and just across the road from the beach.
You cannot beat the beach, sand, of Siesta Key. You can always stay on one of the main roads in from I75 at one of the chains like Hampton or something and then there is easy access at Siesta Public beach for your beach time.
Try The Casa Blanca and see if there are short term rentals available or House of the Sun. Palm Bay club is another one that comes to mind. To eat, make sure you go to The Broken Egg or The Village Cafe for breakfast....a couple of our favorites! They are both in Siesta Key Village.

 

[lillygator]

there are tons of local not pricey restaurants around here....Captain Curt's, Daiquiri Deck are on the key and just off the key there are tons as well. If you end up here, let me know what you are looking for....

 

[niccikatie]

We love the Pink Shell Resort at Ft Myers Beach. The views, location and beaches can't be beat! We were just there after our whirlwind Disney trip and had the best time!

 

[wmharley]

Siesta Key one of my favorite places in the world.
Most places to stay are a little pricey and have minimum nights stays. Close to when you are going you might be able to get something for a night or 3 night min.
Lido beach, just off of St.Armands, just north of Siesta Key, has a Holiday Inn that is quite affordable and just across the road from the beach.
You cannot beat the beach, sand, of Siesta Key. You can always stay on one of the main roads in from I75 at one of the chains like Hampton or something and then there is easy access at Siesta Public beach for your beach time.
Try The Casa Blanca and see if there are short term rentals available or House of the Sun. Palm Bay club is another one that comes to mind. To eat, make sure you go to The Broken Egg or The Village Cafe for breakfast....a couple of our favorites! They are both in Siesta Key Village.

ahh yes, the broken egg... hmmm

 

[Mas17]

Somewhere near The Broken Egg is an italian restaraunt. I can't think of the name, it was small, quaint and very good. Lots of Frank Sinatra photos on the walls.
Love Siesta Key - we were there the begining of May for the 1st time. Definetly not the last. We stayed at the Holiday Inn off Stickey Point - about a 5-10 minute drive to the beach. Next time will stay on the beach.
You will not find another beach like Siesta Key in Florida. Best there is for relaxation and tranquility. Not alot going on.

 

[slamzim]

Thanks for all the advice! We are leaning toward Siesta Key...We have been to the Pink Shell in Fort Myers, just looking for different I guess. We have been to Siesta Key for day trips, but haven't stayed there, thanks for all the ideas.

 

[acmmommymouse]

Thanks for all the advice! We are leaning toward Siesta Key...We have been to the Pink Shell in Fort Myers, just looking for different I guess. We have been to Siesta Key for day trips, but haven't stayed there, thanks for all the ideas.

let us know where you end up.....you already know how beautiful it is on Siesta Key. Always love hearing about someone else enjoying it too! We've stayed there atleast once a year for many years now. Will be returning in Jan 2011!

 

[caribear]

My family also loves Siesta Key. We have stayed at The Capri at Siesta (used to be called The Capri Inn) on SaraSea Circle and Sea Shell condos (3 night minimum during non-peak season)....both are on Crescent Beach. Sea Shell has 2-bedroom condos. The building is older, but the units are individually owned and many have been renovated. You can see the decor online for each available condo. Loved The Broken Egg.....enjoyed St Armands in the evening.....would go back in a heartbeat.

We just got back from a quick weekend stay in Bonita Springs. We really love the Hyatt Coconut Point Resort and Spa. Kids love all the pools and the boat ride to the private beach. We also drove to Sanibel Island one day which was about a 30 minute drive....great shelling and fun restaurants.

 

[mom*to*2*princesses]

We just stayed at the Palm Bay Club at Siesta Key for 3 nights before our June Disney World vacation. It was heavenly. We had a 1 bedroom unit in the tower, which is directly ocean front. I booked our unit through the club itself since they give AAA discounts and rent for 3-night minimums. Their website is easy to use and find a unit that has been updated. We made use of the kitchen for several meals but also ate in the village as well. We especially liked the Village Cafe for breakfast. We're usually "one and done" when it comes to beaches but we all agreed that we'd like to return to Siesta.

 

[nathanhill007]

We just got back from 4 nights in Siesta Key. We are already planning a return trip. We stayed at the Sea Shell condo's right on the beach in unit #303. It was recommended to us by the office management.
There are those vacations that are good and then there are those that you know you will never be able to duplicate. This last trip to Siesta was just that.

We were there just prior to TS Debby in June of 2012. The sand was purest white and the water was like glass it was so clear. My only negative is there are absolutely NO waves...my 12 year old son likes to ride the waves..we're taking him to Calif next month so he can get his fix.

Back to Siesta. In my opinion, it is the Caribbean without the flight or expense.
The next time I think we will stay in the Crystal Sands Condos on the beach.

We tried The Broken Egg our 2nd to last day there. I'm just not one for paying for breakfast food in a restaurant but we went back two days in a row. The food is awesome. Cinnamon French Toast.....I can still taste it even now...

We will make many return trips....

 

[Cindy B]

Not sure if it helps you, but I stay with my Mom and Dad. They live 10 minutes from Siesta Key!

After seeing sad and expensive beaches in my home state, I will say Siesta Key is AMAZING! No fees, no beach tags, free parking and a stunning beach!

 

[caribear]

We just got back from 4 nights in Siesta Key. We are already planning a return trip. We stayed at the Sea Shell condo's right on the beach in unit #303. It was recommended to us by the office management.
There are those vacations that are good and then there are those that you know you will never be able to duplicate. This last trip to Siesta was just that.

We were there just prior to TS Debby in June of 2012. The sand was purest white and the water was like glass it was so clear. My only negative is there are absolutely NO waves...my 12 year old son likes to ride the waves..we're taking him to Calif next month so he can get his fix.

Back to Siesta. In my opinion, it is the Caribbean without the flight or expense.
The next time I think we will stay in the Crystal Sands Condos on the beach.

We tried The Broken Egg our 2nd to last day there. I'm just not one for paying for breakfast food in a restaurant but we went back two days in a row. The food is awesome. Cinnamon French Toast.....I can still taste it even now...

We will make many return trips....

We stayed at the Sea Shell condo's a couple of years ago and enjoyed our stay. Love The Broken Egg!! Yummy!! We also really enjoyed the Lobster Alfredo at The Lobster Pot in the Village!

For those who might be interested: I believe all units are 2 bedrooms and are individually owned....so updated furniture/flooring/amenities are up to the owner. 3-night minimum in the off season.....1 week in season. Building is older....pool is not on the beach, but the location is great....close to Point of Rocks and on Crescent Beach. Individual units can be viewed on their website: http://www.seashellcondos.com/

 

[mykidslovesdisney]

We visited Siesta Keys beach last June-- it was amazing!!! We staying in Venice at the Hampton Inn ($130 for 7 of us in a 1brm suite w kitchen). Breakfast was included too! We also went to Casperson Beach in Venice.. Venice is known as the Shark tooth capital of the world. We found tons of shark teeth -- from all different kinds of sharks.

Can't wait to plan another trip back to Venice-- we are skipping Venice beach and going to Siesta Keys and Casperson Beach. We had a blast!

Enjoy!!

 

[deerez]

I am heading there this summer stayed once before in a little villa on sara sea I think. Anyway wanted to stay on the beach this time so staying at Crescent Arms, I really wanted Crystal Sands, but I cant find a condo on the first floor like the other one.

any other ideas for things to do, I heard there is an alligator boat tour, we will be there for a week after disney, last time the two older kids did parasailing.

 

[dhuba]

Another vote for Siesta Key here. It is the most beautiful beach with white quartz sand that doesn't get hot on the feet even when the temperature is soaring. My parents live in Venice, so when we visit, Siesta Key is the only beach for me. I wish we could stay right on the beach, but my parents would be hurt if we didn't stay in Venice with them. I'd like to sneak down and not tell them we are in Florida. If I ever hit the lottery, I'll be buying a place on the beach there. LOL