Plan a Siesta Key Road Trip from Orlando, Florida

One of the best things about vacationing in southern Florida is that you don’t have to be stuck in just one location, which is why we suggest a road trip to Siesta Key! There are so many incredible cities down here, and they’re all right next to each other, so it’s easy to plan a day trip and hit multiple destinations throughout just one vacation! Want a recommendation? Plan a Siesta Key road trip from Orlando, Florida!

Perhaps you’re planning a trip to Orlando and are wondering if you can see any other parts of Florida during your getaway. Put simply; the answer is yes! If you’re considering Florida road trips from Orlando, we recommend coming down to Sarasota and Siesta Key. It’s a quick and comfortable drive, and with so much to do down here, you can even book one of our Siesta Key vacation rentals and stay for a couple of days to make sure you don’t miss out on anything!

Ready to plan your Siesta Key road trip?

How Far is the Drive from Orlando to Sarasota?

While Orlando and Sarasota might look quite far from each other on a map, the drive is pretty quick. Traveling from Orlando to Sarasota only takes about 2 hours! To get to Sarasota, you’ll leave Orlando and make your way to I-4 W. You’ll travel for about 67 miles before getting off at Exit 9 to merge onto I-75 S toward Naples. You’ll stay on this road for about another 41 miles; then, you’re almost to Sarasota! 

Things to Do in Orlando

Before you start your Orlando road trip to Siesta Key, you may want to enjoy a few fun attractions in Orlando. Of course, two of Orlando’s most prominent attractions are the amusement parks: Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando Resort. Both of these parks are tons of fun for the whole family and are definitely worth visiting while you’re in town. SeaWorld is another attraction that would fit into this category, but it’s not quite as busy as its counterparts on most days.

However, suppose you’re looking for something a bit less crowded. In that case, you can head to Discovery Cove to watch the dolphins, learn about alligators at Gatorland, or stroll through the beautiful greenery at Harry P. Leu Gardens. Want to learn something new while you’re on vacation? Head to the Orlando Science Center or the Orlando Museum of Art.

What to Do in Between

Sure, there’s a ton to do in Orlando, but what can you do while you’re headed to Sarasota and Siesta Key? Your road trip will take you right near Tampa, which is a great place to take a pit stop and explore some attractions. Here, you’ll find another incredible theme park at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. You can relax and enjoy lunch on the Tampa Riverwalk, see more than 20,000 plant and animal species at The Florida Aquarium, or, if you’re traveling with kids, stop by the Glazer Children’s Museum and let them have some interactive learning time.

You can also make a quick detour over to St. Petersburg (don’t worry; it’s not too far out of the way and only makes your total drive time 2.5 hours as opposed to 2 hours). St. Petersburg is the perfect destination for the art lover in your group since you can visit attractions like the Salvador Dali Museum or the Museum of Fine Arts. Nature lovers will enjoy the Sunken Gardens or Egmont Key National Wildlife Refuge, or you can get some shopping done on Central Avenue. Then, you’ll be ready to head into Sarasota! 

Things to Do in Sarasota

You’ve made it to Sarasota! What can you do now that you’re here? Start out by checking out the beaches and taking some time to stretch your legs after being in the car for that drive. Then, head into popular local attractions like the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art or the Sarasota Jungle Gardens. 

Marie Selby Botanical Gardens is another great stop for your nature lover, and the person interested in animals will enjoy a trip to the Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium. Interested in history? Check out the Sarasota Classic Car Museum! Want to catch a show? You’ll love the performances at the Sarasota Opera House. There’s truly something for everyone!

Things to Do in Siesta Key

Next, you can head to your final destination: Siesta Key. Your main attraction here is definitely going to be the beaches, as they’ve been ranked among the best stretches of shorelines in the Sunshine State! (Plus, any of the beaches can make for an excellent backdrop for your Instagram post.) Be sure to come out to the Siesta Key Drum Circle in the evenings for a truly unique experience.

If you want to get some exercise, head to Legacy Trail to walk the paths or rent a bike to cycle. Get a glimpse at Florida’s beautiful untouched nature within Ted Sperling Nature Park, or visit any one of Siesta Key’s rental companies to get involved in some water sports! There’s something new to discover every day on the shores of Siesta Key

We’re proud to have set the bar for luxury rental homes in the area, and once you walk through the door, you’ll understand what all the hype is about. Each property is uniquely designed to provide a true one-of-a-kind experience, and you’ll always find the luxury amenities you’d expect from a vacation rental of this caliber. All rentals are conveniently located near the most popular local attractions so that you can get out the door in a hurry. We love serving the visitors of Siesta Key; all we ask is that you’re a good neighbor to those around you and that you let us know of any way we can serve you better! 

Travel Insurance

One final aspect to consider before you plan your road trip: travel insurance. Our clients turn to Generali Global Assistance for their travel instance needs. You might not think you need travel insurance for your road trip, but it can be a lifesaver if your plans get canceled unexpectedly or if you have an issue with your car while you’re on your way to Siesta Key. We highly recommend that you consider purchasing road trip travel insurance through Generali before coming to see us!

Whether you’re coming to Siesta Key to check out the breathtaking nature, indulge in some mouthwatering seafood, or spend the day on Siesta Key Public Beach and simply get away from it all, we’re here for you. Our staff is always available to help you, whether you need assistance deciding on a rental or you’d like a recommendation for the best dinner spot. Contact us today to find the ultimate luxury vacation property!