Florida has it all, the sunshine state certainly lives well up to my expectations… you find yourself spoilt for choice when deciding on your next adventure. During my recent holiday to Veranda Palms in Kissimmee I managed to squeeze in several essentials trips to Disney, SeaWorld and Universal Studios which saw me needing a welcome break from the fun packed theme parks. A trip to Sarasota Beach was on the cards, armed with my suntan lotion, shades, camera and a straw hat I headed off in pursuit of sun, sand and sea!
Why Siesta Beach in Sarasota, Florida?
Firstly, I heard about Siesta Beach from the best advertisement you can get and that was by word of mouth. After the raving testimonials I decided I had to see what all the fuss was about and to see if Siesta Beach lived up to the high expectations set. My villa Royal Acai Palm 1 was located in the gated Veranda Palms Resort in Kissimmee which is pretty much central Florida. Heading to either coast, East or West provided closer alternative beaches to visit like Cocoa Beach to the East and Apollo Beach to the West taking approximately 70 minutes drive to either. However, if you’re going to do a job well then you might as well go the full hog and do it properly… coordinates for Sarasota was punched into the GPS and a prompt 9.00am start to Siesta Beach began.
The drive to Siesta Beach was easy and well worth the 2 hours sat in the car. Arriving along the Beach Road leads you towards two large car parks which to my surprise offer FREE car parking. Parking up was easy as there was plenty of spaces and people were coming and going fairly frequently. Getting to the Siesta Beach from the car park was less than a 2 minute walk and once you arrived you understood why people recommended this beach so highly.
I photographed, as shown above: one of the entrances to the beach which proudly displays a sign advertising in 2011 Siesta Beach was the number 1 in the USA! I did check to see who was the winner for 2012, this was Coronado Beach in San Diego, California and 2013 is yet to be announced.
Siesta Beach, 40 Acres of Stunning Coastline
I can successful say this is by far the most impressive beach I have ever set foot on. The smooth white quartz crystal sand was really soft on your feet and it didn’t get too hot under your foot. Siesta Beach offers an unrivalled stretch of 40 acres of stunning coastline with a clear turquoise sea, just perfect for slipping out of your sandals and strolling along this near immaculate beach letting the sea wash over your feet while you relax and enjoy the breathtaking views.
The temperature was 32 degrees and the sun reflected brightly off the sands, standing next to the lifeguard huts the beach and looking in either direction was endless soft sand and sea. There was way more beach, sand and sea than anybody could require, no fighting for a good pitch on the beach. You could settle in a secluded spot away from the popular areas and truly relax in a setting that I believe would be harder to improve on.
Siesta Beach, Food and Drink
There was a beach restaurant serving hot and cold snacks located between the beach and the car park and also some little stalls selling beach wear (including buckets and spades). There was plenty of seating in sun or shade, I cooled off with a refreshing slush drink which hit the spot. Toilet facilities were also located around the corner so it was ideal to fresh up and head back out to the beach.
Visiting Siesta Beach is Highly Recommended
In short, if you are ever lucky enough to get the chance to visit Siesta Beach in Sarasota while visiting Florida… grab the opportunity with both hands. I highly recommend visiting this beach during your holiday. A word of warning… whatever you do don’t forget your suncream!
Directions to Siesta Beach, Sarasota in Florida from Kissimmee
Getting to Siesta Beach, Sarasota by car is an easy drive with mostly straight roads. It takes about 2 hours drive from Veranda Palms in Kissimmee. If you’ve hired GPS on your holiday then you can simply add directions for 948 Beach Road, Sarasota, Florida 34242 and this will take you to your destination. You will arrive literally at a huge FREE car park which is less than 2 minutes walk to the massive Siesta Beach.
If you’re not fortunate enough to have sat nav while on holiday then this still is an easy trip. Leaving Veranda Palms in Kissimmee head West for the 192 on the W Irlo Bronson Memorial Highway (5.5 miles) and then take the Interstate 4 to Tampa (55.2 miles), and then look for signs for Sarasota. Once in Sarasota you will find signs directing you to Siesta Beach. See below for a Google map highlighting the route and for a comprehensive list of directions click on the ‘View Larger Map’ link.
