Attend the Siesta Key Drum Circle

The Siesta Key Drum Circle is a popular tradition that gathers large crowds of artists, dancers, locals, tourists, children, and adults for an evening of dancing and music as an act of judgment-free unity and peace. This free family fun event takes place each Sunday year-round about 1-hour before sunset on Siesta Key Public Beach. Depending on the time of year, the timing of the sunset changes. Regardless, listen for a siren and loud drumming sounds signaling its start. There is not mandatory involvement, but hula hoops, costumes, and instruments are handed out to onlookers and you can both participate, as well as come and go at your leisure.

Go Fishing!

Due to its shallow waters and multiple species of fish found in the area, fishing is another one of the best things to do in Siesta Key, Florida! Whether you choose a guided fishing charter or prefer to find a good fishing area on your own, there are plenty of options when it comes to fishing in Siesta Key. Options include deep-sea fishing, bridge fishing, and surfcasting for species such as mackerel, flounder, bluefish, snapper, and grouper. Non-residents ages 16 and up require a license when fishing from public spots onshore. Licenses can be picked up at local bait shops and sporting goods stores, as well as online.

Go Parasailing!

One of the most fun things to do in Siesta Key is to take part in watersports via watersport rentals on the island. Popular watersport activities in Siesta Key include kayaking, jet-skiing, boating, and our favorite, parasailing! Parasailing in Siesta Key is an exciting and unique way to experience the epic scenery and aerial views of the turquoise-blue ocean that you simply won’t find anywhere else. As you parasail, it’s not uncommon to spot dolphins, manatees, and other native seabirds and wildlife frolicking in the crystal-clear water. Plus, you get to glide through the sky over Siesta Beach, the #1 rated beach in the United States. Be sure to check out our complete guide to parasailing in Siesta Key to learn all about where to go, how to dress, and what to expect when parasailing here.

Snorkel at the Point of Rocks

Though a bit difficult to get to, the Point of Rocks is known as the best place to snorkel in Siesta Key. It is also one of the best family activities in Siesta Key. The easiest way to find Point of Rocks is to walk to the southern-most end of Crescent Beach until you reach a gigantic sea wall. You must then climb along the sea wall, turn a corner, and walk down 3 steps into the water. By now you will see the amazing tide pools and snorkeling area complete with an array of gigantic moss-covered rocks that protrude from the ocean. The water is no more than 5 feet deep here, and there is a vast amount of and marine life that includes fish, crabs, and red sponge. There are also large distributions of seashells, making this a perfect spot for shell picking.

Relax on the Beach

Siesta Key is a barrier island located on the southwest coast of Florida in the Gulf of Mexico. With a reputation of having some of the best beaches in the United States, Siesta Key, Florida is a tropical paradise for beach-loving families. In fact, we’ve crafted the perfect Siesta Key vacation itinerary to make sure that you experience it to the fullest. Siesta Key’s 8-mile long coastline features three main beaches, Siesta Key Beach, Crescent Beach, and Turtle Beach. Though each beach in Siesta Key is unique in its own way, they all offer the same picturesque aqua-colored water, as well as 99% pure quartz sand that is magnificently white and always cool to the touch.

Luxuriate on Siesta Key Beach

Newspapers and magazines all over the globe have called Siesta Key Beach the most beautiful beach in the world. In fact, it was recognized in one media poll some years back as having "the whitest and finest sand in the world". Siesta Key Public Beach is not only one of the softest on which you'll ever step as, unlike most other beaches, which are coral, its sand is made of quartz. It's also cool to the touch when you walk on it. The shallow areas extend far from shore, making this an ideal family beach. If you'd like your day to be an active one, there are beach volleyball and tennis courts, and if you want to just relax with the family, there are also picnic tables and playgrounds.