On your next trip to Florida, be sure to spend some time in the breathtaking Siesta Key! This historic destination has fun in the sun for all. Before you book Anna Maria Island vacation rentals near Siesta Key, here’s what to know before you go!
History of Siesta Key
Readers would be interested to learn about the fascinating Siesta Key history in the Sunshine State and how Siesta Key came to be. We can understand why Siesta Key was destined to be named “America’s Best Beach” by the way it evolved.
Few Floridians seem to appreciate the geographical origin of their State, its geologic uniqueness, and the huge gift of sand from present-day Georgia and the Carolinas.
Have you ever wondered how North America’s appendage named La Florida in 1513 originated looking something like Italy? Was it an extension of the landmass that became the USA, as many assume, or did Florida migrate north from near Cuba in the Caribbean? Neither explanation is correct.
The Geographic Migration of Florida and How Florida joined North America:
While the Florida peninsula is the newest region of the continental United States, it was not always a part of the continent. Essentially, Peninsular Florida is an immense landmass of granite-based rock that broke away from Africa during an ancient super-continental collision and was “sutured,” to ancestral North America. As an extension of the US, it was then covered with biologically produced limestone, followed by purified quartz sand from the southern Appalachian Mountains.
Peninsular Florida, in contrast to the rest of North America, was originally embedded within the African and South American continents as a part of the supercontinent Gondwana. Those states and the Panhandle were part of what would become North America, which was on a separate supercontinent called Laurasia. About 650 million years ago, the rock foundation of Peninsular Florida was roughly at the South Pole when a massive 8,000-mile-long continent-to-continent migration took place. Therefore, most of peninsular Florida was originally underlain by granites, sandstones, and shales, similar to northwest Africa.
Explore the Siesta Key Village
Of all the things to do in Siesta Key, the beach always tops the list. Siesta Beach was ranked as the #1 Beach in the United States by TripAdvisor’s Travelers’ Choice Awards for 2020. Feel the quartz-crystal powdery sand between your toes and enjoy the soft waves and the sun at this gorgeous beach. Because Siesta Key Village is nearby, it is convenient to plan your whole trip centered around this gorgeous key without getting bored because of its large parking area, concession stands, trolley, and trolley stop.
In addition to Siesta Fiesta and other festivals throughout the year held at Siesta Key Village, there are choices for dining and art shows. However, most visitors come to the Village to shop, dine, or party.
The 3.5 square miles of Siesta Key are easy to get around. They have three beach areas, Siesta Beach, Crescent Beach, and Turtle Beach, as well as two villages, all easily accessible by the main north-south road. If you just can’t get enough of these beautiful beaches, you can stay in one of our Anna Maria Island beachfront rentals!
Its compact size and low-speed limit make Siesta Key ideal for exploring by bicycle, golf cart, or scooter – all of which may be rented hourly, daily, or even weekly. Among the leisurely ways to travel between Turtle Beach and Siesta Key Village, the Siesta Key Breeze Trolley offers free, open-air transportation.
The Beach
Siesta Key Beach: Few beaches can compare. In addition to tennis and volleyball courts, there is a shady playground and picnic area at Siesta Beach. A quick bite or refreshing beverage can be enjoyed at either of two concession stands. The shallow water along the shoreline and lifeguards who are on duty all year round make it an ideal family beach. In case visitors need help crossing the sand, you can even obtain beach wheelchairs. We have Anna Maria Island pet-friendly rentals as well, so you can let your pet enjoy the beach too!
Crescent Beach: Visitors can enjoy Crescent Beach’s pristine Gulf waters and picturesque sunsets in a quieter setting, just south of Siesta Beach. Visitors have access to Crescent Beach from two public access points. On Crescent Beach’s southern tip, you’ll find Point of Rocks, an area rich in coral formations and colorful marine life perfect for snorkeling or diving. At Crescent Beach, you can take advantage of a non-private beach that’s still quite secluded. Everyone likes white sand, and here’s a fun fact: the sand right here at Crescent Beach has been rated as the “World’s Finest and Whitest Sand” at the Great International Sand Challenge in 1987 and was the frontrunner out of more than 30 entrants!
Turtle Beach: A golf course, volleyball court, playground, picnic area, and horseshoe pit can all be found at Turtle Beach, which is the southernmost of the beaches. A boat ramp is available at Turtle Beach, and fishing is allowed in Blind Pass Lagoon. Shells are more abundant on Turtle Beach because it has a steeper incline and darker sand. A petrified shark’s tooth might be found here after a storm, making this beach perfect for beachcombers and shell collectors. The local nightlife options in this area include restaurants and shopping.
Dining
Beaches, blue skies, and turquoise water abound at all the Siesta Key restaurants, and waterfront dining on Anna Maria Island.
At the Cottage Restaurant, pride and professionalism are the norm. This location has served locals and tourists the world over for many years. Hungry customers will find inspiration and a diverse menu offering both local ingredients and worldly recipes, so some dishes are both familiar and unique. Come in for dinner with the family, listen to live music out on the patio, or simply stop by for a happy hour. When you visit this wonderful place, you will feel as if you are in paradise.
Siesta Key Oyster Bar serves oysters on the half shell, fresh seafood, flatbread pizza, salads, burgers, Cajun crab dip, and steamed mussels in white wine sauce. A visit to SKOB provides you with incredible cuisine fit for royalty, all in a relaxing and welcoming setting. Happy Hour is every day from 3 to 6 p.m. Six bucks get you a dozen oysters or Louisiana crawfish on the half shell! You can also choose from a wide selection of SKO Betizers. Chef’s daily specials are also available. Tropical drinks are available at the full bar. Live entertainment is provided every night, as well as small plates in the late hours. Twenty beers are available on tap at SKOB, as well as imported and domestic varieties.
Book Your Stay
Siesta Key is an amazing place to vacation, you absolutely will not want to leave! Book your stay here and experience it for yourself.
Breakfast is served on Sundays from 9 a.m. to noon. Enjoy the stuffed French toast, Skoblets with fresh fruit, blackened shrimp and grits, smoked salmon bagel, or SKOB Benedict. A complimentary, refreshing breakfast meal is always included with the Wake-up meals!
At The Summer House, they have created memorable experiences with Siesta Key throughout the years. They serve the finest cuts of meat from the most prestigious ranches, including Niman Ranch, Revier Cattle Company, and Snake River Farms. If you are visiting during the holidays, you can even enjoy a Thanksgiving dinner in the Anna Maria Island area!
No matter what city you live in, you deserve a restful vacation, and Siesta Key is one of the most sought-after destinations in the state of Florida. Book your reservation with Beach Rentals Mobi today and join the thousands of happy smiling folks that know that the secret to good times is here on the Florida coast. Come to Florida and check out the Sarasota vacation rentals; you’ll love the results!
