Siesta Key Outdoor Activities: 8 Ways to Embrace the Sunshine

The Siesta Key area has some of the best beaches in the U.S., and provides action-packed activities that all ages enjoy. Most travelers come for the beaches, but they soon discover watersports, baseball, where to ride bikes, hidden snorkel spots and other outdoor fun. Read about the top Siesta Key outdoor activities and plan a new adventure.

Exciting Siesta Key Outdoor Activities for Fun and Photo Ops

Play on the Beaches

Greater Siesta Key is home to miles of pristine coastline and popular beaches. The three top beaches include Siesta Beach, Crescent Beach and Turtle Beach. Each one offer their own slice of paradise where guests find plenty of space to play and unwind.

Once settled, visitors can sunbathe, read, swim and body-board. In addition, Siesta Key ranks among the best places to build sandcastles and hosts one of the largest sand-sculpture competitions in the world. Other activities include playing volleyball, swimming and collecting shells.

Siesta Beach ranks as the most popular and attracts large crowds, especially during warm seasons. Crescent Beach sits south of Siesta Beach and provides a top spot for snorkeling. For smaller crowds and shelling, head to Turtle Beach on Siesta Key’s southernmost tip.

Explore the Water

In addition to beaches, outdoor lovers enjoy getting into the water. From sailing and parasailing to swimming and snorkeling, Siesta Key welcomes all ages to explore the Gulf of Mexico in new ways. Guided charters host dolphin tours, sightseeing adventures, romantic sunset cruises and gentle paddling adventures. Explore lesser-known spots in Siesta Key.

Snorkel at Points of Rocks

Point of Rocks – a hidden spot near Crescent Beach – ranks among the best places for Siesta Key outdoor activities such as snorkeling and swimming. Point of Rocks is a collection of limestone rock formations and offers calm, shallow waters perfect for beginners.

While exploring the water, see schools of fish, shells, crabs, dolphins and manatees. For the best visibility, visit early in the morning and bring diving flags. Swimmers should expect water ranging from 18 to 20 feet deep.

Fish All Day

Fishing ranks among the top Siesta Key outdoor activities because anglers are almost guaranteed to catch different species. Many companies offer inshore and offshore options, so visitors can customize their adventure.

Possible catches include snook, trout, snapper, flounder, ladyfish, Spanish mackerel and tarpon. Trips range from a few hours to all day. Plus, charters are happy to accommodate small groups and families. A few to consider include Siesta Key Fishing Charters, Chasin’ Tail, Reel Tight and Sarasota Fishing Charters.

Ride Bikes

Love to ride bicycles? Siesta Key offers an easy place to ride where guests explore at their own pace. The area has bike trails such as Venetian Waterway Park Trail and Legacy Trail. These routes have public beach access points, places for food and refreshments, and rest stops. For more options, visit Oscar Scherer State Park and Myakka River State Park. Both have paved bicycle paths perfect for quick rides.

When cycling in Siesta Key, guests should wear a helmet and ride when vehicle traffic is light. To rent bikes, contact Siesta Key Bike and Kayak and Siesta Sports Rentals. For a guided bike ride through the area, check out Sip-N-Cycle Cruises and Sarasota Bike Tours. Both offer easy, family-friendly ways to see the area.

Tour Siesta Village

For something different, check out attractions, dining and shops in Siesta Village. The district measures four blocks and sits in the middle of Siesta Key. Plus, the area is walkable so visitors can browse at a leisurely pace.

More than 100 businesses call Siesta Village home. Open-air bars and restaurants greet everyone with live music and fresh food. Then check out dozens of boutiques selling beach gear, fashion, jewelry, souvenirs, home décor and local art. In addition, Siesta Village houses businesses such as dentists, salons and massage services.

Play Siesta Key Area Golf Courses

Siesta Key and nearby Sarasota also cater to golfers. With its mild climate, lush landscapes and tropical vibes, players of all skill levels can select from private and public options — as well as inland or more island-style locations.

The Groves Golf Course, Stoneybrook Golf and Country Club, University Park Country Club, and The Highlands Course all rank among the best public golf courses near Siesta Key. Private options include TPC Prestancia and Sara Bay Country Club.

Watch Baseball

One of the top Siesta Key outdoor activities for families is attending baseball games at Ed Smith Stadium. Every spring training season, the stadium welcomes MLB’s Baltimore Orioles. Spring training practices are free and open to the public beginning in mid-February. Those visiting in March can purchase tickets for an affordable fee.

Take the next step! Book a Siesta Key vacation rental.