SIESTA KEY VACATION RENTALS, FLORIDA

Siesta Key, the hidden jewel, is a barrier island with miles of canals, lush tropical foliage and spectacular beach and bay views. In 2004, the Travel Channel named Siesta Key the “Best Sand Beach in America.” Made from 99% pure quartz, Siesta Key’s beach sand is soft and cool to the touch.

Several beaches are available on Siesta Key. Access to Crescent Beach takes you across wooden footbridges over sea oats and sea grapes where wild rabbits feed. Beach facilities include sheltered picnic areas, restrooms, concession stands, lifeguards, volleyball courts, tennis courts, softball fields, shaded playgrounds and fitness trails.

The southern end of Crescent Beach, Point-of-Rocks, attracts snorkelers because of the area’s colorful sea life that lives among limestone rock formations. Sailboarding and sailing charters are available.

There are almost 50 miles of canals and waterways inside Siesta Key, which is also surrounded by water, the Intracoastal Waterway, Sarasota Bay, Roberts Bay and the Gulf of Mexico. Temporary docking is available at several local restaurants and many of the Siesta Key condominiums have boat docks available for renters. For your enjoyment, there are many marinas offering charters, guided tours and boat rentals.

With nearly 50 miles of canals and waterways, not including the Intracoastal Waterway, Sarasota Bay, Roberts Bay that surround the island, and the Gulf of Mexico, Siesta Key is a water sport enthusiasts delight. Boating is one of the most popular past-times on Siesta Key. Kayaking, parasailing, Jet Skiing, fishing and dolphin dives and parasailing are only a few of the activities you can experience while visiting Siesta Key.

Whether floating in the shallow water of the backcountry, or taking a trip to the inshore reefs of the Gulf, you will enjoy fishing in Siesta Key. There are nearly 1000 species of fish in the Gulf, bays, lakes, rivers and streams of the Key, including snook, redfish or speckled trout, giant tarpon, bonito, cobia, tripletail and kingfish.

Facilities are available for deep-sea trolling, drift fishing, surf fishing and bridge fishing in Siesta Key. Along Midnight Pass Road and Beach Road are gulf access areas that are excellent areas for fishing.

Non-residents over 16 need a fishing license, unless on a boat charter. Do check the minimum requirements for length of fish, the number of fish allowed in a catch per day and closed season restrictions.

Oscar Scherer State Park is a great place to see scrub jays, a threatened species found only in Florida. The park protects scrubby and pine flatwoods that were once widespread throughout Sarasota County. 15 miles of trails provide opportunities for hiking, bicycling and wildlife viewing. Canoeists and kayakers can paddle along South Creek, a stream that flows to the Gulf of Mexico. Canoe and kayak rentals are available. Motorized boats are not permitted.

Freshwater and saltwater fishing are available along the creek. Anglers can fish along the shores of Lake Osprey, which is also the park’s swimming area. Picnic areas along South Creek are equipped with barbecue grills. Picnic pavilions rentals are available. The park nature center has exhibits and videos about the park’s natural habitat. The park is open from 8 AM until sundown, year-round. Entry to the park is $4 per vehicle, with a limit of 8 people.