Live Near Siesta Key

You don’t have to look far to plan a picturesque day on Sarasota’s idyllic 8-mile oceanfront. But the best starting point is from one of the apartments near Siesta Key Beach, like the ones at Garden Grove. A quick ten-minute ride away, these stylish retreats give residents easy access to all the beach has to offer, plus respite from the hustle and bustle when looking for some down time.

Home to “the world’s finest, whitest sand,” it doesn’t take long to realize why the powder-soft beaches here are such a draw to residents and visitors alike. While a day soaking up vitamin D is a day well spent, there’s so much more to do in the area.

Outfitters such as Siesta Key Watersports can help adventure-seekers experience beach life from a unique vantage point: the sky. Book an afternoon of parasailing and you’ll be rewarded with a 90-minute-long boat ride complete with bird’s-eye panoramas of the Gulf of Mexico in one direction, and the city of Sarasota in the other.

Looking to stay a little more … grounded? Grab your wallet and head to Ocean Boulevard, a strip near the sand that’s lined with shops galore just minutes from apartments near Siesta Key Beach. Stock up on all the beachy footwear a person could ever need at Sandal Factory. CaliFlorida is the place to stop by for casual sportswear and custom-designed skate gear. And for anyone looking to add a little beach-glam to their evening attire, Created Gems is a must, with its sea life- and tropical-themed jewelry selection.

All that time in the sun and exploration around downtown is a surefire way to work up an appetite. When it comes to finding eateries to recharge, the dining scene on Sarasota’s beachfront does not disappoint. Take in the bay views while feasting on coconut-crusted mahi-mahi at Turtle’s Restaurant. The no-frills Siesta Key Oyster Bar is the place to visit for draft beers, bar bites, and plenty of outdoor live entertainment. For something a little more upscale, Clayton’s Siesta Grille is the spot to visit for succulent lobster tacos and a wine list that will make any oenophile giddy.