The beach lies just minutes away from the heart of Sarasota. From the air, it looks like a broken chain of sand that spreads north and south along the Gulf of Mexico coast; here you'll find Longboat Key, Lido Key, and Siesta Key. Across the pass to the north, this strip of islands stretches past golf and tennis resorts, fine restaurants, distinctive shops and affluent waterfront residences. There are accommodations here to suit everyone, from deluxe suites in plush resorts and condominiums to beachfront cottages and modest hotel rooms. Perfect weather affords tennis buffs
year-round enjoyment of their sport on Longboat and Lido Keys. The beaches of Siesta Key are world-renowned. The pure quartz, pulverized to a fine white powder, has a magical quality. There is no sand quite like Siesta's anywhere. South of Sarasota, two bridges deliver you to the world-famous soft, white sands of Siesta Key. Here you'll find lodging is as colorful and individual as the local population. So stay a while to shop and dine as casually or fine as you wish. The Tropical Breeze Resort is home to Adventure Tiki, the area's premier concierge service with knowledgeable staff. From kayaking, jet skiing, paddleboarding, boat rentals, bike and scooter rentals, fishing charters, boat tours, parasailing, to any activity offered in the area, Adventure Tiki can help with the planning of your entire vacation itinerary. The beautiful and expansive John Ringling Causeway Bridge leads from downtown Sarasota to St. Armands Circle. St. Armands is an island shopping center, unique in concept, history and beauty. This enchanting circle is home to Daiquiri Deck, a fun spot to relax, take in the sights from the balcony and enjoy casual food and drink. At the north end of Lido Key, Mote Aquarium conducts important research on marine life and their crucial habitat. Mote Aquarium features displays on sharks, dolphins, manatees and sea turtles. Exhibits highlight ecosystems of the Gulf and Caribbean. Touch tanks allow you to get up-close and personal with a large variety of the local fauna. The manatee and sea turtle facility let you see these magnificent creatures up close. Sarasota Bay Explorers Cruise, located at the Mote Aquarium, offers visitors a daily sea life encounter cruise. You can design your own cruise . . . try shelling, looking for sharks' teeth, dolphin and manatee watching or even a picnic on a deserted island. Shoppers will find ample opportunity
to unearth treasures in Siesta and Lido Key shops and boutiques. For shopping, FIN Island Company carries the leading name brands in outdoor sportswear for men and women, plus T-shirts and sandals for the whole family. So bring the family and stop by any of the two locations to see why FIN Island Company on Siesta Key has become one of Sarasota's must see landmarks since 1959, a leader in the sport fishing community. Spearfish Grille has delicious island food and amazingly fresh local fish and seafood. The small, quaint restaurant offers inside dining, comfortable patio dining and an outside surrounded by coconut palms and a custom fire pit. For complete information about these enchanting islands, contact the Longboat Key Chamber of Commerce or the Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce. |