Best places to stay in Siesta Key Florida – top 3 AREAS with hotel tips
Most of the best places to stay in Siesta Key, Florida, are on the sandy west coast that stretches for around 4 miles, facing the Gulf of Mexico.
This is not a vast island. In fact, it is just over 7 miles long, quite narrow, and with a wide section around the village.
Despite this, there is a difference between the southern, central, and northern parts of Siesta Key.
If you are on a family vacation, the quieter central area may work best for you, while couples may prefer the cool vibe of the village, where it’s all within walking distance or a secluded accommodation far from the civilization, south of the island.
The great thing about Siesta Key is that you have all the options, including amazing stays in tropical beach resorts.
There is a wide selection of any kind of property, all offering different modern amenities like a hot tub, an outdoor pool, a private patio, or full kitchens.
Most of these accommodations are right there, in front of one of the best beaches in the world, or just a short walk from it with, of course, easy beach access.
Unfortunately, the beautiful Siesta Key is not famous for being a cheap destination, however, you can still enjoy the beautiful sandy beaches on daily excursions, with just a short drive (I will explain how later in the post).
Let’s get into the meat of the story with the best hotels, areas, and beaches.
Best places to stay in Siesta Key Florida – Key points
Here below I have organized a quick summary table that compares the 3 best places to stay in Siesta Key. Click on the area name for a full description. Swipe left and right with a mobile to see the entire table.
I have also drawn a map below that highlights these 3 areas.
| Area Name | Best For | How is the Beach | Suggested Hotel | Restaurants | Things to Do | For Families | For Couples | For Bars |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Crescent Beach | Family vacation, quiet time | One of the best beaches in the world with fine white sand | Hyatt Residence Club Sarasota | Anna’s Deli, Captain Curt’s Crab & Oyster Bar, Crescent Club | Enjoy the beach, explore Point of Rock, rent a bike | Outstanding | Good | Moderate |
| Siesta Beach & Village | Cool vibe | One of the best white-sand beaches ever | Tropical Breeze Resort | Bonjour Cafe, Cafe Gabbiano, The Seafood Joint | Siesta Key Drum Circle, shopping, snorkeling boat trip, rent a kayak | Excellent | Excellent | Excellent |
| Turtle Beach Resort | Total seclusion | Most isolated of the beaches in Siesta Key | Turtle Beach Resort & Inn | Ophelia’s on the Bay, Turtle Beach Grill | Relax, walk to Palmer Point Park | Good | Good | Low |
By the way, you may already know that Siesta Key Beach was voted the best beach in the USA. It’s an amazing one, however, not the only one around. You should check my practical guide to the Siesta Key beaches, with plenty of information on parking too.
Crescent Beach – Best place to stay in Siesta Key for a quieter time
Key Points of Crescent Beach
Best for: a family vacation or anyone looking for a quiet time. Have a drive to Siesta Key Village (2.5 miles) for more bars and cafes
Beach: one of the best beaches in the world, just outstanding with fine white sand
Local Restaurants: Anna’s Deli for breakfast or lunch, Captain Curt’s Crab & Oyster Bar for its seafood, Crescent Club for a late drink
Things to do: enjoy the beach, of course. Then explore Point of Rock with water shoes to see the many sea creatures in the tidal pools. If traveling with kids, have a drive to Sarasota for the Circus History Tour. Rent a bike at the local shop to have a ride along the island.
Read more about Crescent Beach on my practical guide to the best beaches of Siesta Key
You can find Crescent Beach right in the center of the island.
What makes it unique is the crescent moon-shaped beach that is perfect for strolling or laying down for sunbathing.
It is blessed with a gentle breeze and amazing sunsets.
You can access the beach from the Midnight Pass Road public access point. Here you will find a parking lot and walkway leading to Crescent Beach.
And to get to the beach from Midnight Pass Road (Beach Road) you have to find the small (easy to miss) public access point #12 or #13.
There’s a parking lot and walking pathway that leads out to Crescent Beach.
There is so much to do here at the beach.
You will find visitors parasailing, canoeing, kayaking, and skiing, all out on the water. You can enjoy games with boogie boards, frisbee throwing, and beach balls.
Unlike most beaches, this one does not have amenities or facilities. This is because the residents here have their own facilities or access to a clubhouse nearby.
At the south end, there is a snorkeling spot known as ‘Point of Rocks’.
You will also love the shallow water, coral formations, and beautiful marine life. Fishing fans can grab a good location nearby.
Legend has it that this is also the starting point for many pirate treasure maps!
If you are looking for some Crescent Beach resorts to stay, try these two:
Hyatt Residence Club Sarasota
The Hyatt is located right in front of the Gulf of Mexico, with a private beach area and free private parking.
There are 3 bedroom units with 2 or 3 bathrooms depending on the option you go for. All suites are air-conditioned and have a living and dining area.
There is a full kitchen with a dishwasher.
You can enjoy free Wifi, a private cabana, a site pool, a private terrace, and a spa bath. There is a fitness center, gaming spot, and barbecue facilities.
In surrounding facilities, you can enjoy boat rides, fishing, and other water sports. There are other places to visit near the resort like the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art.
Captiva Beach Resort
If you love small and quaint vacation spots, then the Captiva Beach Resort is perfect for you.
It has 19 rooms and has maintained its original design since the 1950s. It is just less than 5 minutes walk from Crescent Beach.
This is one of the best hotels in this area and has an outdoor pool.
In the rooms, you can enjoy free Wifi, a sitting area, and flat-screen TVs. Some suites have a full kitchen and sofa bed.
The rooms are cleaned on a regular basis, and you are offered an optional towel exchange service.
Captiva Beach Resort has also barbeque facilities, table tennis, bocce ball, badminton, and corn hole activities. You can use the laundry service and free parking.
Siesta Beach & Village – Where to stay in Siesta Key for a cool time
Key Points of Siesta Beach
Best for: cool vibe thanks to the characteristic Siesta Key Village, besides the lovely beach
Beach: again one of the best white sand beaches ever, you will remember it for a long time (it’s technically the same long beach starting from Crescent). There are many parking areas for the public beach.
Local Restaurants: Bonjour Cafe for breakfast and lunch with French-inspired food, crêpes included. Cafe Gabbiano for Italian fine dining. The Seafood Joint for a family seafood restaurant.
Things to do: Siesta Key Drum Circle on Sundays night around sunset time at the beach. Have a walk in the shopping area of the village. Take a snorkeling boat trip (book the tour at the village agency). Rent a kayak or a paddleboard for some fun. Explore Sarasota with a 90-Minute Narrated City Sightseeing Trolley Tour, and take the kids to the Siesta Key Beach Playground.
Read more about it in my practical guide to the best beaches of Siesta Key
You will truly enjoy your vacation at Siesta Beach and Siesta Key Village.
Similarly to Crescent Beach, also Siesta Beach is arguably one of the best beaches in the USA!
If you love to feel the sand on your toes, you will love the soft and white sandy beach here.
The warm Florida sun, the sea air, the light breeze, the clear turquoise blue water, and the beauty of the area are a few of the reasons you must visit and stay in Siesta Beach.
The shallow water is perfect for families with kids, but just in case, there is lifeguard protection all year long.
It is visited by over 1 million guests annually and was even given a much-needed facelift by the local government.
There are playgrounds, picnic areas, a concession zone, and plenty of parking spaces. It is handicap-friendly, which means you can get beach wheelchairs for someone who needs it.
The Siesta Key Village is where you can find great dining, shopping, and grocery stores.
Plenty of art exhibitions and music festivals are also held here.
There are several stores, restaurants, and other interesting places to visit covering a few blocks.
You will love the wide sidewalks lined with palm trees and benches. There is free on-street parking but you can also opt for paid secure parking.
Looking for the perfect place to lay your head? Try out these resorts:
Tropical Breeze Resort
This resort is located in one of the best spots on Siesta Beach, on the northern quiet side, within walking distance from the village, an easy stroll for some shopping or a dinner out.
True, the resort is not beachfront, but it is just a stone away from it. There is a wide range of accommodations to cater to families, 1BR and 2BR, and couples alike with beautiful studios.
The heated pool is a great bonus, as well as the spa and the free Wi-Fi.
Sea Spray Resort
It is only a few steps to the beach and about 3 blocks from the Village. There are family rooms with free Wifi. Guests can enjoy free parking, an outdoor swimming pool, and a barbecue spot.
The rooms have a private bathroom, air conditioning, flat-screen TVs, seating area and patios in select rooms.
There are plenty of activities to try out around the area like fishing, snorkeling, cycling and so much more.
The resort offers also complimentary beach chairs and umbrellas, which can be a great bonus.
Siesta Key Beach Resort
You will love Siesta Key Beach Resort because of its proximity to the beach. You can choose between a standard studio or an apartment for your vacation.
The resort offers free Wifi, cable TV, a snack and coffee area, and a hair dryer. Spend time at the swimming pool and get free beach towels and beach chairs.
If you want a different experience, use the Siesta Beachside Villas pool.
To explore the area, you can take the free-to-hire bicycle. Siesta Key Village is about a 2-minute walk away and you can go there for shopping, dining, and a great night out. You can also visit Roberts Bay which is only 3 minutes away.
The Ringling Beach House
The Ringling Beach House is just opposite Siesta Key Beach.
The non-smoking apartments, 3 bedrooms, and 2.5 baths have a full kitchen and beautiful furnishings.
The resort has 2 outdoor pools, free beach towels, beach chairs, barbecue grills, a laundrette, vacuuming and ironing facilities, and patio furniture.
It is less than 10 minutes walk from Siesta Key Village if you want to wine, dine and shop.
Turtle Beach Resort – Best place to stay in Siesta Key for seclusion
Key Points of Turtle Beach
Best for: total seclusion, you will feel in a tropical paradise
Beach: Turtle Beach is the most isolated of the beaches in Siesta Key. You can easily walk there and, if lucky enough, you can even see turtles around.
Local Restaurants: Ophelia’s on the Bay for fancy seafood dinner, Turtle Beach Grill for casual eating in a tropical environment
Things to do: Relax is the right word. Switch off is the right verb. You can also think of having a walk to Palmer Point Park, another beach visited only by a few people.
Read more about Turtle Beach on my practical guide to the best beaches of Siesta Key
This is the most secluded part of Key West, in the southernmost part of the island.
It works so well if you want to disconnect from your busy life and/or have a romantic getaway.
You will share Turtle Beach only with a bunch of travelers and locals. If seclusion is what you are looking for, then this is a great place to come.
Once there, book your stay at the Turtle Beach Resort, facing Little Sarasota Bay, so quiet!
Turtle Beach Resort & Inn
The Turtle Beach Resort & Inn is all about peace and quiet.
It is minutes away from Turtle Beach and you can appreciate the Little Sarasota Bay water views. The cottages and suites have enclosed private patios, complete with a hammock and hot tub.
Each resort cottage has a full kitchen, living area, and dining room area.
Did we also mention that it is pet friendly?
While at the beach, you can enjoy kayaks, canoes, bicycles, fishing gear, beach chairs, and umbrellas – all for free – as long as you are a guest.
Across the street is the Inn, an adults-only hotel that faces west on Siesta Key – just imagine the romantic sunset you get to enjoy!
The Inn has studios and one-bedroom suites each with private hot tubs, private patios, kitchenettes, private baths, and a living area.
Still undecided about your stay on the Florida West Coast?
- Check out instead the lovely hotels and rentals of Sanibel Island, with its unique beaches
- Not to mention staying in gorgeous Naples, with its beautiful beaches and charming shopping area
- Anna Maria Island, a barrier island with wide beaches, will leave you also open mouth
- Clearwater is another option, with its wide selection of accommodations.
Where should I stay for a budget stay?
Not in Siesta Keys. This is the easiest answer.
The island has one of the best beaches in the country, in fact, voted number 1 in the United States and 11 in the world on a popular website, and for this reason, it has become a very popular destination.
Stay instead mainland, in Sarasota, where you can find budget accommodations that will be perfect for the night.
During the day, have a short drive, less than 10 miles to Siesta Beach, and spare one day for Lido Key, a nearby island with another 2 beautiful beaches
Magnolia Pointe; BW Signature Collection
This is an amazing value hotel with an outdoor pool, free parking, a fire pit grill, an oasis patio, a shared lounge, a fitness center, free wifi, and a 24/7 front desk
True, it is not on the beach, not even in Siesta Key, in fact, around 10-12 miles from the island (same distance to downtown Sarasota), but you will pay also a fraction of the island prices
The hearty American breakfast is another great reason to book this resort. Overall, a great hotel to stay on a budget.
Which area in Siesta Key is best for families?
Crescent Beach is considered the best area for families due to its quiet environment and outstanding beach.
Which area in Siesta Key is best for couples?
Turtle Beach Resort is an excellent choice for couples seeking seclusion and a romantic getaway. Otherwise close to the village for bars and restaurants
What are some of the best hotels to stay at in Siesta Key?
Some of the best hotels in Siesta Key include the Hyatt Residence Club Sarasota, Tropical Breeze Resort, and Turtle Beach Resort & Inn.
Are there any good restaurants in Siesta Key?
Yes, there are several good restaurants in Siesta Key. Some of them include Anna’s Deli, Captain Curt’s Crab & Oyster Bar, Bonjour Cafe, Cafe Gabbiano, Ophelia’s on the Bay, and Turtle Beach Grill.
How are the beaches in Siesta Key?
Siesta Key is home to some of the best beaches in the world, known for their fine white sand.
Is Siesta Key a budget-friendly destination?
Siesta Key is not typically considered a budget-friendly destination due to its popularity and high-quality beaches. However, there are more budget-friendly accommodations available in the nearby mainland Sarasota.
More photos of Siesta Key
