Siesta Beach is rated the No. 2 beach in the U.S. and No. 9 best beach in the world due to the 99% white quartz sand and crystal blue waters. After spending the day on Siesta Beach or shopping and eating your way through Siesta Village, residents and non-residents will tell you that the sunset experience on Siesta Beach contributes to the high ratings across the board.
Sunset Point
When looking for a magical sunset experience, you need the right location and surroundings to create the perfect atmosphere. Siesta Beach is accessible via nine different access points and has multiple picnic areas, beachfronts, and shaded areas where you can view the sunset. Sunsets on Siesta Key Beach are known to have multicolor rays of red, pink, yellow, and orange which paint a beautiful marbling sight.
However, Sunset Point at the north end of Siesta Beach near Access Point 2 is the ultimate spot to set up and watch the sun go down with friends and loved ones. With fewer crowds separated from the main beach entrance, you can set up lounge chairs in this area. The white, quartz sand disperses heat easily, leaving it soft and cool to the touch, allowing you to soak up the sun and watch it go down uninterrupted.
In the summer time, the Florida sun sets between 7:30-7:45 PM, which leaves you with plenty of time during the day to enjoy waterfront or recreational activities or grab some dinner before heading down for a close up view.
Other Ways to Enjoy a Siesta Sunset
A half hour before sunset, you can grab a loved one and add a little romance by taking a long walk along the coastal front to give you multiple viewpoints of the sunset and a scenic background.
Another way to brighten the mood right before sunset is to participate in Siesta Beach’s local Drum Circle just south of the main pavilion on Siesta Beach, between lifeguard stands # 3 and 4. With a noisemaker of your choice in hand, you can come take part in a local tradition that occurs one hour before sunset each Sunday. This event hosts free music, dancing, and live entertainment for all ages, situating yourself in a welcoming atmosphere before witnessing a beautiful sunset.
Down by Turtle Beach, you’ll find plenty of dining options for gourmet meals to enjoy while watching the sun set on the beach! One highly recommended restaurant to enjoy a waterfront meal is Ophelia’s on the Bay (9105 Midnight Pass Rd, Siesta Key FL), which specializes in seafood. They offer outdoor seating right next to the water and a lush garden. Inside, the dining room features large windows to give you a perfect view of the Florida sunset while enjoying a cocktail and a fabulous meal.
