Siesta Key Beach Day Trip

[jphilhower]

is this doable from WDW?
51 days to go!!!

 

[magicmouse2]

It is doable. We did this last August. The Beach there is really nice, wide and sand like compact talcum powder. There are lifeguards and there is a beachside cafe, shop and restrooms. Its not as touristy as Clearwater, though there are lots of condos and hotels.

 

[tripletots]

I was doing research on the computer yesterday about Siesta Key Beach. I saw a travel channel show yesterday on Florida's top beaches and Siesta Key was number 2. It sounds really cool. I must go to see the sand! Does anyone know how far it is? I thought it looked to be some distance. I didn't realize it could be a day trip. How far? anyone?

 

[dgaston]

I was just going to post about the Travel Channel show too. Miami Beach was #1, but Siesta Key looked a lot better to me.

 

[ahoward]

I watched that yesterday too and was curious about how far it was to siesta beach for our June trip. I looked it up on Google earth and it came up with 118 miles or 2 hours and 15 minutes. Not sure how accurate that is.

 

[sarah b]

Yeh I d say its about a 2 hour trip depending on the traffic. We re spending a week in sarasota in July and can't wait to walk on that sand again. It doesn't matter how hot it is the sand stays cools. And the sunsets are FAbulous!!

 

[orchid]

We always go down to Siesata Key on our trips over, we stay in Davenport and it takes me about 1 3/4 hrs to drive down. We leave early and get there for about 9am then spend few hours on the beach then go to St Armands for lunch and a walk round all the shops and if we stay late we will do dinner at one of the beach front restraunts and sit outside to watch the sun set then drive back up so dont get too much traffic... There are a couple of malls, one just up from Sarasotta and another at Lakeland that you can have a look in to break the drive up a bit... Also you could call in at Tampa power station itself and see the Manatees close up as they come in for the warm water, they have a viewing centre and shop/cafe.

 

[Pollito916]

Definitely do-able! We went to Siesta Key in 2005 on our last trip, and plan on going again during this year's trip, weather permitting. The drive took a little under 2 hours, but I know DH was driving way too fast most of the way! The beach is just gorgeous, probably the best I have ever been to. The sand is just amazing, it is baby powder soft and doesn't get hot at all! DH also had a blast diving for sand dollars - they were all over the place!

 

[cjb71870]

Coming from someone lucky enough to live in Sarasota, home of Siesta Key Beach, and also a regular guest to DW. It takes me just under 1 1/2 hours to drive to Kissimmee. And, yes, Siesta key is worth the drive. The sand is like powder, flour. And, Sarasota has Siesta Village, St. Armands and alot more. I've been to ALOT of beaches in FL and Caribbean and Siesta is still top for sand. Come on over to feel it for yourself.

 

[jerseygal]

Siesta Key is absolutely beautiful..We've vacationed often Siesta Key, Longboat Key area...

Certain times of year are Red Tide..One summer I cancelled vaca there..Horrible Red Tide...Google red tide, siesta key or sarasota and some sites will come up that you can monitor..

Other than that, beaches are beautiful..You will not be dissapointed.

Sand is so soft!

 

[breezy1077]

I looove Siesta Key. My parents have a vacation home in Bradenton so I've researched the drive and it's very doable (and worth it too).

You might want to check out St. Armands Circle (sp?) too. Such a neat place and I found my perfect pair of "disney" shoes there. They're called Naot's and they're the most comfortable sandles I've ever put on my feet.

I also love a restaurant there called the Beachhouse Restaurant. It's right on the beach and offers great sunset views! Some of the tables are even right on the sand. (I personally love their cuban sandwich)

Have fun!

 

[PamNC]

My favorite place - next to WDW - is Siesta Key. We've done it as a day trip and we've also taken 2-3 days and done a side trip. It is absolutely gorgeous!! Paradise!

PamNC

 

[ahoward]

If we go there it will just be for a day trip so we won't have the luxury of going back to the hotel to "clean up" before we eat. Are the restaurants there pretty relaxed about that?

 

[breezy1077]

yes

 

[tripletots]

I'm getting excited about visiting Siesta Key Beach? When I google info I get Sarasota info. For you guys that are familiar with the area - HELP! Can someone narrow down a place to visit for the day (coming from Disney). Are there public bathrooms and/or showers? Is there enough parking and do you have to get there really early to get parking? Do all Sarasota beaches have the powder fine sand?

 

[mrsklamc]

Subbing! We want to go, too!

 

[mrsklamc]

When you say your DH was diving for sand dollars, was he scuba diving? or can you just find them anywhere?

 

[Blessedx3]

I'm getting excited about visiting Siesta Key Beach? When I google info I get Sarasota info. For you guys that are familiar with the area - HELP! Can someone narrow down a place to visit for the day (coming from Disney). Are there public bathrooms and/or showers? Is there enough parking and do you have to get there really early to get parking? Do all Sarasota beaches have the powder fine sand?

I am interested too. This sounds like just what I wanted to do on a rest day. Please someone let us know. Also where are the manatees? Can you see them all year? Please let me know that would be AWESOME.

 

[tycopj]

I'm getting excited about visiting Siesta Key Beach? When I google info I get Sarasota info. For you guys that are familiar with the area - HELP! Can someone narrow down a place to visit for the day (coming from Disney). Are there public bathrooms and/or showers? Is there enough parking and do you have to get there really early to get parking? Do all Sarasota beaches have the powder fine sand?

Would like to know this also

 

[kileybeth]

had planned a day trip to clearwater, but this sounds lovely, looking for more info. . .??? public restrooms/showers? places to eat (lunch on beach and place to sit down for dinner?) any info greatly appreciated.

rental stuff? chairs umbrellas?

off to research