Siesta Key Village is a lively tourist area that is fun both day and night. Filled with restaurants, bars, cute shops, and nearby outdoor activities, everything is within walking distance – including the beach.
Visitors come to Siesta Key for the sun and sand, but Siesta Key Village shouldn’t be missed.
Peel yourself off your lounge chair at your Siesta Key condo rental, and head to town for a lovely afternoon poking around in the Village with these unique things to do.
EAT & DRINK
For great breakfast (or brunch, depending on your vacation sleep schedule), check out Sun Garden Cafe (210 Avenida Madera). With both traditional southern dishes and lighter healthy options on the menu, Sun Garden sources much of its produce, fish, and meat locally. Some of their dishes include chicken and waffles, a breakfast burrito, the A.M. cobbler, and, of course, the ever-hip avocado toast. Have breakfast in the garden on the shady outdoor patio.
Daiquiri Deck & Raw Bar (5250 Ocean Blvd.) is a casual restaurant with a huge patio – the perfect spot to grab lunch or a few lazy daytime drinks. As the name suggests, frozen daiquiris are its specialty, with a flavor to suit every mood. Try the Deck Diesel, a refreshing, neon orange concoction, or the Electric Lemonade for a tarter, citrus flavor.
If you’re a late luncher, you’re in luck: every day from 3 to 7 p.m. daiquiris are two for one for happy hour – or happy hours. The menu includes everything you’d expect at a beach bar-meets-pub kind of spot, featuring burgers, wraps, and, of course, tons of seafood. To top it off, they often have live music into the night and sports games on the big screen at their Tiki Bar.
Peruvian is a popular choice in Siesta Key, with a number of great dinner spots with a South American vibe. Try The Cottage (153 Avenida Messina) for incredible ceviche from fish caught fresh that day.
The crab sliders and the Billionaire Burger, a chuck, short rib, brisket blend topped with aged cheddar and onion jam – cited by some as the best burger ever – are also worthy of your taste buds. Pair your sea-to-table Peruvian ceviche with a California Chardonnay or a Jalapeno Watermelon Margarita, and relax among the palms at this tropical spot that transports you even further south than Siesta Key.
SHOP
Forgot your bikini? Probably not. Want one in another color? Probably. Beach Bazaar (5211 Ocean Blvd.) stocks all things beach, from swimwear to towels to surf clothing. Here, you’ll find everything you need for your vacation in the sun. They also stock lots of fun souvenirs at great prices, so be sure to pick up a little something for those back home.
If you’re looking for a souvenir for grandma and a T-shirt just won’t cut it, try Gidget’s Coastal Provisions (5242 Ocean Blvd.) for nifty gifts, unique home decor, and beach-inspired knick-knacks. You might even have to go twice!
For those who have a tendency to collect memories and not things, shopping for consumables might be a good alternative. Siesta Key Tropical Wines (5138 Ocean Blvd.) is a great place for all your classy BYOB needs, whether for a vacation condo event or a night in with your S.O.
Turned the final page of the book you brought from home? Don’t worry, Used Book Heaven (5216 Ocean Blvd.) has got you covered. Everyone knows sand and Kindle don’t mix, so pick up a coffee (try the Local Bean, 5138 Ocean Blvd.) and head to this little bookshop to browse some of the latest crime thrillers.
SEE & DO
Artists and connoisseurs alike will love The Gallery on Siesta Key (5129 Ocean Blvd.), a local co-op gallery featuring art pieces, crafts, and lots of driftwood. Part-gallery and part shop, this eclectic spot is full of curiosities and won’t disappoint. The Gallery also has a friendly dog that greets you as you walk in the door.
When you have your own Siesta Key condo rental, you’ll probably be doing a lot of cooking at home. Pick up some local produce at Siesta Key Farmers’ Market (5104 Ocean Blvd.) on Sunday morning. With gourmet food, local artisans, and even live music, this little market is a two-for-one grocery shop and attraction.
Pick out your own beads and make an ocean-inspired bracelet with your kids at the Siesta Key Bead Shack (5263 Ocean Blvd.). This is well-loved mother-daughter activity is a great way to bring home DIY souvenirs for friends and family.