03 Mar An Evening at Siesta Key in Florida

Siesta Key is a popular location in Florida among both locals and tourists. The quartz-crystal sand along the beach is the main attraction, for its texture is softer and cooler than the sand at other Florida beaches. In my opinion, it almost felt as though I was walking on a cloud. Additionally, there are a variety of shops and restaurants. Everyone will be able to find something they enjoy while spending an evening here. Keep reading below to find out my recommendations on how to spend the evening. Hint: there are donuts involved. 

Heading to the Sarasota area anytime soon? Check out this one day in Sarasota itinerary. Hint – it includes marveling at circus relics and drooling over some delicious sushi.

Contents:

1) Siesta Key Beach in Florida

2) The Cottage

3) Daiquiri Deck

4) Meaney’s Mini Donuts & Coffee House

1) Siesta Key Beach in Florida

• Lodging options

Why do people drive from all over Florida to spend an evening at Siesta Key Beach? Simple: it has quartz-crystal sand. The quartz-crystal breaks down into such tiny pieces that it becomes powder. The texture is thus soft, cool, and powdery, making all visitors feel as though they are walking on a cloud. Additionally, the sand is a brighter white compared to other beaches in the area. 

Go for a swim in the water, take a stroll along the beach, and watch the sun set into the ocean. Another option is to search for seashells along the shore. Check out this guide to shelling, specifically written with introverts in mind. 

Consider a visit to the Ringling Museum, another family-friendly attraction in the area. If you happen to be a little bit south of this area, check out Sanibel Beach. People say it is quite similar to Siesta Key! 

Footprints in the sand at Siesta Key

2) The Cottage

After taking a stroll along the beach and watching the sunset, the next stop is dinner at The Cottage. It is open on Sundays to Thursdays from 11am to 10pm. Moreover, it is open one hour later until 11pm on Fridays and Saturdays. 

The Cottage provides a tropical atmosphere with two outdoor patios and live music. The menu reflects mainly American and Japanese influences. Order truffle fries as an appetizer and then dig into the main course. There are many options from which to choose, including sandwiches, seafood, steak, soups, and tapas. Might I recommend the lobster bisque and seared salmon.

The classic hand-heart at the beach during sunset

3) Daiquiri Deck – Siesta Key, Florida

After dinner, be sure to stop at Daiquiri Deck for some drinks to extend your evening at Siesta Key in Florida. My boyfriend raved about their frozen daiquiris from his previous visit, and I have to admit they were quite tasty. Daiquiri Deck is open on Sundays to Thursdays from 11am to 11pm. It is open an additional two hours until 1am on Fridays and Saturdays. 

They offer fruity, tart and sweet, creamy, and virgin daiquiris. Not a daiquiri fan? They also have mocktails, cocktails, shots, beer, and wine on the menu. While all of their flavors look delicious, you cannot go wrong with the classic strawberry or piña colada. For a combination drink, check out terminal velocity. Moreover, make sure you visit during happy hour from 3pm to 7pm so you can purchase a souvenir cup at half price.

The sun setting into the water at Siesta Key

4) Meaney’s Mini Donuts & Coffee House

Oh. My. Goodness. This donut shop was so tasty my friends and I made sure to stop and grab donuts BOTH times we found ourselves spending an evening at Siesta Key this past winter. It is open from 8am to 10pm from Sunday to Thursday. It is open one hour later until 11pm on Fridays and Saturdays. Stop here for a late night snack before you head back for the night. 

Meaney’s has a variety of offerings from donuts to coffee to ice cream. However, I would argue their donuts are the star of the show. They serve mini donut holes with your choice of topping. The classic donuts include topping choices of cinnamon sugar, powdered sugar, or plain. Furthermore the specialty donuts include choices of french toast, apple pie, peanut butter cup, and more! 

Our first night in Siesta Key we ordered a dozen of the powdered donuts. They were warm and delicious. It would have been all too easy to eat the whole dozen by myself. Our second night we each ordered specialty donuts. I ultimately decided to choose the apple pie, and it was a fantastic choice as it did in fact taste like apple pie. While it was slightly more expensive, I think it was 100% worth it.

The apple pie specialty donuts from Meaney’s

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Be sure to visit the gators: Activities at Myakka River State Park.

Do not forget to see some manatees: Manatee Viewing Center at Big Bend Power Plant.