Vacation is essential for rest in today’s hectic society. Siesta Key is one of the most exclusive and desirable vacation destinations in all of Florida with its beautiful white sand beaches and abundance of outdoor sports.

A vacation here isn’t complete without being filled with the best outdoor activities on Siesta Key. There are so many opportunities for outdoor activities on and around this picturesque barrier island that it has become a very popular vacation destination for people of all ages.

Outdoor Siesta Key Activities

The beauty and excitement of the outdoor attractions here are unsurpassed by other areas. The whitest sand in the world and the turquoise waters of the beach are only part of the allure when you enjoy these top activities during your beach vacation at Siesta Key.

With more than 35 miles of beaches, Sarasota County’s coastline is a year-round destination for residents and visitors. More than 6.5 million tourists flock to the county’s beaches each year. From kayak tours to Siesta Key Beach, there’s a relaxing spot in the sun for everyone in addition to plenty of other fun activities in Siesta Key.

Kayak Tours

Explore the water and natural beauty of Siesta Key as part of your vacation experience with Mote Marine’s Moonlight Kayak Tour. These kayak tours are one of the most popular outdoor activities on Siesta Key and are suitable for all ages.

Moonlit Paddle

Kayaking doesn’t get much cooler than this. Take a break from the sun and join them for a dusk paddle through Florida’s coastal waters. Discover the wildlife that brings Sarasota Bay to life at night as you relax and paddle the moonlit waters. Moonlit Paddles are offered from September through May.

Mixon Fruit Farms

The whole family can enjoy Florida’s citrus harvest at this popular farm and wildlife sanctuary. Learn about Florida’s rich cultural history while tasting fresh oranges, viewing farm equipment on display, and learning about local wildlife with one of our favorite Siesta Key activities for families.

Wildlife Refuge

The wildlife refuge provides much-needed land and shelter for orphaned and injured birds, animals, and reptiles. Their mission is to rehabilitate wildlife in Florida so they can be released back into the wild and to promote education, appreciation, and respect for wildlife. 

The cages are built in the grove next to the orange trees, as the family farm is nestled within the Florida Wildlife Preserve. They invite everyone to visit, see the animals up close and share their love of wildlife with you. You are sure to be amazed by the beauty of these creatures. Their animals and birds come and go as they are treated and rehabilitated. Some are released back into the wild, others need to find permanent homes. 

Sign up for a guided tour of Mixon Farms Nature Preserve or walk the grounds yourself. Don’t forget to cool off on the waterslide, and take home some of the amazing Florida-made fruit products.

Tamiami Trail

The Tamiami Trail is located near Siesta Key – just a two-hour drive southeast on U.S. Highway 41. This trail takes travelers through the Everglades. Along the way, you’ll find airboat tours and small Native American villages.

Vacationers here have the opportunity to experience the true essence of Florida by enjoying the fresh air of the Everglades and the chance to slow down and observe a variety of wildlife.

Get ready for snapshots of alligators, river otters, wading birds, and possibly panthers.

You’ll have several opportunities to stop the car and hike a bit to view the wildlife, with some areas offering trails or viewing platforms. Try one of the many incredible airboat tours along the way to experience the Everglades from an exciting vantage point. Enjoy a ride along this route during your Siesta Key vacation and take in the remarkable beauty of this unique area.

Siesta Key Beach

The long coastline of Siesta Key stretches from north to south and offers beaches with quartz sand that always feels cool to the touch.

From morning strollers to daytime sunbathers to sunset photographers, everyone can enjoy the spectacular views of the Gulf Coast’s aquamarine waters. For its beauty alone, it’s no wonder that Siesta Key Beach has been voted #1 in America multiple times by numerous travel magazines.

Add to that the extensive renovations to the public facility, which include a magnificent pedestrian promenade, elevated concessions, and expanded parking, and you can understand why many visitors spend several afternoons walking, lounging, and playing on the beach.

If you feel like taking a break from the sand, you could ride the free siesta key breeze trolley, or dine and shop your way through Siesta Key Village. No doubt, one of the best Siesta Key family activities.

Siesta Dolphin Tours

Dolphin-watching or sightseeing cruises and private charters with Siesta Dolphin Tours will be the highlight of your trip to Siesta Key. With over 29 years of experience in the business, rest assured, you will be dealing with water sports professionals. They have the friendliest staff and the best-maintained equipment to ensure your trip is one you will remember. 

Discover the sights and sounds of bottlenose dolphins and manatees and other marine life. In crystal clear waters, get up close and personal with the dolphins that roam the waters around Siesta Key and Lido Key. If you are really lucky, you may see a mother dolphin playing with her young or witness an entire group swimming right next to you. 

Sarasota’s waters are home to one of the largest populations of these amazing and graceful wild dolphins. But there’s more to see than just dolphins on their sightseeing cruises.

Seasonally, you may see tarpon surfacing out of the water. You may also spot a shark or a school of cow nose rays, stingrays, or eagle rays. In the blue skies, other wondrous animals can be seen such as pelicans, gulls, ospreys, and even bald eagles. Relax, enjoy, observe, and photograph the captivating sights you will find in the waters of southwest Florida. 

Where to Stay

Siesta Key is a truly remarkable place to stay, so make sure you’re Siesta Key rental lives up to the rest of your trip. Featuring truly luxurious stays that include a personal property manager from the moment you check in to the moment you check out, you’ll enjoy having your needs thoughtfully taken care of when you book a stay with us. 

From the spacious gourmet kitchens to the rooftop decks with ocean views, many of our homes have been designed as vacation rentals to provide guests with the luxuries they desire for their dream beach vacation. Our spaces are true homes away from home. 

We want your vacation home in Siesta Key to be a destination in its own right, so there are playrooms for the kids, ping pong tables, and of course, incredible heated pools in the backyards of most of our vacation properties. Combine these luxurious amenities and updated interiors with the added convenience of being able to walk to everything. With every detail carefully considered, you can simply arrive, park your car, and enjoy your vacation time straight from your home to your next adventure.