If traveling to Florida and you are close to Sarasota, you should make Siesta Key beach a destination stop (rated #1 beach in the USA). The beach alone is worth the trip but Siesta Key village also has a wonderful relaxed vibe worth checking out. The best part is you can easily walk the beach right to the village or take the free trolley car service. The little funky village has great food, evening entertainment, and is a fun and relaxing place for adults or the whole family. I like how you feel that nobody is in a rush, people are active but chilled out and friendly.  I have been to Siesta Key many times as my parents have called Casarina on Siesta Key beach their winter home since I was 10. I was just visiting a few weeks ago and the beach was as beautiful as it has always been and the village is still as clean and lively as I remember. Below are a few pictures taken of the beautiful beach.

The sand is like flour and the water is clear and warm. It is always fun to join in the action at the public beach by the village as there are tons of activities – morning yoga classes, sandcastle building contests and beach volleyball to name a few. The beach facilities are also top notch as showers, washrooms, and picnic areas have all been beautifully redone.  Here is a great website to learn more about whats happening in siesta key public beach. www.visitsarasota.org/beaches-places/siesta-key

Most accommodations on the beach provide private access to the beach, pools, tennis courts and BBQ facilities. I have noticed that many beach accommodations have greatly increased their security.  There are more security staff and new swipe cards for tenants to make sure only owners and renters have access to the private beach, the facilities and into main building accommodations.

3 Places You Have to Check Out in Siesta Key!

Café Gabbiano – Italian Restaurant & Wine Club            http://www.cafegabbiano.com

Just a short walk from the beautiful beaches of Sarasota, Café Gabbiano brings Italy to Siesta Key. It’s serene, casual ambiance imitates that of the paradise surrounding it. With 4,000 square feet to spare, Café Gabbiano offers intimate, private dining in our wine rooms as well as comfortably cool, outdoor seating on our climate controlled patio.Your host, Marc Grimaud, welcomes you to the world of wine with over 200 in the collection available on site. As Café Gabbiano’s certified sommelier, Marc specializes in bringing a world class selection of wine to the cellars of Café Gabbiano and carefully pairs your meal upon request. General Manager, Peter Tracy, has spent the past 28 years in fine dining delivering an excellent guest experience through attentive, personal service. Our menu is brought to you by a talented team of chefs who expertly create each meal according to family recipes. We use only the freshest ingredients and introduce new dishes, inspired by seasonal treasures, to showcase the skill of our chefs. This culinary team has created a delicious and unique dining experience coupled with service provided by a friendly professional service team. Join us and experience Italy’s best loved food on Siesta Key.

Sun Garden Cafe – Siesta Key’s Best Breakfast and Lunch Restaurant http://www.sol-food.net 

Enjoy seriously good food in our casual family friendly garden restaurant. We choose only the finest locally grown produce, fish caught in our waters, farm fresh eggs and artisan foods from around the world to create our original cuisine. Thank you Sarasota for voting us BEST BREAKFAST, BEST LUNCH, BEST OUTDOOR DINING & BEST BACON for 7 years straight! Critics and locals agree, there is nothing like us anywhere. We invite you to be your own judge. Looking for healthy options? We have it. Looking for hearty traditions? We have that too. Kick back with banana pancakes or kick it up with a Sun Garden original omelet or savour the delectable treats baked fresh in our bakery everyday. Either way, you’re sure to find paradise…..Open for breakfast & lunch daily / pet friendly! Well behaved dogs are always welcome!

LELU coffee lounge – caffeine and cocktails                                 http://lelucoffee.com/all-about-lelu/

Serving simply perfect espresso & coffee in any form. Cappuccino, latte, mocha, cubano, ICED or BLENDED, and fresh fruit SMOOTHIES. Open seven days a week for the people of Siesta Key/Sarasota County! We serve Specialty Sandwiches (along with a full menu) for Breakfast and Lunch. I brew some of the world’s greatest coffee from some of the best roasters local to Florida. You can find mostly medium to dark roasts here as well as organics and flavours. My signature flavoured coffee is a 100% naturally flavoured coconut coffee, available NOW. To add to the fun, LeLu is also a full bar/lounge specializing in after dinner (or before dinner) coffee drinks and martinis! Choose from over 20 different Cordials/Congac/Brandy, including Bailey’s, Tia Maria, Godiva, Kaluha, Remy, & Martell. We serve Keoki Coffee, Mexican Coffee (Tequila and Kaluha), Spanish Coffee (Tia Maria & Rum), & Irish Coffee just to name a few. Come in today to enjoy the tropical, laid back atmoshpere at LeLu Coffee Lounge! Sun, sand, surf, and coffee…it’s what life is all about!

Pictures left to right (Cafe Gabbiano, Sun Garden Cafe, some of my family enjoying Sun Garden Cafe and Lelu – our morning coffee spot)