Where to Stay to Soak Up the Beach Scene in Siesta Key, Florida

Privacy doesn’t come at a premium at Turtle Beach Resort and Inn. In fact, you’ll find a private hot tub and comfortable hammock within any suite or cottage you choose. Though you can easily walk over to Turtle Beach, the private docks along Little Sarasota Bay are perfect for kayaking or canoeing in uncrowded waters. Continue your quiet evening at the elegant Ophelia’s on the Bay next door with Gulf red snapper and Creole-spiced sea scallops.

We’re sorry to say that you’ll have trouble breaking in that new pair of flip flops at Twin Palms at Siesta. The pool is right on the other side of your king studio suite, and your legs will hardly have to bend on the quick walk down the paved path leading from your room to the beach. We suppose you could take a “long” 0.5mi (0.9km) walk up to the Crescent Club for a drink, but even that feels effortless under the warm Siesta Key sun.

Why settle for a hotel when Gulf Holiday will give you the keys to your own beachfront home? More than a dozen of your friends and family members can kick back in this five-bedroom, four-bathroom home, directly on the sand. You can watch the kids splash in the gulf from the comfort of a private covered patio and effortlessly run down to join them whenever you want to cool off in the water yourself.

Require nothing more than a comfortable bed and a roof over your head? Your minimalist needs will be exceeded at Tiny House Siesta – a collection of clapboard-clad, beach hut-style homes. Even the smallest, the Sea Shell, packs a punch with a large kitchen and queen bed within 152sqft (15sqm) of space. One-bed Destiny is much more luxurious with nautical-nodding interiors and on-point lighting, but to really live “large,” the Duke can fit up to five people under one small roof.

Drop your bags, your shoulders and let your muscles unwind at Siesta Key Palms Resort. The one-bedroom villas feature private courtyards and hammocks for midday reading and napping. Free bicycles make the 1mi (1.6km) trip to the beach a breeze. There’s no shame in skipping a sand day, mind you. The adults-only pool, yoga sessions on the deck and relaxing massages make for a wonderful vacay day without leaving the property.

Get an amazing seaside vacation for a steal at Captiva Beach Resort. This affordable hotel leaves resort fees behind so you can cast your worries away. All you’ll need to concern yourself with is whether you want to cook lunch out on the grill or take a walk around the corner to Captain Curt’s Crab & Oyster Bar for its popular clam chowder. As you eat, mull over the only other difficult decision you’ll have to make: a post-lunch siesta on the beach, or by the pool?

Family beach vacations of yesterday are still alive and well at Sunset Beach Resort. These sleepy cottages right on the sand will treat your loved ones to unforgettable memories. Watch the kids leap with joy as they see manatees and dolphins swim close to shore. Let their laughter and the sound of the waves lull you to sleep in a hammock under a shady seagrape tree. You’ll never forget the orange sunsets over the emerald waters, either, but a picture will help you cherish the moment all the same.

With a two-minute walk to the beach and just as long of a stroll to Siesta Key Village, this three-bedroom duplex was made for lazy days. If 160 seconds is too much for your toes to handle, allow their free shuttle service to jet you around the key. With a full kitchen, private patio and tiki cabana right in your backyard, use the shuttle to stock up on fresh seafood and a bottle of something chilled for a great night in.