Given that Siesta Beach is ranked the No. 2 beach in the U.S. and No. 9 best beach in the world, it is no wonder that the Siesta Keys region has increased in popularity over the years. Whether you are familiar with the Florida climate or not, it is best to prepare with our Top Travel tips to ensure that you get the most out of your next vacation!
Pack Light & Prepare for the Weather
Siesta Key has a relaxed, island vibe across the area and throughout the local businesses, so plan to dress casually for most (if not all) of your stay. Depending on the time of year, you may want to pack a few essentials in the case of rain or any outdoor activities where a hat & sunglasses may be needed. Multiple bathing suits per person are a necessity, along with plenty of sunscreen. Loose, lighter colored clothing is the most suitable to remain cool under the Florida sun. Sandals and appropriate walking shoes are essential! We recommend checking the 10-day forecast for your trip to ensure you pack appropriately.
On the whole, the weather is fairly temperate and the beaches have warm, swimmable water. The summer months provide the warmest and most popular weather with temperatures that tend to have a high of around 90 degrees, with water temperatures being a few degrees cooler. Some days can be humid, but ocean breezes and indoor air conditioning in most places tend to help with this.
In the spring, the water in the Gulf of Mexico starts to rise to around an average of 75 degrees, which is fairly comfortable for most people. The air temperatures during this time trend around a high of 80-85 degrees, which is certainly pleasant for outings and activities!
In the winter time, expect the water temperature to drop about ten degrees to around 65. Some may be able to swim in this, but not all. If you wish to swim, you may want to invest in a wet suit for warmth. The air temperature, however, stays around 75 degrees which is very comfortable for most activities.
Do note that the Siesta Key region tends to get more rain than most of the country. In the summer months, you may expect to see an average of 5 to 6 inches of rainfall.
Familiarize Yourself with Siesta Beaches & Village
Siesta Key is 3.5 square miles, making this area very easy to navigate and walkable to many hotspots and beaches. Siesta Village is a mere three minute walk to the Siesta Key Beach and offers a wide-range of dining and entertainment options from gourmet donuts, coffee, and seafood to award-winning steakhouses. Siesta Village has most everything that you could need from souvenir and surf shops, beach gear rentals, restaurants, dessert shops, and live entertainment. The Village is where you will look first for many activities and outings outside of the three Siesta Key beaches.
Siesta Key’s three beaches are each fantastic, but come with different perks depending on what you are looking for. For a beach with the most outdoor activities, cool sand, multiple access points, and consistent lifeguards posted, we recommend Siesta Beach. Closest to the Siesta Village, this beach is highly rated and has multiple concession stands for easy access. If you are looking for more privacy, Crescent Beach is south of Siesta Beach and offers the same beautiful sands and water with less crowds, as there are only two access points. The Point of Rocks snorkeling is also at Crescent Beach, if you are excited about water activities! If you are interested in fishing, paddle boarding, or other water activities, Turtle Beach may be the spot for you. There are picnic areas, a playground, volleyball court, and horseshoe pit as well, which makes this a great family-friendly option that is less populated than Siesta Beach.
Getting Around
On-demand ride services and taxis can be expensive and add up quickly, but this is easily avoidable if you map out your ideal destinations and beach days in advance!
Ensure to leverage The Siesta Key Breeze Trolley, which is a free transportation option that operates 8 AM – 10 PM, seven days a week! The trolley stops at four locations from Siesta Beach down to Turtle Beach and is an easy method to navigate between beaches and corresponding villages.
If you plan on staying in a Siesta Key Dreams rental, contact your Guest Experience Manager for more insight on renting a golf cart through Siesta Key Dreams that can easily take you around your ideal destinations of the island!
Siesta Keys Beach Recommendations
Beach Gear – To avoid lugging around excess items, there are many beach essentials that can be rented such as umbrellas, lounge chairs, boogie boards, and snorkeling equipment. Siesta Village and several surf shops in the area offer beach rentals for you to use during your trip and return easily! This process is typically much more cost-effective and will be one less thing for you to worry about so you can soak up the sun. Siesta Key Dreams removes this hassle entirely by providing you with your own set of beach lounge chairs, towels, and a cart to carry it all down to the beachfront!!
Arrive Early – Depending on which beach you choose and accessibility to your location, parking tends to be more limited in each area, meaning it is best for you to arrive early to secure parking and snag a prime spot on the beach for you to use for the day! A huge benefit to Siesta Key Dreams rentals is that you have private parking and Siesta Beach is less than 100 feet from most properties.
Hydrate & Fuel – Siesta Beach offers concession stands and there are many restaurants nearby, but if you plan on staying at the beach for an extended period of time, ensure to bring a few water bottles that you can refill at the drinking fountains. You may want to pack a few extra snacks as well if you choose to visit beaches without any concession stands. Hydrate plenty under the hot Florida sun!
