There are a lot of things to see and do around Siesta Key, and if you’re not careful, it’s easy to spend more money than you were planning. While some people like to splurge while on vacation, being on a budget shouldn’t stop you from enjoying your time here. Here are some ideas on vacationing in Siesta Key on a budget.
Siesta Key’s biggest draw is free for all to enjoy. Much of the sand in many U.S. beaches is pulverized coral. Siesta Beach’s sand is 99% powdered quartz and is highly reflective, making it feel cool underfoot, even on the hottest days. This, combined with the great weather and soft waves makes a day at the beach a must-do. Add a packed lunch and your drinks, and it becomes the perfect option for anyone’s budget. Please see Tips for a Great Beach Day.
The museum is one of Sarasota’s most popular attractions and admission can cost up to $25 per person. However, on Monday admission is free, making it a great choice if you will be here on any given Monday. For more information about the area’s museums, please see Great Museums to Visit in the Sarasota Area.
There are plenty of businesses that offer deals for restaurants, events, and local attractions. One of the best places to search for these offers is VisitSarasota.com’s Special Offers & Deals page.
A great way to explore Siesta Key is on the Siesta Key Breeze trolley, which travels between Turtle Beach Park and Siesta Key Park. The distinctive red and orange trolleys run daily from 8 am until midnight, with approximately 20-minute intervals at stops. Best of all, the trolley is free for all passengers.
Watching the sun go down is one of the favorite outdoor activities on Siesta Key and is a romantic must-do for most couples. The area is known for spectacular sunsets with a multicolored explosion of color in the sky. Siesta Key has many great vantage points to watch the sun slowly dip behind the Gulf of Mexico horizon. If you happen to be here on a Sunday, join the local drum circle which has become a ritual for locals and tourists alike. It can draw hundreds of people and every Sunday is unique. It is located at Siesta Key Public Beach, just south of the main pavilion, and begins about an hour before sunset.
Many of the bars and restaurants offer happy hour specials, which can add up to great savings for those on a budget. Some places that off happy hours include Island Tap House, Siesta Key Oyster Bar, MVP – My Village Pub, Captain Curt’s Sniki Tiki Bar, and Gilligan’s Island Bar & Grill.
Hotels can be expensive and inconvenient. Siesta Key Island Rentals is a collection of professionally managed properties and units that are close to Siesta Key Village and Siesta Key Beach. These clean, modern accommodations are perfect for couples and large families as well. Choose from units that sleep 1-10 people.
Each tropical accommodation offers a full kitchen with a dining table, so families can save a significant amount by eating in. The units also have separate living rooms, with most having private screened-in porches. No matter how big your family is, there is plenty of space for everyone. Add up the savings of two or three hotel rooms, and the savings become very clear.
Siesta Key Island Rentals is a great way to save money without sacrificing quality, while still enjoying all the amenities of home.
Siesta Key is a great place to spend a vacation and while it is a beautiful resort town, it is easy to remain on a budget here. The beaches are always beautiful and the weather is always better than up north. So, what are you waiting for?
