Winner of the "Worlds finest, whitest sand," Sarasota's Siesta Key Public Beach extends along a half-mile of the most pristine white sands in the world. There is no sand quite like Siestas, anywhere. Even under the burning subtropical sun, it feels cool to the touch. Lifeguards watch over Siesta Key Public Beach all year, and there are tennis, volleyball, softball and food concession facilities provided. Picnic pavilions are available for groups at a nominal fee. Water sports of every kind add color and excitement to the Siesta Beach scene. The 800-car parking lot is frequently full, for this is the most popular beach in Sarasota County. For information on renting picnic shelters call (941) 316-1172.
The beach's amenities include: . rest rooms . picnic tables . public tennis courts . volleyball courts (on the beach) . soccer field . 20 station fitness trail . playground equipment . lifeguards on duty year round
At the southern end of Siesta Key is Turtle Beach. The sand here is a bit coarser, but that means the shelling is better. Turtle Beach is also quieter, and although there are no lifeguards or food concessions, families appreciate its comparative solitude and numerous facilities plenty of picnic tables, pavilions with grills, ample parking, and playground equipment.
Crescent Beach, usually a little less crowded, has the same fine, white sand. Located just south of Siesta Key Public Beach, it stretches for about one and a half miles toward a place called Point of Rocks, where scuba divers explore the underwater scenery.
Palmer Point Beach begins at the southern tip of Siesta Key and continues onto the north end of Casey Key. The northern part of the beach was the former home of Mote Marine Laboratory. Since the closing of Midnight Pass in 1984, the beach allows uninterrupted walking all the way down Casey Key. The beach is a popular spot for boaters and people who walk there from Turtle Beach seeking some privacy. There are no lifeguards and no facilities.
Our excellent climate encourages outdoor recreation of all kinds. Whether you want to be an active participant or an avid spectator, you'll find most varieties of sport right here in Sarasota County, or nearby in the Bay area.
Sarasota is a very friendly pet area, although there are no dogs allowed on Siesta Key Beach, there are several parks, waterfront areas, and beaches dogs are allowed on;
Parks/Beaches which allow pets. (Animals must be on leashes): Arlington Park. 2650 Waldemere Street. Near Tamiami Trail. Bay Front Park. U.S. 41 and Ringling. Next to Marina Jack Restaurant. (Some water) Bird Key Park on the John Ringling Causeway. (Beach front) Gillespie Park. 710 N. Osprey Avenue. Downtown at Gillespie and N. Osprey. Ken Thompson Park - 1700 Ken Thompson Parkway. On City Island, by Mote Marine Lab. (Beach front)
Paw Parks (Animals can be let off leashes): 17th Street Park. 4570 17th Street. East of Beneva Rd & West of Honore Ave. Woodmere Park. 3951 Woodmere Park Blvd., Venice. Woodmere Park. 1600 Harbor Drive S., Venice. Designated a Paw Dog Beach, Open 7 days a week from 7am
Hotels are a great option. They can be just what you need for your trip, especially if it's just two of you. You can go with big chains that are well trusted or small chains that may take some digging to ensure you get a nice, clean, affordable hotel room with everything you need. However, if you travel with a number of people or as a family, a hotel room can get cramped, lack privacy, and get expensive when you upgrade to suites and add extra amenities (like a kitchenette).
Hotels though are great because it is easy to find a lot of good deals with all the viable travel sites out there.
But, you do have other options...
**How about a condo? Condos are great, and in some destinations the main option. Condos can be small or big. They offer added space, extra amenities, prime locations, and at prices that are comparable to hotel rooms.
For example, we stayed in a quaint (small) condo in Miami. We rented it for only $400 for the week. It was perfect for my wife and I. The beds pulled down out of the wall, we had a very very clean room, private entrance to the place and beaches, quiet area, 2 pools, a kitchen with equipment, a nice bathroom, cable, and gorgeous view of the Atlantic. It was our love shack for the week and much cheaper by almost $200 than any hotel in the area.
**Rent a home. These are now great with the way real estate is nowadays. If you are traveling with a large group, then this may be your best choice. Get everything you need or live like luxury in a beachfront home for your vacation.
Once, 18 of our family members went to Florida and had to rent a home. It was not on the Ocean, but on a bay. It was perfect. It had 3 levels, a hot tub, pool, 4-5 bedrooms, plenty of room, amenities, and lots of fun. We had a great time together since everyone lives in different parts of the country. It was very affordable once split up 4 ways also.
**Resorts and All-inclusive. This is an excellent option for families or if you don't want to worry about reaching into your pocket. All-inclusive seems to be diminishing in the US, but you can find it abroad and is typically the best choice. Resorts are great for those who want to spend quality time together, get plenty of privacy and space, and enjoy various activities like golf, fishing, things for the kids, spas, etc...
**Time Shares. These are growing tremendously in the traveling world. Time-shares are great if you use them. You pay a fee upfront and once a year to utilize a time-share. There are various types, so you would want to do your research. Buying a time-share is similar to buying a home in that you don't want to take the decision lightly.
My wife's parents have one and love it. They can go anywhere they want as long as they stay in the designated places. We used theirs for our honeymoon in Palm Beach, Florida. It was first-class all the way.
If you and your family travel at least once a year, consider looking into a time-share.
**Camping and RV parks. With the way campgrounds and RV parks are set up nowadays, the term rough it doesn't exactly come to mind. You can get almost everything at a campground that you'd get in a hotel. They are cheap, live out in nature for a week, and have a great time. There are a few things to consider if you are a novice to camping, so you'll want to do some homework before you decide on this as an option.
**Houseboats. Live on the water for your trip. This is, yet another option to choose from. My aunt has lived on a houseboat in Florida for years and loves it. This is something many don't even think of, but look into it, you may not go back to staying on land for any future trips.
We hope this article has helped shed some light on where you might stay on your vacations. Villas, Cabins, and other type choices should be considered for specific destinations and vacations.
Most importantly, have fun, find great deals, and enjoy your trip!!
Both Nick Clipton & Joe Collinsworth are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
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