Ready for some fun in the sun? Then you’re right on time for this guide on the best places to stay in Siesta Key!
I compared all the areas on this island and found the 3 top neighborhoods for tourists! For each of those places I’ve also included a list of the best hotels for all budgets.
In short, Siesta Key Beach is the best place to stay on the island as that’s where you’ll find the main attractions and some of the best hotels. But definitely check the other 2 areas, as they’re also pretty great!
Don’t forget to book your hotels in advance! Siesta Key is a major holiday destination and it’s better to secure your spot early!
NOTE: Many resorts in Florida have a compulsory “resort fee” that can be up to $25 per night and is charged on-site. Make sure to read the hotel’s descriptions before booking if you want to be aware of potential additional charges.
Quick Picks for Your Stay
Ready to book your accommodation? Then have a look at this list I’ve put together of the best places to stay in Siesta Key, Florida, all located on Siesta Beach
budget hotel
Best affordable accommodation in the center
Here’s a map of all the areas where to stay in Siesta Key, Florida, that I will be talking about in this post:
1. Siesta Key Beach – best place to stay for first-timers
If you’re traveling here for the first time, there’s no better place to look for hotels than Siesta Beach, an area with that Florida charm that you’ll love!
This place is so amazing that Tripadvisor’s Traveler’s Choice Awards rated Siesta Key #9 on their list of the top 25 beaches in the USA!
While here you can spend a couple of days chilling on the sandy shores, chilling, swimming and drinking some yummy cocktails.
The beach will help you forget all about your daily activities and spend a few days chilling, swimming, and drinking yummy cocktails!
Apparently the sand is super soft here and it consists of 99% quartz, which means that energetically it’s supercharged.
PRO TIP: Siesta Key Beach can get pretty packed as it’s so popular so I’d recommend coming super early in the morning or just later in the day (especially if you want to catch the sunset or if you want to rent any umbrellas and loungers as those go fast!
As you probably know Siesta Key is super popular for its abundance of watersports! There are tons of things that you can try here from kayaking to snorkeling! And if you’d prefer to be guided by someone while doing these activities, then book a tour. We’ve got a whole post on the best snorkeling tours in Siesta Key, so definitely check it out.
Another fun thing to try while here is to attend a drum circle (map)! Taking place every Sunday evening, these drum circles gather lots of locals and tourists alike to dance to the ancient sounds of the drums!
A major thing to remember: all the hotels in Siesta Beach sell out in a second (especially in summer), so I highly recommend booking yours in advance!
Luxury hotel
Wake up to the sound of the waves crashing on the shores in these luxurious apartments that sit within walking distance from Siesta Beach and offer a private beach area. The accommodation also has a swimming pool and suites with furnished balconies from where you can enjoy the views!
Other accommodation options in Siesta Key Beach
Mid-Range
This condo comes with 2 rooms, a kitchen with a dining area and a furnished balcony
Budget
A great place to stay in Siesta Beach that has modern amenities including a spa center and free Wi-Fi
Airbnb
Chill on the private terrace at this cozy cottage that offers beach access and has room for 6 guests
Things to do in Siesta Key Beach
- Go on a sunset bike tour in Siesta Key
- Chill on Siesta Beach
- Dance on the sand with the Siesta Key Drum Circle
- Swim all day in the ocean
- Try kayaking or snorkeling on Siesta Beach
2. Sarasota Beach – where to stay in Siesta Key on a budget
Looking for a cheaper place to stay in Siesta Key, then you might want to check out this area! Sarasota Beach is set right near Siesta Key Beach.
This beach is perfect for sunbathing or playing some outdoor games like volleyball! And if you want to take a break (let’s face it, sometimes the sun is too hot to stay outside), you can head to Siesta Key Village (map), a shopping mall with tons of stores perfect for some souvenir hunting.
By the way, you should totally visit Sarasota, the nearby town, with the same name as this beach! We have an entire post on the best places there which you should check out if you’re going there!
PRO TIP: If you want to explore the island for free then I highly recommend hopping on the Siesta Islander, an open-air trolley that you can use without paying! This trolley is perfect for those coming without a car! You can learn more about the route, and the hours it is running from this website.
To be honest, if you’re traveling during the high season (mid-December to mid-April), I’d recommend leaving the car at the accommodation if you’ve used it to get here, and then using the trolley to get around since it’s free! Traffic can get pretty jammed during that time, so you might end up spending a lot of time going from one attraction or beach to the other.
Nearby Siesta Village, you’ll also find all the restaurants in the area where you have to try the seafood! Siesta Key Summer House Steak & Seafood (map) is a great place!
Once you’ve filled your belly, you can head back to Sarasota Beach to enjoy the sun a bit more or just try some water sports, you’ll find plenty on this side of the beach as well. wls who party until sunrise but also for families!
Luxury hotel
Relax in the heated pools after a day of shopping at Siesta Key Village at this accommodation that offers different activities like hiking and bike tours! The Inn sits within walking distance from Sarasota beach, and it has spacious suites with modern amenities and free parking.
Other accommodation options in Sarasota Beach
Mid-Range
Chill in the 2 heated pools at this pet-friendly resort that has a central location, a terrace and sun loungers
Budget
Chill by the pool, while drinking some lemonade while staying at this place that has family rooms
Airbnb
I like the old Florida charm of this accommodation that has a patio, two rooms, and air-conditioning
In case you’ve missed your chance at a beach resort in this area and all of them are booked out, here are a few more choices for you:
- Mid Range: The Ringling Beach House – relax on the sun loungers by the pool all day long at this accommodation that offers free parking, a heated pool and an outdoor dining area.
- Budget: Siesta Key Beachside Villas –I love the decor of this accommodation that has a tiki hut, hammocks, and a pool! The beach chairs and bikes are provided (if you’ve paid the daily resort fee).
Things to do in Sarasota Beach
- Sunbathe all day long on Sarasota Beach
- Shop until you drop at Siesta Key Village
- Eat delicious food at Siesta Key Summer House Steak & Seafood
- Have a drink at The Blasé Café & Martini Bar (map)
- Go for a long swim in the ocean
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3. Crescent Beach – where to stay in Siesta Key for families
Only a short walk away from Siesta Key Beach there’s Crescent Beach! A peaceful location where families can find the best resorts, restaurants, and activities to try with the little ones!
Crescent Beach is much more quiet than Siesta Key Beach, so if you’re looking for a place where you can avoid the crowds, then you’ve just found it!
The white sand beaches are barely touched and the landscapes are beautiful, especially for those who prefer sites that look a bit wild!
NOTE: If you’re coming between May to October, you’ll get to see all the cute turtles that come in the area for the nesting season!
What’s also great about this area is that it’s connected to the mainland by the Stickney Point Bascule Bridge (map). Meaning that you can always head out to explore other parts of the state! If you’re looking for some inspiration, check out our guide on the best areas to stay in Florida!
But let’s get back to Crescent Beach because we’ve got lots to see!
There’s a wide range of activities that you guys can try here, like going on boat tours (you can book one with High Tide Tiki Tours), parasailing, and even fishing. The fun never ends in Crescent Beach!
Nor does the food, and if you thought Sarasota Beach has all the good eateries, just wait until you check the ones here! Captain Curt’s Crab & Oyster Bar (map) is a great spot where you can try some yummy seafood, as is Daiquiri Deck South Siesta Key (map) where you can also listen to some live music!
Luxury hotel
Hyatt Residence Club Sarasota Siesta Key Beach
This beach resort is perfect for both parents and children! The accommodation offers a private beach area, a swimming pool, and a hot tub. Catch a stunning sunset on the beach chairs and end your day with a match of ping-pong (parents vs. kids)!
Other accommodation options in Crescent Beach
Mid-Range
Chill by the pool at this hotel that has spacious suites, a garden, and an outdoor swimming pool
Budget
An affordable beach resort that offers complimentary beach chairs, a hot tub, and free parking
Airbnb
A cozy place in Crescent Beach where guests have access to the beach and to a shared pool
Crescent Beach is quite a popular destination, especially for families or people who prefer a tranquil spot. The area also has some of the best resorts and beachfront hotels, attracting more tourists. If you’ve missed your chance at any of the accommodations above, here are 3 more:
- Mid Range: Twin Palms at Siesta – chill on the pool chairs and order lots of cocktails at this hotel that’s set within walking distance from the beach and has an outdoor dining area with barbecue facilities.
- Budget: Tropical Beach Resorts – try all the different activities that this resort offers! Snorkeling, windsurfing, and canoeing, you name it! When you’re not out and about, chill by the pool or in the hot tub!
Things to do in Crescent Beach
- Spend a few hours fishing with Siesta Charters
- Eat delicious food at Captain Curt’s Crab & Oyster Bar
- Enjoy a fun day with the kids on Crescent Beach
- Check out the Big Water Fish Market (map)
- Try parasailing with Siesta Key Watersports
- Have a picnic with the family at Turtle Beach (map)
- Rent a boat from CB’s Saltwater Outfitters (map) and explore the sea
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US$700 |
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US$350 |
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US$250 |
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Siesta Key Beach |
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Jamaica Royal |
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Siesta Key Beach 5950 |
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Capri 665 |
BONUS: Top 3 Best VRBOs in Siesta Key
Planning a holiday in Siesta Key, Florida with your friends or family? Then you might consider renting something bigger than a hotel room and even saving some money!
Siesta Key has a few vacation rentals and I found some of the best ones which I ordered from most to least expensive:
- Hibiscus Suite – perfect for 4 guests this accommodation comes with a living room area with a kitchen and a nice yard with a lagoon-style outdoor pool where you can chill all day long!
- Beachfront Getaway – you’re going to love this modern accommodation with space for 4 guests, that has an outdoor swimming pool and a kitchen.
- Mimosa Home – chill by the pool with your travel buddies while staying at this accommodation that comes with a dining area with a kitchen and an outdoor pool.
FAQs about best places to stay in Siesta Key
Siesta Key Beach is the best area to stay in Siesta Key, Florida. Here you can try kayaking, go on tours and stay at the best beachfront hotels like Jamaica Royal.
It depends on your preferences. If you’d rather stay in a less crowded space and spend more time in nature then choose Lido. But Siesta Key does have some of the best sugary and soft beaches in Florida.
Yes! Siesta Key is a beautiful place with lots of things to do and with some of the best beaches in the country and lots of fun water sports to try out!
Crescent Beach is one of the best places to stay in Siesta Key for families! This is a tranquil and not-so-crowded area where you can chill with your family.
The Jamaica Royal, with its private beach and pool, is a perfect option for a romantic getaway!
You can try visiting Siesta Key during the low season (May through October) as you can find better rates on the hotels and you can also opt for a VRBO, especially if you’re traveling with your family or friend group.
Final thoughts on best places to stay in Siesta Key
Am I the only one who’s dreaming about Siesta Key’s sugary and soft sands? My guess would be no!
But I hope that guide on the best places to stay in Siesta Key, helped you decide which area and hotel to pick!
In case you’re having a hard time trying to decide which beach resort or hotel to pick, here are my top 2 favorite options, both located in Siesta Key Beach:
Don’t forget to book your Siesta Key hotels in advance, especially if you’re traveling during the high season (mid-December to mid-April) when everyone comes here!
Have fun exploring the sunshine state!
Safe Travels,
Victoria
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