THE SIESTA KEY TRAVEL GUIDE | What to Do in This Charming Florida Beach Town

[@Explorcation]

Have you been to Siesta Key before? If so, what is your favorite beach/restaurant/bar on the island? If you haven't been, what would you be most excited about when you do visit? Thanks so much for watching ❤

[@patriciajuszak5784]

Gilligan's and Daquiri Deck were so much fun!

[@Explorcation]

@@patriciajuszak5784 both great options! Thanks for sharing. Gilligan's has been one of our go to spots!

[@ChoppedBananas]

My wife are headed there for our second trip in a few days. Ophelias down by Turtle Beach has absolutely amazing food. It is pricey, but well worth it!

[@Explorcation]

@@ChoppedBananas we hope you are having a wonderful trip. We have heard great things about Ophelias but have not been there ourselves, thanks for sharing your recommendation!

[@hart316]

Drum circle!!!! 🪘🥁

[@carolreid8335]

We’ve spent every April on Siesta Key since 2011 with the exception of 2020 and 2021 due to Covid and being Canadians, we weren’t allowed to cross the border. We returned in 2022 and just spent April 1-22 this year on the beach. It’s simply paradise.

[@Explorcation]

We're so happy that you were able to return to paradise last year, Carol! Thank you so much for watching and taking the time to comment!

[@rubengano]

Just moved to Gulf Estates by Siesta Key. Love SKOB. You guys do a great job!

[@Explorcation]

Thanks, Ruben! Congrats on your recent move! We be moving a little bit closer to Siesta Key soon too, but unfortunately not nearly as close as you!

[@NorseLax07]

So many hidden gems missed. I’m keeping those to myself!

[@Explorcation]

Yeah, we know there is a lot more to show, but there's just never enough time to visit them all!

[@YcuTubeLiesTooYou]

Hidden gems ? Siesta was the #1 beach for well over a decade there's nothing " hidden " here jus tons of money....

[@adamd5530]

My dad lives in Indian shores, your videos have given me an endless amount of stuff to check out when I visit. Hoping for another Florida keys video soon.

[@Explorcation]

We're so happy to hear that our channel has helped you find things to do for your next trip to Florida. We've had a couple keys trips planned over the last year or two that have gotten cancelled for various reasons. But sooner or later, we will get down there to film for a week or two!

[@missdizziest]

We visited Siesta Key last Saturday (may 6th)..we walked from our cheap and cheerful hotel, over the bridge which brought us direct to Captains Curts and therefore public access 12, we then walked all the way to Siesta Beach along the shoreline. The beach was indeed stunning.😊

[@Explorcation]

That's awesome guys! That's a wonderful stretch of beach and a beautiful walk indeed. We're glad you enjoyed it!

[@buffycatnip]

do you remember the hotel you stayed at?

[@jo-ellen3919]

I WAS VERY FORTUNATE TO LIVE IN SARASOTA FLORIDA FOR THIRTY YEARS... I'VE BEEN TO ALLLL THESE BEACHES. THANK YOU FOR A LOVELY TRIP DOWN MEMORY LANE❤️

[@Explorcation]

We agree that anyone who's had a chance to visit all of the beaches in this area is very fortunate, Jo-Ellen. Thanks for watching!

[@BucaneerBri]

I’ve been to Malibu , San Diego & all over Florida . Siesta Key is my favorite .

[@Explorcation]

We totally understand why. We've been to probably 100+ beaches ourselves, and it's hard to argue any are better than the beach at Siesta Key!

[@AmgadTad]

Is water warm and calm for swimming and water activities

[@christinathelightpainter5175]

We just went to Siesta Key!! We loved it, had breakfast at the Sun Garden and stopped in at Sun Zeros for ice cream! Did some shopping! Such a charming little beach town, we will be back!!

[@Explorcation]

We're so happy to hear that you had a great time and hope you are able to make it back soon!

[@deborahscoza1443]

I love everything about Siesta Key! It is my favorite place on the gulf coast!

[@Explorcation]

Easy to understand why, Deborah. It's a wonderful place! Thank you so much for watching and taking the time to comment!

[@BeingBedingfield]

These beaches 😌🥰🥰 just beautiful!! Circus mcgurkes…love it 😂

[@Explorcation]

Circus McGurkes definitely lived up to the hype!

[@BobCarlson]

I remember I visited in the early 90’s. The sand was so different than any beach in the world I visited later in life, I thought it was just a dream rather than a memory. I passed by a few years ago to just jump out of the car and walk on that sand. I missed everything in town both trips so time to come back.

[@Explorcation]

Siesta hasn't changed much since we started visiting regularly around 8 years ago, but we're sure it's quite a bit different than the 90's. One thing that never changes is that white, soft sand. It really is the best!

[@yogidevendrabiriyani1777]

Yep welcome to Florida!! ❤❤❤

[@rickgunther5052]

This is our most favorite beach in the USA !

[@Explorcation]

Easy to see why, Rick!

[@suzanaknezevic4402]

thank you for this wonderful video, you made me happy that the beaches are accessible for people with wheelchairs, and I hope to visit this magical place one day to enjoy the most beautiful sunrises and sunsets.Greetings from Europe

[@Explorcation]

Thank you so much for watching and taking the time to comment, Suzana! We hope you are able to visit Siesta Key someday soon and that you love it just as much as we do!

[@melinicxo]

Thank you guys for posting these! I planned a vacay for siesta key next month and your videos help so much and get me excited to head on over there! 😊

[@Explorcation]

Hey Melissa. We're so happy to hear our videos are helping with your planning and getting you excited for your vacation! We hope you have an amazing time!

[@swr4pink]

We go to Siesta Key in September. Best beach we have ever visited. Many great places to eat! My favorite for dinner is Ophelia’s. I generally go to Turkey Bay Club more than once ever visit. Must get Captain Curt’s clam chowder! Never get tired of Siesta key😻😻

[@Explorcation]

Thank you for watching and for your comment. We do miss being so close to Siesta Key, we also never get tired of it. We still need to go to Ophelia's but have always heard great things about it.

[@MrTmiket0007]

Thanks so much for sharing another wonderful video like always 👍🤗

[@Explorcation]

We're glad you enjoyed this one! Thanks so much for you continued support. We really appreciate it!

[@ScullyPop]

Wonderful show today.

[@Explorcation]

Thank you so much ❤️

[@sunshinehappylady8314]

Love, Love, Love Siesta Key Beach!!! Love it so much that I often think about moving my Florida home base location to Sarasota!!! Awesome video & excellent helpful information about Siesta Key!!!

[@Explorcation]

We often discuss where we'll end up settling once we are ready to settle down and relax a bit. Siesta Key is always one of the first places that gets brought up. The island has so much to offer and such an amazing, chill vibe. We love it too!

[@rhondalyn100]

What a beautiful beach area! I loved every minute of this one!

[@Explorcation]

We love Siesta Key. We'd film there every weekend if people would watch it!

[@LucasWorldTravel]

Good to see you guys are back to exploring! Hope you are feeling better Jaime! I love how wide the beach at Siesta Key is. So much room to spread out!

[@Explorcation]

Thank you! We love the wide beach too. Getting to the beach can be a bit of a problem due to the traffic... but once you are there, you're good to go!

[@Eeeekamouse]

We visited Siesta Key and loved it. The water and sand are so perfect! We had a couple drinks at that concession stand 😊

[@Explorcation]

We're happy to hear that you enjoyed it! The sand is so soft and the water is beautiful, and the concessions stand options are pretty impressive as well!

[@MattandRachelTravel]

Absolutely love Siesta Key. We are overdue for a visit there! Keeping those breakfast options in mind for the next time. 😁

[@Explorcation]

There's actually 4 or 5 really solid breakfast options on the island, but Village Cafe and Sun Garden Cafe are our favorites. Hope you guys get a chance to get back to Siesta soon!

[@PrimeTimeTravelers]

Siesta Key is such a fun visit. We didn't know about all of these places though so thank you for that. Have a great rest of the week! That ice cream looked yummy! Great way to end the day! Keep up the great work you two!

[@Explorcation]

Yeah it was really nice to get back. We used to visit all the time but this was our first visit in over a year. Way too long!

[@shannonphillips9344]

Your content is great, guys! thanks for sharing your insight!

[@Explorcation]

Our pleasure, Shannon! Thanks so much for taking the time to comment!

[@irvinlukes8129]

Wow great job love this place thanks for showing us 😎

[@Explorcation]

Thanks so much, Irvin! It's definitely an wonderful place!

[@TracyHeinz]

We just got back from there. We love it! One of our favorite spots is Gilligans

[@Explorcation]

Oh yes we love Gilligans too! If we hadn't gone there in our prior Siesta Key video, we definitely would have gone there in this one. Thanks so much for taking the time to comment, Tracy!

[@TheAverageTourist]

The sun garden cafe looks like my kind of spot! Good to know about the lifeguards and the bbq area - seems like a good spot. Drinks really do taste better with a water view! One day we are definitely visiting your area and following your helpful guides.

[@Explorcation]

It is soo good and as some really unique dishes! We can't wait for you guys to make it down here... you'll definitely find some spots that will suit your style!

[@zm6323]

I'm there! I don't need to make a bucket list..hehe..I'm just going to follow your vids and repeat what you two do😁 Can't wait! I moved out from Santa Barbara CA to Alabama to help fam and after 1.5yrs I'm craving exactly what you two are showcasing..thank you! Beach life! Woohoo🥳😎

[@Explorcation]

We sure do love the beach life here in Florida, and it sounds like you are definitely going to as well. Glad we can help you plan!

[@dasauto75jh]

The Siesta salad with the shrimp available at the south entrance snack bar is extremely fresh and good. We get it every time we go.

[@Explorcation]

Thanks so much for this info. We are definitely going to have to give it a try!

[@jilllovesbeegees70]

Thank you for all the great information and directions.. prices etc.. renting 2-4 2025 in Sarasota. Excited to check your suggestions out.

[@Explorcation]

Our pleasure. We really hope our content helps you to enjoy your time in Sarasota to its fullest!

[@summerlinpublic5673]

i grew up on that beach. Love seeing it! Thanks for giving me a look at my old stomping ground!

[@Explorcation]

Our pleasure! We both grew up far away from any beach, but now that we have so many great ones in our back yard, I'm not sure we could ever leave it! We're glad our videos can help bring back some memories, and we hope you are able to get back to visit sometime soon!

[@summerlinpublic5673]

@@Explorcation I sure will!

[@JC-po6yj]

@Explorcation Thanks for covering Siesta Key. Great video! 👏🏻

[@Explorcation]

Our pleasure. We love Siesta and would happily make a video on it every time we visit!

[@debhawk8094]

Perfect in addition to your earlier Siesta Key video. Headed to the area for the first time this week! Usually I go to Redington Beach and Madeira Beach areas. You are my tour guides!

[@Explorcation]

That's awesome, Deb! We hope our videos help you to make the most of your time in the area. We are always delighted to be your tour guides!

[@awardtour93]

Thank you! My wife and I are visiting this weekend! This is very helpful

[@Explorcation]

We hope you guys have an amazing time on Siesta Key this weekend. Hopefully our video helps you make the most of your trip!

[@samo8204]

I'm gonna watch this right now!

[@Explorcation]

We hope you enjoy! We were able to tour the entire island in this episode 😁

[@genehinders9769]

Both those breakfast plates looked amazing!

[@Explorcation]

We can confirm that they absolutely were, Gene!

[@MichaelGraySarasota]

Love it out here on Siesta Key, FL 😍

[@Explorcation]

What's not to love?!

[@mattblankfitness]

Visited Siesta Key for the first time last June (2022) and absolutely loved it. I can't wait to go back later this summer! Have you two been to Punta Gorda? If not, I highly recommend a day or weekend trip! Love your videos!!

[@Explorcation]

It really is a one of a kind place, and we hope you have as good a time there this summer as you did last summer. We've flown out o the airport near Punta Gorda a few times, but have never really explored the city. You're actually not the first person who's recommended that we do so though, and we'll definitely have to one of these days!

[@jaypenha5352]

Before our kids were born, me and my wife visited the gulf coast of Florida at Clear water. We stayed at an air bnb in Tarpon springs. Absolutely loved it. Clearwater beach was fantastic……………..however I did not know perfection could reach another level when I watched this video. We will be staying in North Port soon in a couple weeks for family vacation. I want to visit this beach and manasota beach as well. My only question is which one is better?

[@Explorcation]

Clearwater is a beautiful beach indeed, but for us, Siesta is another step up. The beach itself (the width and the sand quality) is pretty comparable, but Siesta is a whole different type of vibe, and we really hope you and your family enjoy it as much as we do. Manasota is an amazing beach as well. If you're driving, we might pick Manasota on the weekends (due to less traffic) and Siesta during the week. Siesta has a bit more going on, but both beaches are gorgeous and have a lot to offer.

[@SullenGirl1984]

On our way this week! Thank you for this video!!!!

[@Explorcation]

Thank you so much for watching, have a fantastic time!

[@xevious2501]

cant say enough how for decades Siesta Key and Sarasota as a whole was well off the nations radar. Sarasota primarily being known for snowbirds and retired WWII Veterans did not see to catering to younger folk, at least that was the idea for those who did know of the place. Even the area's local youth saught after the bigger cities elsewhere looking to get away from the sleepy tranquile life. But like myself coming from the hectic city like NY back in the early 90's Sarasota was right up my alley!!. the polar opposite to NY. And i loved it. living first on campus and later on siesta key itself just a stones throw from the main beach entrance. Back then, only a few people knew about he place. no where near all the people today. in fact i also ended up living in St.pete clearwater as well. and again. in the 90's early 2k's only tourist from canada and the UK frequented the area on vacation. most people didnt care much for the area. but like sarasota, it went from a few drips of the faucet to a full deluge. i always said Sarasota was quite possible the US nicest city of them all. i still say it. Its a piece of paradise attached to the US mainland. though im not too thrilled about all the newcomers, driving up costs insanely. that the area didnt need. And though it remains nice. it was so much nicer in the 90's. a secret of secrets when theirs so few left.

[@Explorcation]

Thank you so much for sharing your experience. We love the fact that Siesta Key has changed little (at least when compared to the rest of Sarasota and most of the areas around where we live in Pinellas County) since we first started visiting it over 10 years ago, but it's always interesting to hear from those who have been around the area much longer. We would have loved to have been able to see what Sarasota was like in the 90's. I'm sure we would have loved it.

[@shaunablack9298]

Thank you for all your great content. Especially love how you show the different access points. Last time we were there we visited allot of the spots you covered in your first video. Heading back in August and look forward to trying some of your new recommendations 🙂

[@Explorcation]

Our pleasure, Shauna! We're so happy to hear that our prior video helped you to make the most of your last trip to Siesta Key, and hopefully this one helps you to make the most of your next one. Thanks so much for watching!

[@nancyferguson2750]

I loved Shell Beach All the beaches are wonderful! I pray it wasn't too damaged by the hurricane?

[@Explorcation]

We hope so too! Thanks for watching.

[@joansidor5191]

Your videos make me hungry. Lol

[@Explorcation]

Thant's what we like to hear, Joan!

[@OurTravelPlace]

Siesta Key looks so dreamy! I think we would love the first cafe you showed, and the oyster bar... so much food, not enough stomach! 😄Tiki bar and icecream sounds like the perfect end to a day

[@Explorcation]

I think we would end every day with a tiki bar and ice cream if we could 😂

[@donaldsiler6779]

Im a couple months behind but these videos are awesome. I was on staycation last week and man this took me away.

[@Explorcation]

Thank you so much, Donald! We're glad our channel was able to take you away to our beautiful slice of paradise!

[@balto4]

Thanks for covering this beautiful and lesser known beach. Would love to see turtle beach when restoration is complete. I don't think I have seen whiter sand than on Siesta Key

[@Explorcation]

Absolutely! We always try to show our viewers some of the most popular spots, but it's the lesser known areas that we enjoy showing the most! We can't wait to see what Turtle Beach looks like after the restoration either. Thanks so much for the continued support!

[@balto4]

@@Explorcation Thats what I love about this channel you show the lesser known spots

[@ultanwoods]

Great video guys 👏

[@Explorcation]

Thanks so much!

[@ramunegaizutis1286]

Thank you for another great video! Watching your channel just makes this Canadian long for beautiful FL! We attempted to go to Siesta last July 4th weekend (rookie out-of-towner move 🤦🏼‍♀️) Needless to say, we didnt make it to Siesta. Definitely on our must-see FL beaches!

[@Explorcation]

Ahhh yeah the one time we went to Siesta on the 4th we lined up a parking spot a few days prior and got out on the island before 9 AM. Even then it was still pretty hectic. It ended up being the best 4th of July I can remember though! We hope you are able to visit Siesta sometime soon!

[@clbbig]

Captain Curts . My favorite Siesta Key spot

[@Explorcation]

Yes, such an awesome spot! Thanks for taking the time to comment!

[@RosettaStoned462]

Thank you! I am dying to know if late October is a good time to visit! I still want it to be warm enough for the beach but not scorching hot:) Thank you in advance!

[@Explorcation]

Yes, late October will be a great time to visit for what you are looking for. The water may be a bit on the chilly side, but still swimmable on an 80+ degree day.

[@brooke850]

My husband and I live near Canada after watching a few of your videos we are totally jealous of your life style! Ugh we’ll trade you! Lol I have a feeling you won’t give up the beaches 🏖️ for lots and lots of snow ❄️😅

[@Explorcation]

We do love it down here in FL and have a lot of fun making these videos... but we are also on the verge of burn-out pretty much constantly. Of course burn-out can easily be cured with a day of relaxing on the beach, so yeah definitely not trading our beaches in for the snow! 😂 Thanks so much for watching guys!

[@brooke850]

@@Explorcation I’m sorry! :/ I hear you about burn out. We get that, too. Rest and self care are so important! ❤️ Haha okay thought I’d ask! For some reason I knew what the response would be!😅

[@Explorcation]

@@brooke850 you never know for sure if you don't ask 😆

[@brooke850]

@@Explorcation haha! 😂 I really enjoy watching your guys videos! I am a nurse and I work from home for an insurance company so your videos take me away to the beach 🏝️! I let them play in the background sometimes! I really love the coffee and breakfast part, I have to watch that part and the beach 🏝️!! So cool!! 😎 Thanks so much for making them!! It would be fun to actually make a Real vacation with your recommendations sometime!! 🏝️☕️🌺😄

[@Explorcation]

@@brooke850 we really appreciate you watching :) you will have to let us know what you think about the coffee/brunch spot in our next episode. Skylar is editing it now 😁☕ we hope some day you are able to plan a real vacay and visit some of these gulf coast FL spots. There are so many to choose from!

[@GregBrouillette]

Do you have any videos on the keys?

[@Explorcation]

Not yet, but we hope to in the not so distant future!

[@rnbsteenstar]

I actually want to visit this particular area.

[@Explorcation]

We hope you get a chance to someday!

[@rnbsteenstar]

@@Explorcation me, too!

[@staceytheflipflopgirl7074]

I spent my year vacation week there a couple years ago - it physically hurt me to leave - I so want to live there - last year I went to Hollwood Fl and thought of Siesta the whole time

[@Explorcation]

We totally feel your pain, Stacey. We had a similar feeling when we moved from Sarasota and realized we could no longer be on the island in 20 minutes. There are plenty other beach towns around here, but none of them feel the same as Siesta does.

[@staceytheflipflopgirl7074]

@@Explorcation Agreed - I love your videos - thank you for sharing

[@Explorcation]

@@staceytheflipflopgirl7074 Thank you so much for watching, we appreciate your support :)

[@miamihurricaner5911]

Love siesta. Been to beaches all over the world, including California, Hawaii, Mexico, Caribbean, Australia, Brazil, Greece, South of France, Central America. No place has that vibe of siesta key village. It’s a very special. I hope they don’t destroy it with new mega hotels.

[@Explorcation]

We have not yet found another vibe quite like Siesta either. Definitely a special place and we sure hope it stays just the way it is.

[@stevewalther2293]

❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@zm6323]

Still looking 4wrd to moving there, do you have a preferred real estate broker? Rental or purchasing but i really dig that vibe there.

[@Explorcation]

If you send us an email to [e-mail] we can send you some information :) how exciting you are still considering moving to the area!

[@RobertRoth-oj6zz]

I love to carry my sister on the beach, or shallow water, either piggyback or sitting on my shoulders, in our swimsuits. It's fun!

[@Explorcation]

Thanks for watching!

[@annmoris6140]

I live 5 miles away from the beach and never know about that food place.

[@Explorcation]

Wow that's crazy. Hopefully you get a chance to check it out sometime!

[@michaellaferriere5840]

Greetings - What was the name of the band that was playing at Siesta Key Oyster Bar? Thanks.

[@Explorcation]

Hi Michael. It was just a solo museum playing at SKOB in this video. I believe her name is Sara Nelms. The band playing at Captain Curt's is called the Al Donadi Band.

[@genehinders9639]

I see a Turtles Restaurant and a Turtles Beach Grille at very close but different addresses...can you explain the differences? Are they owned by the same folks, one more casual than the other??

[@Explorcation]

Yes, they are right next door to each I do not believe that they are under the same ownership. Both are pretty laid back spots, but Turtles Restaurant is a little more upscale than Turtles Beach Grille. The Restaurant offers inside dining and some higher end menu items, which the Grille is more of a super laid back tiki bar, with a fairly limited (but inexpensive) atmosphere, outdoor seating, and a good happy hour. We hope this helps!

[@genehinders9639]

@@Explorcation yes, very helpful....wild that the names are so similar yet unrelated to each other. I tagged them both on my Google Map!

[@henrypinkham8614]

Heard about Siesta Key from an AMWAY speaker in my hometown of Pretoria South Africa a few years ago. Since then I have been dreaming of going there someday, but I didn't do so good in the business andwith the exchange rate being what it is, I might never actually get there.

[@Explorcation]

We really hope you get a chance to visit someday, but thankfully you have many beautiful beaches to visit in South Africa as well! We would love to visit your country someday too!

[@isabellewentworth2515]

I live here😚

[@Explorcation]

We are just a little bit jealous, Isabelle!

[@christinalesoinepapcsy2211]

I miss The Summer House. It was beautiful. It's no longer there.

[@Explorcation]

Ahhh so sorry to hear that. We're sure you have some great memories!

[@heatherthompson8878]

Like why is the ramp so long lol those things never made sense to me 😅

[@Explorcation]

I'm not sure we'll ever know the answer to that 😂

[@YcuTubeLiesTooYou]

10 year resident review; Traffic is terrible especially on and off the island. Holidays are the worst time's to visit expect total chaos. The amount of entitlement from the wealthy is concerning. If you're a night owl be prepared to find nothing open they literally close everything but bars by 8 or 9 . Dui check points on and off the island if drinking is your vise Hotel rates aren't to bad but not that great either. People who visit come most come littering complaining yelling crying because no one is important here except the rich lmao. Hope to see you soon !

[@Explorcation]

We've been visiting regularly as tourists for over 11 years now and definitely agree that holidays are the worst time to visit, that the traffic (at times) is terrible, and that everything shuts down rather early. That being said, we love the island as much as we ever have!

[@bassemb.2369]

PLEASE FOUCS ON THE WTER

[@Explorcation]

Thanks for watching and for the feedback.

[@ruibento9840]

I have been to Florida but not to the beaches

[@ruibento9840]

I always wanted to go to a friend's party that lived near the beach when I was younger

[@Explorcation]

We really hope you are able to visit Florida again and this time see the beaches! Thanks for watching.

[@YcuTubeLiesTooYou]

I've lived here for over a decade and I will say that tourism has destroyed the lives of the locals almost every other house is now commercial property making people's home's now a money grab and you better have lots of money if you are expecting the very best from us . Enjoy

[@Explorcation]

Thanks for sharing your experience. We're sorry you aren't able to enjoy living on the island as much as you used to.