Siesta Key

Bob Roberts · Post by **Bob Roberts** » December 5, 2004 8:23 pm

I'm trying to plan a honeymoon in June, and read something about this place. Anybody been? Any opinions or other ideas? Where to stay and what to do........

drmutt · Post by **drmutt** » December 5, 2004 10:21 pm

There's a lot of old people in Sarasota. My in-laws live in Sarasota. We've been down a half dozen times or more. Two years ago we rented a house in Siesta Key and stayed a week. June, I think, is off season. The beach is nice. The key is very developed. The bars are OK, not great, OK. There was a cool bar called Bob's Boathouse, but they knocked it down and built a condo. That pretty much summarizes Sarasota. There's still Capt Curt's and the Salty Dog on Siesta Key. The Sarasota Brewing Co., which is in Sarasota proper, also is cool.
But if it were me, I'd go to Key West or New Orleans. Maybe even Pensacola (if there's anything left after the hurricane, that is). If you want quiet and nothing but sleeping and fishing, check out Cedar Key.

RIPH · Post by **RIPH** » December 6, 2004 10:56 am

Bob, what are you looking to do?
There are some great bars in Siesta key village...It's a bit expensive though....Not sure I would agree with the previous poster...

If you are looking for laid back beach life, I'd look a bit north to Anna Maria Island in Bradenton....Lots less developed than Siesta, and still within driving distance of great tourist stuff...

MacPhin · Post by **MacPhin** » December 6, 2004 12:34 pm

we have family all along the soutwest coast of fl. just returned from punta gorda fl. 2 weeks ago yesterday. went to siesta key sooo many times. we really love it. the beach is great. there are bars there. people go to the beach and then they walk to the daquari(sp) hut and such places for their happy hours. it's a small village type,so there only about 8 resturants in the village but there are some others scattered along the island. if you're a huge party person it may not be the place for you. we really like it.

NJPhinPhan · Post by **NJPhinPhan** » December 6, 2004 2:59 pm

I was there last August...it's really a beautiful beach! We stayed at the Rtiz Carlton in Sarasota, which is inland but right over the bridge from St. Armand's Circle and they have their own beach club. I personally prefered the public beach on Siesta. I didn't see that many "old people" and even if I did, it wouldn't have detracted from the overall beauty of the area.

The Ritz IS expensive, but worth it, especially if it's a honeymoon. However, I'd investigate a resort out of the country, say in the Mayan Riviera, Mexico if it were MY honeymoon! (yawl knew I was gonna say that, right?

) It's not every year that most folks can take a trip like this so I say do it now and save the USA for later years! The resorts in this area are all inclusive and no doubt it would cost more overall to stay at the Ritz for a week and pay for every thing on your own than to stay in Mexico at an all inclusive resort.
Depending on the time of year, it's a lot less than most people think.

Just my 2 cents. But bottom line, Siesta Key is VERY VERY nice!

Bob Roberts · Post by **Bob Roberts** » December 8, 2004 9:57 pm

Anyone ever been to Turtle Beach Resort Cottages in Siesta Key? It looks awesome!

citcat · Post by **citcat** » December 9, 2004 1:32 pm

So, Bob.....are we invited to the wedding? And what's that building you're holding up? hmmmm....

Congratulations from the other side of Tennessee!

Bob Roberts · Post by **Bob Roberts** » December 9, 2004 3:47 pm

citcat wrote:So, Bob.....are we invited to the wedding? And what's that building you're holding up? hmmmm.... Congratulations from the other side of Tennessee!

Heck yeah, anybody's invited! That building is a secret.

Always good to hear from a fellow Tenneseean!

bixxx · Post by **bixxx** » December 12, 2004 11:58 am

we were there in april great beach, nice to walk or run on, kayak or sail from the nothern end has the bars and restaraunts and the public beach that always seemd to be busy not sure when you are going, but we caught a couple of sarasox games went to longboat and anna maria seems like sunny jim lays there a bunch there is a sarasota PH club I believe we stayed at sea club V part of a nice compound of hotels timeshares

Reefdiver · Post by **Reefdiver** » December 16, 2004 8:41 pm

Hey Bob, I've been going to Siesta Key for a long time. I love the place!! It was voted "the finest sand in the world" a few years ago. If you go there I suggest you look into the Crescent View Beach Club. Get one of the ocean front rooms...2 bedrooms,bath,kitchen,laundry,living room,dining area,huge balcony facing right out to the gulf. Kinda spendy tho, I've never made reservations-always just walk in and ask if any vacancy's. I've always gotten a better price by doing this, but it's always in the off season too. Capt. Curt's is right across the road. The Beach Club is right up the road(if it's still open-havent been there for a couple of years). A rental car is a MUST...that way you can go all over Sarasota and further. The Sarasota Brewery is a great place for lunch or dinner. Very sports oriented. Take a drive down 41 to Venice and look for shark teeth. Theres a great steakhouse right along 41, very near the south bridge to Siesta Key. Sorry but I forget the name. Take a trip to St Armonds circle and do some window shopping-yikes is that place expensive!!!

Go to the Mote Marine Laboratory, and check out the Pelican Man next door. Honestly...theres so much to do in that area that I don't think you'll regret going. ....just my .02 cents worth

Crzy · Post by **Crzy** » December 17, 2004 3:21 pm

Reefdiver wrote:Hey Bob, I've been going to Siesta Key for a long time. I love the place!! It was voted "the finest sand in the world" a few years ago. If you go there I suggest you look into the Crescent View Beach Club. Get one of the ocean front rooms...2 bedrooms,bath,kitchen,laundry,living room,dining area,huge balcony facing right out to the gulf. Kinda spendy tho, I've never made reservations-always just walk in and ask if any vacancy's. I've always gotten a better price by doing this, but it's always in the off season too. Capt. Curt's is right across the road. The Beach Club is right up the road(if it's still open-havent been there for a couple of years). A rental car is a MUST...that way you can go all over Sarasota and further. The Sarasota Brewery is a great place for lunch or dinner. Very sports oriented. Take a drive down 41 to Venice and look for shark teeth. Theres a great steakhouse right along 41, very near the south bridge to Siesta Key. Sorry but I forget the name. Take a trip to St Armonds circle and do some window shopping-yikes is that place expensive!!! Go to the Mote Marine Laboratory, and check out the Pelican Man next door. Honestly...theres so much to do in that area that I don't think you'll regret going. ....just my .02 cents worth

I think the restaurant is called Fred's not quite sure

Crzy · Post by **Crzy** » December 17, 2004 3:25 pm

I live in the area and Siesta is Beautiful... sometimes it does get crowded. If your looking for something a little quiter try Lido Key.. it is just north and is also very pretty. From Lido you can venture to Siesta fairly quickly.. about a 5-10 minute drive depending on traffic. Also... Lido is walking distance to St Armands (depending on how far down the Key you are) and is great for shopping/dining (try hemingways or the columbia restaurant) Also Longboat key is right there with teh longboat Key Resort and Spa.. very nice as well. Lots to do. Let me know if you decided to head to the area.. I will try to think up some hot spots for you!

I live close by and have visited these spots often! These are beautiful beaches!

photogal · Post by **photogal** » December 31, 2004 10:48 am

wow am I glad to have stumbled across this tread. We are going to Siesta Key in March. I picked it because we are going to Bush Gardens in Tampa and Red Sox spring training and kinda thought it was in the middle and on the beach. We are staying at Tropical Shores. It was reasonable as we are going with our 3 kids (10,13,16). Any tips for places to eat or things my kids might like would be great. It sounds so nice. Also what parrothead clubs are near by? There seems to be a ton in Fla. We thought we might hit someones monthly meeting while in the area. Thanks!

Reefdiver · Post by **Reefdiver** » January 1, 2005 1:01 pm

I've stayed at Tropical Shores before. Pretty nice place and there is lots to do in the area.

bixxx · Post by **bixxx** » January 3, 2005 8:12 am

[/url]http://www.buffettnews.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=22891
if the link thing doesnt work, i believe it is onpage 8

try this link we had asked and received some good info your kids willlove the beach our kids 9 10 12 were happy to be at thebeach all day, never asked to do the amusement park thing we saw a few sarasota sox games, park only 15 away, inmarch i think the reds will be there for spring traiing coasters over the bridge, great for dolphins playing in the canal while you eat