These pictures were taken on 8/20/2013 and 8/23/2013 at Siesta Key. The beaches have quartz sand that is soft on your feet and never gets hot from the sun. The beaches are very clean and the water is crystal clear. There are four lifeguard stands at the beach each a different color which can be seen pictured above which make it easier to locate your spot on the beach. We were in the water up to our shoulders and were still able to see our feet through the water. While in the ocean we could see schools of fish swimming by and fish jumping out of the water. The water was the perfect temperature. It is best to get to the beach early in the morning because daily between 3-6pm there is usually a downpour storm for a short time due to the weather in Siesta Key. Get out there and enjoy these beaches. There are plenty of public access points to the beach and there is also a main beach area that has a parking lot and snack pavilion with public restrooms. There are volleyball courts on the beach, lifeguards on duty all year round, picnic tables, tennis courts, and a soccer field. If you are bringing a cooler on the beach you are not allowed glass containers but it is legal to bring alcohol on the beach as long as it is in aluminum or plastic.  

On a clear night on Siesta Key at Sunset Point you can see a beautiful sunset. This sunset pictured below was seen on August 23, 2013. We parked in Siesta Key Village near the shops and walked around town until dusk and then headed for the beach. There was a big crowd of people at Sunset Point waiting to see the sunset. We sat on the rocks on the beach, but recommend bringing a towel or chairs for a more comfortable experience. It was beautiful sitting on the beach taking in the sights, watching the ocean, looking at the birds flying around, and seeing people out in the water swimming and fishing. We stayed on the beach until around 9pm and we were able to take beautiful photos and have a very relaxing evening. This is definitely a sight worth seeing and a beautiful picture opportunity.  

After a taxing 1200 mile road trip, we found a new home for my Hobie Cat on Siesta Key.  What better place to sail than in the Gulf of Mexico off of the number 1 beach in the United States... Siesta Key?  The water is so clear and you can see the white sand at the gulf bottom for quite a distance out.  Sure beats the New Jersey shore this boat is used to sailing and the Pennsylvania lakes.  

We sailed from the North Point of Siesta called "Sunset Point" all the way down past Crescent Beach, Point of Rocks, Turtle Beach and along the coastline of the gated community of Sanderling.  Along the way we sailed very close to a dolphin (within 40 feet or so), the closest I've ever been to one in the wild.  

As we navigated back up to the North end of the island, the sun was setting and people were gathering on the beach, as they do every night, sporting their cameras to witness sunsets that paintings are made from (and worthy of computer desktop wallpapers).  

The shots above were taken by one local resident, Peter Wolff, via his smart phone.  Thanks Peter!  Quite a fun day of sailing and the happiest new home a Hobie Cat could ask for.    -Jeremy