Two bridges link the island to the mainland, allowing it to remain an uncomplicated natural paradise without sacrificing the amenities of contemporary life. The north bridge, Siesta Drive, is within the City of Sarasota and provides convenient access to the city, its business and arts districts, and to the Sarasota/Bradenton International Airport via US Highway 41. The south bridge, Stickney Point Road, provides access to south Sarasota County and a direct route to Interstate 75.

Siesta Key was first colonized in 1846. Population of the island had only grown to 300 by 1940 when it was primarily made up of fishing camps. Currently, 15,000 full time residents live on the island with another 18,000 "snowbirds" flocking here for the mild winter months. Residences range from small rental cottages to waterfront condos and custom private homes.

The beaches of Siesta Key are world-renowned. The pure quartz, pulverized to a fine white powder, has a magical quality. There is no sand quite like Siesta's anywhere. They are also the island's centers of social activity - places to meet, to hold reunions, group picnics, even weddings - or just to stroll, bicycle or jog with friends.

There are two main shopping districts right on Siesta Key, each with a wide variety of shops that carry merchandise ranging from gifts and T-shirts to the finest haute couture to ice cream. Siesta Key Village is located on the northwest side of the Key about one block from the Gulf. The Siesta South Shopping area begins at the Stickney Point Bridge and goes south along Midnight Pass Road. From November to September our own Siesta Key Trolley will take you from the southern-most part of the island to the north end.