Best things to do in Siesta Key

Siesta Key Unmissables

Siesta Key and the surrounding Sarasota region offer a blend of unique coastal geography and Florida’s cultural history. Siesta Beach is distinguished by its 99% pure quartz sand, while the Ringling estate contains the Mediterranean Revival Ca' d'Zan mansion and the official state art museum. Botanical highlights include the epiphyte-focused Marie Selby Gardens and Myakka River State Park’s vast wetlands. Historical sites range from the prehistoric shell middens at Historic Spanish Point to the De Soto National Memorial, marking the 1539 landing of Spanish explorers.

Siesta Key Unmissables — Map

Eric Brown / CC BY-SA 3.0

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Siesta Beach

Siesta Beach is a beach located on Siesta Key in the U.S. state of Florida.

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John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art

The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art is the official state art museum of Florida, located in Sarasota, Florida.

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Ca' da Zan (Ringling House)

Cà d'Zan () is a Mediterranean revival residence in Sarasota, Florida, adjacent to Sarasota Bay.

Ebyabe / CC BY-SA 3.0

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Marie Selby Botanical Gardens

The Marie Selby Botanical Gardens is a 15-acre botanical garden located at 900 South Palm Avenue in Sarasota, Florida.

Will Pittenger / CC BY-SA 3.0

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Mote Marine Aquarium

Mote Marine Laboratory is an independent, nonprofit, marine research organization based on City Island in Sarasota, Florida, with…

VisitSarasota / CC BY-SA 4.0

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Lido Beach

Busy beach lined with hotels, restaurants, bars and other facilities. Sometimes gets crowded yet still worth it.

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Bayfront Park

Waterfront green space featuring views of Sarasota Bay and the Ringling Bridge. The park includes a children's splash pad, a marina, and a paved trail for walking and cycling along the harbor.

TheGridExe / CC BY-SA 4.0

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Bradenton Riverwalk

Bradenton Riverwalk is a 1.5-mile-long public green space located along the Manatee River in Bradenton, Florida, between Business US 41 and…

Hermann Trapman / Public domain

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De Soto National Memorial

De Soto National Memorial is a national memorial located in Manatee County, approximately five miles west of Bradenton, Florida.

Ebyabe / CC BY-SA 3.0

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Historic Spanish Point

Historic Spanish Point is a 33-acre museum and environmental complex located in Osprey, Florida at 337 North Tamiami Trail.

Blake Everett / CC0

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Venice Beach

This beach is popular as a spot where you can see manatees if you're lucky. Well worth the detour.

Mwanner / CC-BY-SA-3.0

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Myakka River State Park

Myakka River State Park is a Florida State Park, that is located nine miles east of Interstate 75 in Sarasota County and a portion of…

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St. Armands Circle

Extremely popular shopping mall and dining spot. Friendly atmosphere and wide variety of shops are the main reasons for its popularity.

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