Where is Siesta Key in Florida

Last Updated August 23, 2026

Siesta Key is a barrier island protecting the shores of southern Sarasota. The island is west of Sarasota, which you can access by two bridges.

Where is Siesta Key

• Siesta Key is less than a mile offshore of Sarasota, Florida
• The island is 8 miles west of Interstate 75
• Siesta Key is 70 Miles South of Tampa
• Siesta Key is 73 Miles north of Ft. Myers
• Located on Florida’s Gulf Coast

The most popular route to Siesta Key is heading west off the Clark Road Exit of Interstate 75 (Florida State Route 72). Clark Road turns into Stickney Point Road. The distance from I-75 to the Stickney Point Bridge to Siesta Key is 8 miles.

The other access to Siesta Key is at the north end of the island. The Siesta Key North Bridge crosses over to the island from Sarasota. This road, Siesta Drive, is more congested and leads to the north part of the island. 

One thing you will note as you travel across the north bridge from the Sarasota mainland to the island is the tree-lined streets that almost completely canopy the road. Most island and beach communities are more wide open.

Siesta Key has exclusive home compounds along Siesta Drive and Higel Avenue, the main access streets from the north. There are no water views from the north access road.

We immediately thought of past Florida road trips to Naples and its exclusive tree-lined neighborhoods.

The eight-mile-long crescent-shaped piece of land hosts some of the most luxurious homes in Sarasota County in the northern part of Siesta Key.

Where is Siesta Key Beach?

Siesta Key also has three popular beaches along the Gulf of Mexico. Turtle Beach, Crescent Beach, and the widely acclaimed Siesta Beach (more popularly known as Siesta Key Beach). These three beaches cover 6 miles of the 8-mile-long island.

The famous Siesta Key Beach is in the middle of the island, accessed from Beach Road that fronts most of Siesta Key Beach.

Siesta Key Village

As you drive north on Beach Road in turns into Ocean Boulevard. The scenery changes. Beach houses begin to be interspersed with boutique hotels and small resorts.

After a few blocks, you are surrounded by colorful restaurants, quaint shops and the small-town beach feeling. You have entered Siesta Village.

The Village is the heart of the retail and restaurant district for the island. The tree-lined narrow street has whatever you are hungry for – from French cooking to fresh seafood, you will find it here.

One of our favorite restaurants seems to be a local favorite also. The Siesta Key Oyster Bar seems busy all the time. The “SKOB”, as they call themselves, not only serves fresh oysters, but they also have fresh Cedar Key clams we have written about before.

If you are looking for breakfast, the Village Café is the place to go on the island. At the south end of the island, you can’t forget Captain Curt’s Crab and Oyster Bar. They have some unique crab delicacies.

Besides the shops in the village, the small boutique hotels stand out with bright colors along the community’s fringe. Siesta Key Village has that salty vibe felt in many island beach towns. It covers about four or five blocks. As you go from Ocean Boulevard back to Beach Road, you immediately know where that salty air is coming from: Siesta Key Beach.

Siesta Beach is a Fun Florida Beach Road Trip

We see a lot of beaches on our Florida road trips. Many have beautiful white, soft sandy beaches like Clearwater Beach or the remote Cayo Costa island. These beaches are mainly formed from tiny pieces of coral over thousands of years.

Siesta Beach sand is brilliantly white, but the sand is 90% quartz. While normal beaches can be hot on your feet, this quartz sand reflects heat, and it actually feels cool on a hot day!

Siesta Beach was voted the Number One beach in the country by travel websites several years ago. It was also ranked Number 11 in the world!

If size matters, they certainly got it right. Siesta Key Beach is long and wide. The public parking lot alone is larger than many island beaches in Florida! Plenty of playground space for the kids and a snack shop or two when you are hungry.

Because Siesta Beach is so wide and long, it could be one of the largest beaches in Florida. We know it is in our top 10 or 15 best beaches we have visited on our Florida road trips.

Best Places to Stay in Siesta Key Florida

Perhaps Siesta Key could be the least developed island property for hotels. Many islands like St. Pete Beach, Amelia Island, Key Largo and Marco Island are loaded with chain hotels. They have every major brand with hundreds of rooms rising several floors over the island.

That is not the case on Siesta Key. Yes, there are a few chains, but for the most part, small to medium-sized hotels and resorts dot the island. Most are clean and colorful. Some are directly across from the beach and others are nestled in the many tree-covered streets.

Siesta Key Hotels include:

Beach Point Cottages – Very close to the

beach. BeachPoint Cottages is located across the street from beach access points for Siesta Key Beach . Shopping and dining at Siesta Village is a 3-minute walk from the property. All cottages are air-conditioned and include a full kitchen or a kitchenette and 1 or more flat-screen TVs. Beach carts and chairs are provided to guests.

Twin Palms at Siesta – Located in Siesta Key, a 4-minute walk from Crescent Beach, Twin Palms at Siesta provides accommodations with an outdoor swimming pool, free private parking, a garden and a terrace. With a private beach area, the property also features barbecue facilities. The property has a free shuttle service and free WiFi throughout the property.

The Capri at Siesta – The hotel is located

just steps away from the white sand Siesta Key Beach. The Capri at Siesta features a heated outdoor pool and villas with a fully-equipped kitchen. Each air-conditioned villa at The Capri is furnished with a flat-screen cable TV, dining area and free Wi-Fi. The kitchen includes a microwave, refrigerator, stove and dishwasher. A sofa bed is located in the living area.

Tropical Beach Resorts – At the south end of Siesta Key. Quieter than most off the beaten path with a lot of room options. All the amenities plus some larger rooms and a kitchenette for longer stays. Near the marina and restaurants near the bridge, easy walking to everything.

Spark by Hilton Siesta Key Gateway – Just

across the bridge in Sarasota. Perfect place to enjoy the beaches of Siesta Key and all the pleasures of things to do in Sarasota. This modern hotel is comfortable and convenient. The Hilton name says it all. This is our favorite for exploring the area on a trip to Sarasota.

For a wider range of hotels in Siesta Key, check Booking.com. Sarasota has an amazing number of things to do. Always book in advance because tours and places to see fill up!

Things To Know About Siesta Key Before You Go

If there is a caution on your road trip to Siesta Key, it’s the potential traffic. With public parking for hundreds of beachgoers, one of the most beautiful beaches in Florida, and the island atmosphere there is going to be cars. There is only one north bridge and one south bridge on the island. Both of these accesses are funneled into multiple streets. That ends in gridlock at busy times.

Siesta Key can be a Florida road trip any time of the year and a vacation destination. However, we recommend weekdays during off-season periods. You won’t have competition for beach space, restaurant seats, or parking spots from July to November.

Now you know where Siesta Key is in Florida!