Our First Visit to Siesta Key Beach

Living and hosting here near Siesta Key means we get to experience the best of Florida’s Gulf Coast on a daily basis — and we still catch ourselves saying “wow” every time we set foot on the sand. Whether you’re visiting for the first time or returning for another unforgettable stay, a trip to Siesta Key is always something special.

We first discovered Siesta Key Beach on July 25th, 2019, not long after our son Travis and his family moved to Sarasota. Naturally, we had to check out what all the buzz was about. The moment we stepped onto the sand, we were blown away. That famous quartz-crystal white sand—cool to the touch even in the summer heat—was unlike anything we had ever felt. It’s no wonder the beach has been named TripAdvisor’s #1 beach in the USA and #4 in the world! 

We set up our chairs near the shoreline, where the waves gently lapped at our feet and pelicans soared overhead. The crystal-clear water invited us in, and we couldn’t resist a long, peaceful walk along the edge of the surf—a tradition we’ve kept ever since. 

What made that first visit unforgettable wasn’t just the beauty—it was the atmosphere. The relaxed, welcoming energy of the beach, the locals’ friendly smiles, and the sense that time slows down here. Since then, we’ve returned countless times and every visit still feels like a getaway.

Now, as vacation rental hosts in Sarasota, we get to share that magic with our guests. We love offering recommendations, helping families discover the best beach spots, and making sure everyone has their own “first visit” story to tell. We hope yours is just as magical as ours.