Welcome to Siesta Key — one of the most enchanting and picturesque spots in Florida. Nestled in the Gulf of Mexico, this unique island is renowned for its incredibly white sandy beaches, crystal-clear waters, and a serene, relaxing atmosphere.
In this article, we will introduce you to the island's stunning natural beauty, its rich culture, and the diverse array of recreational opportunities it offers.
History of the island
Siesta Key was an uninhabited barrier island off the coast of Sarasota until the early 20th century. In fact, the island wasn't even known as Siesta Key back then. It went by various names: Clam Island, Little Sarasota Island, or Sarasota Key. In the mid-19th century, a few particularly hardy families built beach houses on the island and lived there year-round. Most of the residents were fishermen, but some also cultivated orange groves. An entrepreneur even established a fertilizer factory there.
Siesta Key at that time had all the hallmarks of lush tropics: dense vegetation, swarms of mosquitoes, snakes of all kinds (including venomous ones), sand fleas, feral cats, and vicious boars. The island was not connected to the mainland, and everything was transported across Sarasota Bay by boat. In 1906, Captain Roberts and his wife turned their large boarding house into a hotel. Mrs. Roberts' culinary skills, cooking for the hotel guests, led to Hollywood's elite stopping by to dine at The Roberts’ Inn (also known as Siesta Inn).
A year after the hotel's opening, Roberts and his two partners formed the Siesta Land Company and renamed the island Siesta Key. They actively promoted land plots and began to develop the island: they dug three canals and connected them to the bay, providing more of their plots with direct water access.
After the Great Depression, development on Siesta Key slowed down. By the mid-1940s, the island's population was just 300 people. By 1955, the island was home to 75 prominent artists, including impressionist Syd Solomon, illustrator Thornton Utz, and comic strip artist Vincent Hamlin.
Today, Siesta Key is home to 24,000 residents, with around 350,000 visitors annually.
What to Do in Siesta Key
Siesta Key offers visitors a wide range of family-friendly activities and excursions around the bay. Engage in sports events, explore wildlife, and enjoy scenic cruises.
- Siesta Key Watersports
Enjoy fishing tours on professionally equipped boats, parasailing, dolphin tours, water skiing, boat rentals, and scenic sunset cruises. - The Ringling Museum
The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, founded in 1927, features 21 galleries of European paintings, as well as American art. The museum's art collection currently includes over 10,000 sculptures and paintings. - Myakka River State Park
The park spans 58 square miles of wetlands and forests. Enjoy wildlife viewing from a boardwalk extending over the Myakka River. Take daily picturesque lake tours on the world's largest airboats. From December to May, the park offers safari tours for guests. - Parasail Siesta
Experienced captains and crew, with a 70-year history in parasailing and over 100,000 flights, offer a high safety standard. Discover aerial views and enjoy parasailing over the bay! - Siesta Key Bike and Kayak
Kayak tours through the shallow mangrove tunnels of South Lido. Follow your guide to the famous Sarasota Bay in search of manatees or bottlenose dolphins. You’ll also have the opportunity to visit museums, a circus, musical performances, theaters, film festivals, botanical gardens, and encounter wildlife.
Siesta Key is a true paradise on Earth, where dreams of the perfect beach vacation become reality. With its pristine white sands, warm waves of the Gulf of Mexico, and relaxed atmosphere, this island is the ideal destination for those seeking solitude with nature, a family getaway, or a romantic weekend.
Siesta Key captivates with its landscapes and offers a variety of activities, from water sports to cultural events. This island can indeed satisfy any taste and preference.
When traveling to Florida, you are guaranteed to create memories that you will cherish for a lifetime. And remember, with the services of American Butler, your vacation will be even more comfortable and enriching. We are ready to assist in organizing your perfect trip, so you can fully enjoy the beauty and uniqueness of this incredible place.
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