Siesta Key, a barrier island the runs parallel from mid-town to southern Sarasota, is one of the most popular places to live or visit on Florida’s west coast. Families, young professionals and retirees alike call the island home, while a number of celebrities own vacation residences on the island and can be seen dining at the local restaurants or browsing the wares of the many unique shops.

Home to a diverse population, the baby-powder beaches of this island boast the world’s whitest sand. Numerous travel guides and television shows have focused on the beauty of the beaches and ranked them among the world’s best. Intermixing among the various activities on the island, residents and visitors alike enjoy sunning at the beautiful public and private beaches year-round. As the day turns to dusk, crowds gather along the sand to marvel at a spectrum of colors in the sky that make up the breathtaking sunsets.

On weekends, evenings see beach-goers shift from sunning, swimming, volleyball and assorted water sports to watching (and sometimes participating in) the infamous “drum circle” that involves all types of percussionists performing together for an eclectic mix of entertainment and community.

Just north of the public beach area is the Siesta Village, a main drag that is lined with beach clubs and bars, island and formal restaurants, ice cream shops and boutiques. Shopping can range from high-end jewelers to beach markets supplying their customers with any and all supplies/clothing for island living. Additionally, a number of local artists and galleries call the island home. All of which can be enjoyed year-round and at the island’s springtime “Siesta Fiesta” celebration or annual Fourth of July fireworks display over the Gulf of Mexico.

Distinct living opportunities abound on Siesta Key, and are as diverse as the population. Classic high-rise condominiums, multi-million dollar waterfront estates and resorts line many of the beaches, while quiet neighborhoods throughout the island are filled with family homes and seasonal beach cottages.