Where is Siesta Key and How Do You Get There?

With Siesta Beach and its world famous nearly pure quartz white sand frequently ranking at the top of multiple “Best Beaches” lists, Siesta Key is often visited by Sarasota locals and world travelers.

Located on Florida’s Gulf coast, directly west of South Sarasota and south of Bradenton, this barrier island is easy to access if you are anywhere in the Sarasota/Bradenton region and from several nearby airports and large cities.

Below you’ll find some helpful tips and directions from several areas right outside of Siesta Key:

Driving to Siesta Key from Nearby Areas

Siesta Key is accessible from two bridges that connect it to the mainland; the Siesta Key North Bridge on the north end of the island and the Stickney Point Bridge toward the center of the island. As many populous communities are north of Siesta Key, a common way to get to the island is often by taking a route to the North Bridge.

Driving From Sarasota

From downtown Sarasota, you can get to Siesta Key by taking any route to S Tamiami Trail/US-41. Driving two 2 miles south will take you to Siesta Drive. Taking a right on Siesta Drive will take you across the Siesta Key North Bridge onto Bay Island, where you would continue south onto Higel Ave. and make a right onto Ocean Blvd. to get to Siesta Village.

From Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport

The closest airport to Siesta Key is the Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport which is the recommended airport to fly into if you are primarily planning on visiting Siesta Key. The drive from this airport is approximately 20-25 minutes south to Siesta Key, and you can take a taxi for about $30-$40 if you don’t plan on driving.

There are multiple routes that will quickly take you to Siesta Key. If you do drive from the airport, you can take Desoto Rd. east to US-301 S/N Washington Blvd and then make a right. After about 3.5 miles you take a slight left to continue south onto S Tamiami Trail/S Washington Blvd. and this takes you to Siesta Drive where you can follow the directions above to get to Siesta Key.

From Bradenton

As Bradenton is located directly north of the Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport, you can easily get to Siesta Key by taking any route to US-301 S, US-41 S, or I-75 S. It is often faster to take US-301 S if you are in the downtown Bradenton area, and the total drive takes about 40 minutes with the usual traffic.

From downtown Bradenton, take any route to 6th Ave., and then head east on 6th Ave while looking for the sign for 1st St. W. Make a right on 1st St W./S. Tamiami Trail and continue onto US-301 S. Continue onto US-301 S for 12 miles and make a slight left to continue onto S. Tamiami Trail/S Washington Blvd. Follow the directions mentioned above to get to Siesta Key.

Transportation Once You’ve Arrived

Once you have arrived on Siesta Key you don’t need a vehicle to get around if you would prefer not having one. You can get around the island on bike, by walking, riding the buses or taking the free shuttles which run on tips only.

There’s a frequently updated schedule of Siesta Key buses on the Sarasota transportation website so that you can plan trips out. The island is also just 8 miles long, and several accommodations are located near Siesta Village which is very walkable.

Whether you’re looking for Siesta Key rentals or Siesta Key Florida vacation rentals, you can find everything you’re looking for with Siesta Key Luxury Rental Properties!

If you have any questions at all about transportation on Siesta Key, lodging or directions to our island, please give us a call today.