Welcome to Siesta Key

#1 beach in the United States — barrier island paradise on the Gulf of Mexico

Siesta Key, Florida — At a Glance

Key Facts About Siesta Key Beach, Sarasota

Zip Code

34242

County

Sarasota County, Florida

Beach Ranking

#1 in the US · #11 in the world

Island Length

8 miles — Gulf of Mexico barrier island

Median Luxury Price

$1.41M ⚠ Verify with current MLS

Top Neighborhoods

Siesta Key Village · Siesta Isles · Point of Rocks · Turtle Beach

Best For Boaters

Siesta Isles — deep-water canal community, private docks

Transport

Free "Siesta Breeze" trolley service across the island

Siesta Key (zip code 34242) is an 8-mile barrier island in Sarasota County, Florida, with a Gulf of Mexico quartz-white sand beach ranked #1 in the United States and #11 in the world. The island divides into distinct lifestyle zones: Siesta Key Village (walkable nightlife and boutiques at the north end), Siesta Isles (deep-water canal boating community), Point of Rocks (secluded mid-island, best Gulf Coast snorkeling), and Turtle Beach at the quiet southern tip. The lifestyle is "barefoot elegance" — beach days, sunset cocktails, and fresh Gulf seafood.

Siesta Key Market Trends

⚠ Publisher note: Verify all stats with current MLS data before publishing. Figures below are from 2024–2025.

$1.41M Median Luxury Price ▲ Stable

65 Avg Days on Market ▲ Balanced

$745 Price per Sq Ft ▲ 9.8% YoY

1.8 Months Inventory ▼ 25% YoY

Market Insight: A Tale of Two Markets

The current Siesta Key market shows a distinct split. The luxury sector ($2M+) remains highly resilient, driven by demand for newer hurricane-hardened waterfront estates. The condo market ($500K–$1M) offers rising inventory, creating negotiating power for buyers seeking vacation rentals or second homes. Canal-front homes in Siesta Isles are seeing particularly strong interest from boaters.

Finding Your Siesta Key Home

Roger Pettingell Has Access to Off-Market Siesta Key Properties

The best canal-front homes in Siesta Isles and Gulf-front properties in Point of Rocks rarely reach public listing. Roger Pettingell specializes in Sarasota's island markets and maintains private relationships with sellers across all four Siesta Key neighborhoods.

Contact Roger Pettingell View Siesta Key Listings

Neighborhood Guide

Siesta Key Village

The heartbeat of the island — walkable nightlife, boutiques, and direct access to the main public beach. Properties here are typically colorful bungalows and low-rise condos. The most social and urban of the four zones.

Siesta Isles

A boater's paradise. This deep-water canal community features wide waterways, private docks, and ranch-style homes that have often been luxuriously renovated. If canal depth and direct Gulf access are priorities, Siesta Isles is the address.

Point of Rocks

Mid-island and secluded. Famous for its unique limestone rock formations — the only geological formations of their kind on Florida's west coast — and the best snorkeling on the Gulf Coast. Quiet, private, and distinctive.

Turtle Beach

The quiet southern tip of Siesta Key — far less crowded than the north, with high-rise condos offering sweeping bay and Gulf views. Direct access to a steeper, less trafficked beach and the popular Turtle Beach Campground.

What to Love About Siesta Key

Siesta Key Beach ranked #1 in the United States by TripAdvisor, Travel Channel, and other organizations
Barefoot elegance lifestyle — beach days, sunset cocktails, and Gulf seafood in the evenings
Vibrant Siesta Key Village nightlife and boutique shopping
Deep-water boating in Siesta Isles canal community with Gulf access
Free "Siesta Breeze" trolley service across the island — eliminating the need to drive
Jim Neville Marine Preserve — mangrove kayak tunnels with manatees and osprey
Sunday Drum Circle at Siesta Key Beach — free community sunset celebration, year-round

Dining, Entertainment & Shopping

Siesta Key's dining spans from laidback Gulf-view seafood to destination fine dining — all within the island's compact footprint.

Fine Dining & Date Night

Summer House Steak & Seafood is the island's premier chop house, known for Wagyu steaks and a signature roasted chicken that locals rate as the island's best. Ophelia's on the Bay offers the most romantic setting on Siesta Key, with tables at the water's edge and a menu highlighting seared tuna and scallops. Café Gabbiano brings authentic Italian cuisine to the Village with a 4,000-bottle wine cellar.

Casual & Family Friendly

Siesta Key Oyster Bar (SKOB) is an island institution — dollar bills on the walls, live music nightly, and fresh oysters. Sun Garden Café is the go-to brunch spot; the sweet potato pancakes are non-negotiable. The Old Salty Dog serves their famous beer-battered hot dogs in a pet-friendly open-air setting.

Shopping

Shopping divides between two hubs. Siesta Key Village (north) offers boutiques like Foxy Lady and Island Trader Boutique — casual Gulf Coast fashion and gifts. The South Village near Crescent Beach is quieter, with beach gear and surf shops including Siesta Key Outfitters.

Things to Do

Siesta Key's beaches span the full island with distinct characters at each access point. Siesta Key Beach (north) is the famous white-sand main beach with the Pavilion and full amenities. Crescent Beach (mid-island) is popular for swimming and calmer conditions. Turtle Beach (south) is a sea turtle nesting site with a more secluded character.

Hidden Gems & Local Favorites

Point of Rocks: Just south of Crescent Beach — the only geological rock formation on Florida's west coast, making it the premier snorkeling spot on the Gulf.
Jim Neville Marine Preserve: A maze of mangrove tunnels accessible by kayak from the bay side. Manatees and osprey are regular sightings in a quiet escape from the main beaches.
Sunday Drum Circle: Every Sunday at sunset on Siesta Key Beach, a free community gathering of drummers, dancers, and locals celebrating the end of the week. One of the most authentic local traditions on any Florida island.

Schools & Education

No schools are located directly on the island. Siesta Key is served by some of Sarasota County's highest-rated public schools, just across the bridge:

Phillippi Shores Elementary — Public, A-Rated, IB World School
Brookside Middle School — Public, A-Rated
Sarasota High School — Public, AICE Cambridge Program
Pine View School — Public Magnet, Grades 2–12, ranked #1 in Florida

Frequently Asked Questions About Siesta Key

Where is Siesta Key, Florida?

Siesta Key is an 8-mile barrier island in Sarasota County, Florida, on the Gulf of Mexico. Zip code 34242. It is connected to the Sarasota mainland by two bridges — the Siesta Drive Bridge to the north and the Stickney Point Road Bridge to the south. The island sits approximately 6 miles from downtown Sarasota.

Is Siesta Key beach really #1 in the US?

Yes — Siesta Key Beach has been ranked #1 in the United States by TripAdvisor, the Travel Channel, and multiple other travel ranking organizations. The distinction is driven by the beach's quartz-white sand, which stays cool underfoot even in summer heat, the warm and calm Gulf of Mexico water, and the wide, spacious beach footprint. It has also been ranked #11 in the world.

What is the best neighborhood on Siesta Key?

The best Siesta Key neighborhood depends on priorities. Siesta Key Village is best for walkability to beach, nightlife, and dining. Siesta Isles is best for boaters — deep-water canals, private docks, and Gulf access. Point of Rocks is best for privacy and snorkeling access. Turtle Beach (south end) is best for buyers who want seclusion and quieter beach conditions. Roger Pettingell has sold extensively across all four areas and provides specific guidance based on individual buyer needs.

What is the average home price on Siesta Key?

Siesta Key's luxury segment (waterfront and premium properties) had a median price of approximately $1.41M in 2024–2025, with price per square foot averaging $745. The condo market ($500K–$1M) has seen rising inventory, creating negotiating opportunities for buyers. Canal-front homes in Siesta Isles and Gulf-front estates at Point of Rocks represent the upper tier. Verify with current MLS data before making purchase decisions.

Is Siesta Key good for investment property?

Siesta Key has historically been a strong short-term rental market given its #1 beach ranking and year-round tourist demand. The current condo market ($500K–$1M) offers more inventory and negotiating power for investors than the luxury waterfront tier. However, Sarasota County short-term rental regulations apply — confirm the specific rental designation for any property before assuming rental income potential. Roger Pettingell can provide specific guidance on the investor landscape.

Overview for Siesta Key, FL

5,690 people live in Siesta Key, where the median age is 66 and the average individual income is $117,411. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.

5,690

Total Population

66 years

Median Age

High

Population Density Population Density
This is the number of people per square mile in a neighborhood.

$117,411

Average individual Income

Around Siesta Key, FL

There's plenty to do around Siesta Key, including shopping, dining, nightlife, parks, and more. Data provided by Walk Score and Yelp.

2

Car-Dependent

Walking Score

46

Somewhat Bikeable

Bike Score

Points of Interest

Explore popular things to do in the area, including Seagrape Wine Company, Le Mans, and Java Dawg.

Name	Category	Distance	Reviews	Ratings by Yelp
Visit the Seagrape Wine Company page on Yelp Search 4333 S Tamiami Trl on Google Maps	Dining	1.58 miles	16 reviews	5/5 stars
Visit the Le Mans page on Yelp Search 707 S Washington Blvd on Google Maps	Dining	3.82 miles	7 reviews	5/5 stars
Visit the Java Dawg page on Yelp Search 35 S Lemon Ave on Google Maps	Dining	4.07 miles	10 reviews	5/5 stars
Visit the Gulf Coast Crab And Seafood page on Yelp Search 6986 S Beneva Rd on Google Maps	Dining	3.66 miles	5 reviews	5/5 stars
Visit the Lula's Brownies page on Yelp	Dining	2.63 miles	6 reviews	5/5 stars
Visit the For Love of the Cookie page on Yelp	Dining	4.24 miles	7 reviews	5/5 stars
Visit the Drag On Charters page on Yelp Search 4033 Winthrop St on Google Maps	Active	2.71 miles	5 reviews	5/5 stars
Visit the Florida Ebikes page on Yelp Search 6326 S Tamiami Trai on Google Maps	Active	1.96 miles	9 reviews	5/5 stars
Visit the Siesta Key Fishing Charters page on Yelp	Active	0.83 miles	8 reviews	5/5 stars
Visit the Bay & Gulf Adventures page on Yelp Search 199 Taft Dr on Google Maps	Active	2.43 miles	5 reviews	5/5 stars
Visit the Kayaking SRQ Tours And Rentals - Siesta Keys page on Yelp Search 8702 Blind Pass Rd on Google Maps	Active	4.68 miles	6 reviews	5/5 stars
Visit the Siestakation page on Yelp Search 1265 Old Stickney Point Rd on Google Maps	Active	2.07 miles	8 reviews	5/5 stars
Visit the ZY Massage Spa page on Yelp Search 5111 Ocean Blvd on Google Maps	Beauty	0.76 miles	9 reviews	5/5 stars
Visit the A Lash Above page on Yelp Search 5899 Whitfield Ave on Google Maps	Beauty	2.36 miles	5 reviews	5/5 stars
Visit the Muscle Repair Shop page on Yelp Search 1217 East Ave S on Google Maps	Beauty	3.43 miles	13 reviews	5/5 stars
Visit the Skin Care SRQ page on Yelp Search 2914 Bee Ridge Rd on Google Maps	Beauty	2.84 miles	5 reviews	5/5 stars
Visit the Epiphany Rejuvenation Sanctuary page on Yelp Search 1974 Adams Ln on Google Maps	Beauty	4.09 miles	6 reviews	5/5 stars
Visit the Poised Beauty Salon page on Yelp Search 2123 Siesta Dr on Google Maps	Beauty	2.28 miles	6 reviews	5/5 stars
Visit the Osaka Spa page on Yelp Search 4141 S Tamiami Trl on Google Maps	Beauty	1.71 miles	5 reviews	5/5 stars
Visit the The Face of Paris page on Yelp Search 2217 Stickney Point Rd on Google Maps	Beauty	2.16 miles	9 reviews	5/5 stars
Visit the A Gents Place page on Yelp Search 3800 S Tamiami Trl on Google Maps	Beauty	1.93 miles	6 reviews	5/5 stars

Demographics and Employment Data for Siesta Key, FL

Population Households Employment

Siesta Key has 3,083 households, with an average household size of 1.85. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau. Here’s what the people living in Siesta Key do for work — and how long it takes them to get there. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau. 5,690 people call Siesta Key home. The population density is 2,427.07 and the largest age group is Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.

5,690

Total Population

High

Population Density Population Density This is the number of people per square mile in a neighborhood.

66

Median Age

49.77 / 50.23%

Men vs Women

Population by Age Group

0-9:

0-9 Years

10-17:

10-17 Years

18-24:

18-24 Years

25-64:

25-64 Years

65-74:

65-74 Years

75+:

75+ Years

Education Level

Less Than 9th Grade
High School Degree
Associate Degree
Bachelor Degree
Graduate Degree

3,083

Total Households

1.85

Average Household Size

$117,411

Average individual Income

Households with Children

With Children:

Without Children:

Marital Status

Married

Single

Divorced

Separated

Blue vs White Collar Workers

Blue Collar:

White Collar:

Commute Time

0 to 14 Minutes

15 to 29 Minutes

30 to 59 Minutes

60+ Minutes

Search Homes in the Area

Schools in Siesta Key, FL

All ()

Primary Schools ()

Middle Schools ()

High Schools ()

Mixed Schools ()

The following schools are within or nearby Siesta Key. The rating and statistics can serve as a starting point to make baseline comparisons on the right schools for your family. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.

Type

Name

Featured Properties

For Sale
$10,995,000

6001 GULF OF MEXICO DR, LONGBOAT KEY, FL 34228
- 5 Beds
- 7 Baths
- 6,959 Sq.Ft.
For Sale
$8,495,000

401 QUAY COMMONS #805, SARASOTA, FL 34236
- 3 Beds
- 4 Baths
- 3,647 Sq.Ft.
For Sale

$7,999,000

1199 WESTWAY DR, SARASOTA, FL 34236
For Sale
$6,995,000

2116 CASEY KEY RD, NOKOMIS, FL 34275
- 4 Beds
- 4 Baths
- 5,590 Sq.Ft.
For Sale
$4,595,000

575 S SPOONBILL DR, SARASOTA, FL 34236
- 4 Beds
- 6 Baths
- 3,900 Sq.Ft.
For Sale
$4,195,000

656 TROPICAL CIR, SARASOTA, FL 34242
- 4 Beds
- 6 Baths
- 5,238 Sq.Ft.
For Sale
$3,995,000

464 GOLDEN GATE PT #304, SARASOTA, FL 34236
- 3 Beds
- 5 Baths
- 3,290 Sq.Ft.
For Sale
$3,995,000

8017 MANASOTA KEY RD, ENGLEWOOD, FL 34223
- 5 Beds
- 7 Baths
- 5,222 Sq.Ft.
For Sale
$3,495,000

8250 HUGH ALISON PL, SARASOTA, FL 34240
- 5 Beds
- 5 Baths
- 5,163 Sq.Ft.
For Sale
$3,395,000

7418 WESTMORELAND DR, SARASOTA, FL 34243
- 5 Beds
- 4 Baths
- 3,502 Sq.Ft.
Pending
$2,995,000

101 SUNSET LN, ANNA MARIA, FL 34216
- 4 Beds
- 4 Baths
- 2,507 Sq.Ft.
Pending
$2,995,000

258 GOLDEN GATE PT #801, SARASOTA, FL 34236
- 3 Beds
- 4 Baths
- 3,031 Sq.Ft.
For Sale
$2,995,000

340 GULF OF MEXICO DR #136, LONGBOAT KEY, FL 34228
- 3 Beds
- 4 Baths
- 2,880 Sq.Ft.
For Sale
$2,995,000

3548 FAIR OAKS LN, LONGBOAT KEY, FL 34228
- 4 Beds
- 5 Baths
- 3,470 Sq.Ft.
For Sale
$2,795,000

3598 FAIR OAKS LN, LONGBOAT KEY, FL 34228
- 4 Beds
- 4 Baths
- 3,417 Sq.Ft.
For Sale
$2,695,000

2410 HARBOURSIDE DR #142, LONGBOAT KEY, FL 34228
- 3 Beds
- 4 Baths
- 3,382 Sq.Ft.
For Sale
$2,695,000

3530 MISTLETOE LN, LONGBOAT KEY, FL 34228
- 4 Beds
- 4 Baths
- 3,102 Sq.Ft.
For Sale
$2,695,000

355 S SHORE DR, SARASOTA, FL 34234
- 3 Beds
- 3 Baths
- 3,276 Sq.Ft.
For Sale
$2,650,000

2050 BENJAMIN FRANKLIN DR #B704, SARASOTA, FL 34236
- 3 Beds
- 3 Baths
- 2,936 Sq.Ft.
For Sale
$2,499,000

35 WATERGATE DR #1506, SARASOTA, FL 34236
- 3 Beds
- 3 Baths
- 2,799 Sq.Ft.
Pending
$2,195,000

1901 MORRILL ST, SARASOTA, FL 34236
- 7 Beds
- 7 Baths
- 4,155 Sq.Ft.
For Sale
$2,149,000

3930 ELYSIAN WOODS LN, SARASOTA, FL 34231
- 4 Beds
- 3 Baths
- 3,531 Sq.Ft.
Pending
$2,100,000

100 SANDS POINT RD #114, LONGBOAT KEY, FL 34228
- 3 Beds
- 3 Baths
- 2,094 Sq.Ft.
For Sale
$1,895,000

541 FORE DR, BRADENTON, FL 34208
- 5 Beds
- 4 Baths
- 4,296 Sq.Ft.
Pending
$1,699,000

3030 GRAND BAY BLVD #384, LONGBOAT KEY, FL 34228
- 3 Beds
- 3 Baths
- 2,550 Sq.Ft.
Pending
$1,699,000

585 SANCTUARY DR #B502, LONGBOAT KEY, FL 34228
- 3 Beds
- 3 Baths
- 1,823 Sq.Ft.
For Sale
$1,695,000

3060 GRAND BAY BLVD #195, LONGBOAT KEY, FL 34228
- 3 Beds
- 4 Baths
- 2,250 Sq.Ft.
For Sale
$1,599,000

800 N TAMIAMI TRL #505/507, SARASOTA, FL 34236
- 3 Beds
- 4 Baths
- 2,981 Sq.Ft.
For Sale
$1,499,000

1513 OAK ST #18, SARASOTA, FL 34236
- 3 Beds
- 3 Baths
- 1,910 Sq.Ft.
Pending
$1,495,000

554 DOVE POINTE, OSPREY, FL 34229
- 4 Beds
- 4 Baths
- 3,501 Sq.Ft.
Pending
$1,400,000

1994 TOM MORRIS DR, SARASOTA, FL 34240
- 4 Beds
- 3 Baths
- 3,713 Sq.Ft.
For Sale
$1,399,000

3271 ALEX FINDLAY PL, SARASOTA, FL 34240
- 3 Beds
- 3 Baths
- 3,340 Sq.Ft.
For Sale
$1,395,000

1145 GULF OF MEXICO DR #503, LONGBOAT KEY, FL 34228
- 2 Beds
- 2 Baths
- 1,503 Sq.Ft.
For Sale
$1,395,000

1211 GULF OF MEXICO DR #610, LONGBOAT KEY, FL 34228
- 2 Beds
- 2 Baths
- 1,827 Sq.Ft.
For Sale
$1,299,999

111 S PINEAPPLE AVE #1103, SARASOTA, FL 34236
- 2 Beds
- 2 Baths
- 1,600 Sq.Ft.
For Sale
$1,299,000

1055 GULF OF MEXICO DR #504, LONGBOAT KEY, FL 34228
- 2 Beds
- 2 Baths
- 1,503 Sq.Ft.
For Sale
$1,095,000

1919 LAUREL ST, SARASOTA, FL 34236
- 2 Beds
- 2 Baths
- 1,713 Sq.Ft.
Pending
$1,045,000

1000 LONGBOAT CLUB RD #402, LONGBOAT KEY, FL 34228
- 2 Beds
- 2 Baths
- 1,290 Sq.Ft.
For Sale
$975,000

1350 SIESTA BAYSIDE DR #1350B, SARASOTA, FL 34242
- 3 Beds
- 2 Baths
- 1,495 Sq.Ft.
For Sale
$899,000

260 HIDDEN BAY DR #405, OSPREY, FL 34229
- 3 Beds
- 3 Baths
- 2,168 Sq.Ft.
For Sale
$849,000

1125 GULF OF MEXICO DR #101, LONGBOAT KEY, FL 34228
- 2 Beds
- 2 Baths
- 1,172 Sq.Ft.
For Sale
$825,000

4235 GULF OF MEXICO DR #T101, LONGBOAT KEY, FL 34228
- 1 Bed
- 1 Bath
- 720 Sq.Ft.
For Sale
$799,000

1065 GULF OF MEXICO DR #603, LONGBOAT KEY, FL 34228
- 2 Beds
- 2 Baths
- 1,503 Sq.Ft.
For Sale
$749,000

1111 N GULFSTREAM AVE #10E, SARASOTA, FL 34236
- 2 Beds
- 2 Baths
- 1,575 Sq.Ft.
For Sale
$734,000

1328 SIESTA BAYSIDE DR #1328C, SARASOTA, FL 34242
- 2 Beds
- 2 Baths
- 1,280 Sq.Ft.
For Sale
$599,000

2374 ARLINGTON ST, SARASOTA, FL 34239
- 3 Beds
- 2 Baths
- 1,126 Sq.Ft.
For Sale
$589,000

1350 MAIN ST #712, SARASOTA, FL 34236
- 1 Bed
- 1 Bath
- 944 Sq.Ft.
For Sale
$399,900

631 N ORANGE AVE #107, SARASOTA, FL 34236
- 2 Beds
- 2 Baths
- 784 Sq.Ft.
For Sale
$354,900

631 N ORANGE AVE #208, SARASOTA, FL 34236
- 2 Beds
- 2 Baths
- 784 Sq.Ft.
For Sale
$150,000

2491 CRISPIN CT #G3, SARASOTA, FL 34235
- 2 Beds
- 2 Baths
- 1,230 Sq.Ft.