Siesta Key is one of the most popular destinations in Sarasota, Florida, if not in all of Florida. Most people know it’s famous for the sparkling white sand, but they don’t know the best things to do on Siesta Key other than the beach. In this guide, I’ll share all of the top Siesta Key Florida activities so you don’t miss out on a single thing Siesta Key has to offer.

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17 Awesome Siesta Key Florida Activities

In the following list of Siesta Key, FL activities, there are options for families, solo travelers and couples. Each activity is accessible without leaving the island, and many are free!

Feel the Beats at the Siesta Key Florida Drum Circle

Every Sunday, head to the Siesta Key Public Beach right behind the pavilion an hour before sunset. You’ll see a large circle of people building and likely hear the drums if it’s already in full swing!

The Siesta Key Drum Circle has been happening since the 90s and it has grown quite the reputation as peaceful and unique way to spend Sunday evenings. It’s simply a large gathering of people that get together to play hand instruments on the beach and dance. It’s one of the fun Siesta Key activities for families that is sure to stand out in your memories for years to come!

Siesta Key Parasailing

If you want to get a bird’s eye view famous Siesta Key Beach, go parasailing with PARASAIL SIESTA or Siesta Key Watersports. You’ll be hundreds of feet over the water and sand where you can see the entire island and enjoy the sparkling water below.

You can even upgrade your ride to include photo or video so you can relive your experience high above long after you’ve left Siesta Key and returned home.

Snorkel at Point of Rocks Siesta Key

This is one of my favorite Siesta Key Florida activities!

You’ll find Point of Rocks just south of Crescent Beach on Siesta Key near the South Bridge. Enter through Beach Access 12 then walk to the south end of Crescent Beach.

For the best snorkeling conditions and visibility, it’s key that you go in the morning (the earlier the better) and during high tide. Otherwise, you’ll have to wade across sharp rocks to get to the point and the visibility may be so drab you can’t see much of anything.

As far as what you’ll see, there’s no telling on any given day but you can expect plenty of fish, crabs and some coral and sponges. Who knows—you may get lucky and see dolphins or manatees, too!

Be sure to pack a good travel snorkel set or rent a mask, snorkel and fins from Ride & Paddle.

Watch the Sunset at Siesta Key

There’s nothing quite as simple—and rewarding—as watching a beautiful sunset, yet it’s often an overlooked activity. During your Siesta Key beach vacation, make a point to watch the sunset on the beach.

This is one of the easiest Siesta Key activities for couples or families, and you can make it extra fun by grabbing a daiquiri at Daiquiri Deck in the Village and bringing it to the beach to enjoy as you watch the colors bloom across the sky. (Daiquiri Deck is about a three-minute walk from Access 4 and 5 of Siesta Key Beach.)

Get a Photoshoot Done on Siesta Key

Hire a Siesta Key photographer like So Many Moments for family photos or individual portraits. With one of the many stunning, tropical backdrops on Siesta Key, you’re sure to get photos you cherish. Plus, photos are the perfect keepsake from your Sarasota beach vacation and it’s way more fun doing photos in an exciting new location than at home!

Fishing on Siesta Key

Join a fishing charter with a CB’s Saltwater Outfitters or rent fishing poles and fish right off the beach on Siesta Key. Just be sure to get a fishing license if you’re fishing on your own!

It’s best to fish somewhere without many people and no one swimming in the water close by. My favorite spot is Turtle Beach on the far south point of Siesta Key.

Rent a Boat Siesta Key

If you want to get out on the water to fish, stop at sandbars or just cruise, rent a boat from CB’s Saltwater Outfitters or Safe Harbor Siesta Key. Both rental businesses are conveniently located by the South Bridge on Siesta Key.

You can choose between full-day or half-day rentals and the wide range of boats available should allow you to find exactly what you want. This Siesta Key activity is perfect for families on vacation who want freedom to explore the Sarasota area from the water.

Rent a Jet Ski on Siesta Key

Of all the Siesta Key Florida activities, gliding across the emerald waters on a jet ski will easily be your favorite part of your Florida beach vacation. There’s nothing quite like the freedom you’ll feel when flying across the water on a jet ski. It’s likely your face will hurt after from smiling so hard.

Siesta Key Watersports makes renting a jet ski simple with one to four-hour rentals on jet skis that accommodate up to three people.

Bike Rental in Siesta Key

Renting a bicycle is an excellent way to explore the island and get some exercise during your stay on Siesta Key. If your accommodations don’t have bikes for rent, pick-up a rental at Robin Hood Rentals in the Village or Siesta Key Bike & Kayak by the South Bridge.

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Ride the Free Siesta Key Trolley

The Siesta Key Breeze Trolley is a free form of transportation on Siesta Key. It runs every day of the week from 8am to 10pm. You can get on at the pavilion in the Village, or at any one of the stops along the island.

Paddleboard or Kayak Siesta Key

If operating a boat or jet ski isn’t your thing, consider renting a kayak or paddleboard. Getting out on the water is one of the best ways to see the best of Siesta Key and it’s so easy when you can rent a kayak and explore on your own, or do a kayak tour or lesson with Ride & Paddle.

Get Ice Cream and Donuts at Meany’s Mini Donuts

If you’re looking for a cold or sweet treat, stop by Meany’s Mini Donuts right in the heart of the Siesta Key Village. This little stand offers delicious fresh donuts, iced coffee, ice cream and more! These treats are perfect for enjoying as you explore the Village.

Eat Oysters & Listen to Live Music at SKOB

You can’t visit Siesta Key without eating at the famous Siesta Key Oyster Bar where there’s regular live music, drinks and, of course, oysters.

This busy spot has classic Old Florida charm and you’ll love stapling a dollar to the wall to leave your mark! Aside from the oysters, the tuna poke bites, seafood tacos and coconut margarita are my favorite items here.

Dine at the Best Siesta Key Village Restaurants

Other than SKOB, there are tons of great restaurants on Siesta Key in the Village and beyond. I’ll just list my favorites:

Seafood, Steak & Special Occasions – Summer House in the Village

Italian & Craft Cocktails – Flavio’s on Siesta in the Village

Pizza, Cocktails & Varied Menu – Blasé Martini Bar in the Village

Drinks, Casual Dinner or Football – Captains Curt’s by the South Bridge

Seafood & Fine Dining – Ophelia’s on the Bay on the south end of Siesta Key

Seafood & Casual Waterfront Dining – Turtles on Little Sarasota Bay on the south end of Siesta Key

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Explore Siesta Key Florida Nightlife

There’s no shortage of after-hours fun to be had on Siesta Key.

Between The Beach Club, Gilligan’s Island Bar, Daiquiri Deck, the Big Tiki Lounge and more, you’ll find a hangout with the vibes you crave. When it comes to nightlife in Siesta Key Village, there are sports bars, clubs and multiple laid-back bar/restaurants with live music.

Go to the Siesta Key Village Farmer’s Market

If you love supporting local and finding unique treasures, head to the Siesta Key Farmer’s market on Sundays from 8am-12pm. It’s located right in a plaza in the Siesta Key Florida Village and you’ll find everything from fresh produce and handmade art to soaps and jewelry.

Shop the Siesta Key Village Shops

What’s vacation without a little souvenir shopping?! There’s plenty of that in the Siesta Key Village! You’ll find everything from kitschy beach souvenirs and bikinis to beautiful boutique clothing and quality handicrafts.

I recommend setting aside an afternoon to explore the length of shops in the Village so you’re sure to find the perfect keepsake or gift.

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