There’s a reason Siesta Key beach was ranked #1 beach in the U.S. and #11 in the world in by 2020 TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice™ awards. This 8 mile long island off the Gulf of Mexico has pure white sand and turquoise waters. The island is packed with great restaurants, bars, and endless activities for the kids. We recommend visiting year around, but Siesta Key 4th of July is a must! Here’s our guide to an epic 4th of July on the key.
Note that this ultimate visitors guide to the Siesta Key 4th of July contains affiliate links, where I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.
The Big Event – Siesta Key Fireworks
If you’re looking for a great fireworks show, Siesta key does it big on July 4! You can see the firework show from pretty much anywhere on beach, however the prime location is on Siesta Beach – 948 Beach Road. If you’re driving in, make to make sure to get there early enough as the parking fills up quick.
What time are the fireworks on Siesta Key?
Fireworks start at dusk, usually around 9:15 pm on July 4th, 2023. But plan to get there early. The viewing area opens up around 6pm.
After dinner, we usually pack up our beach wagon with chairs, snacks, sparklers and bottle of wine for us. Get there early, so you can see the spectacular sunset. One year we even put the kids back in their swimsuits and they played in the water until the firework show began.
Tip: Siesta Key has free trolleys and golf carts that will take you around the island.
What to do
Activities are endless in Siesta Key. Here are a few our favorites that will make an epic independence day!
Beach
Obviously number one is the beach – this is why you came. You won’t find sand like this anywhere else, and that’s not an overstatement. Pure white and fine as baby powder. This hard packed sand is perfect for walking or biking on. Sand is made from quartz so it also never gets hot.
Our kids enjoy skim-boarding or boogie-boarding in the shallow waters and finding sea shells. They’re also always on the hunt to find creatures. Their favorite beach tools are their nets and sand shovel. They dig for crabs and sand crabs (also known as sand moles and sand fleas – sounds gross but they’re harmless!).
We’ve been so many times over the years and lucky enough to swim with manatees. Also have come across a baby shark on the sand bar, and plenty of rays. You will always see dolphins as well. And keep your eyes out for sand dollars too, especially on the sand bars.
RELATED: 22 Best Things to Do in Siesta Key, Florida
Sunsets
West cost of Florida has the best sunsets. Sunset Point is the best place to see them on the key. You can easily access Sunset Point through Siesta Key Beach Access 2. After a long day at the beach and a nice meal. Bring a glass of wine and just relax. Every night there is also the raising and lowering of the flag. Along with the Pledge of The Allegiance and Taps played for our past service members. This is extra special to see during the 4th of July weekend.
Boating
Siesta Key is a perfect spot for boating, fishing, and jet skiing. You can rent boats for half or full days. There are sandbars nearby where you can anchor up and float or choose to watch the Sunset in the gulf.
Shopping
On the key in the village there are a few cute clothing and jewelry boutiques. Make sure you stop off at the Beach Bazaar for silly souvenirs, beach wear, and kid toys. Off the key, downtown Sarasota and St. Armand’s Circle has more great shopping and food options. When the Offshore Boat Races are in town, you will want to pay a visit here, as the boats all parade and park through for everyone to get an up close glimpse.
Where to stay
If you’re coming to Siesta Key, you got to stay on the beach, or close enough to it. Prime location is walking distance to the village. It’s where all the restaurants and nightlife is.
We almost always find a beachfront rental on VRBO. However, a lot of rental properties also have their own sites. Siesta key hotels on the key are virtually non-existent – there is one near the village but its on the dated side. Rentals fill up quick, start looking months in advance – not joking. Especially Siesta Key 4th of July.
Where to Eat
The village is packed with restaurants, bars, and shopping. Here’s a few of our favorite places to eat in Siesta Key village:
Breakfast
Sun Garden Cafe is our go to breakfast stop. Menu has something for everyone and it’s so unique. Sweet potato pancakes, a BLT with a fried egg and smashed avocado and they have mimosas and bloody mary’s.
For a more standard good breakfast the Village Cafe and The Broken Egg are both nearby and good.
Meaney’s Mini Donuts is a tiny stand in front Morton’s grocery store. The line that forms out front is worth the wait! Fresh fried sugary mini donuts made to order.
Lunch
I can’t count how many times we’ve been to SKOB or Siesta Key Oyster Bar. It’s fantastic for dinner too. Great vibes & live music. Bring dollar bills to decorate and staple to the walls. The inside is covered with George Washingtons. Kids love it.
MVP or My Village Pub is also a good option for pub food and a cold beer.
Some days we pack sandwiches from Morton’s Siesta Market and bring them to the beach. Its a small but suitable grocery store right in the heart of the village. They have a full deli and make homemade chicken salad which is our go to.
Dinner
The Cottage focus’ on seasonal and local ingredients. Get the Wonton Tuna Tacos & the bronzed black grouper. They have a great outdoor space with live music. Reservations are required.
Island House Tap & Grill carries local beers and is known for their fish tacos. For a good steak, Summer House Steak & Seafood is your spot.
After dinner, Big Olaf homemade ice cream is a must. It’s been on the key since 1982. My husband has been going here since he was a little kid growing up on the key!
We love Siesta key for 4th of July – where do you think is the best places to celebrate? I’d love to hear! Comment below!
FAQs
Where’s the best place to see the fireworks in Siesta key? The prime location is on Siesta Beach – 948 Beach Road, but really anywhere on the sand you’ll see a great show.
Is Siesta Key having fireworks? Fireworks returned to Siesta Key beach after the closure in 2020. Siesta Key Fireworks 2023 will be the 31st annual show on Tuesday July 4th, 2023. If you want to be an event sponsor check out out Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce.
Is there a parade in Sarasota for 4th of July? The annual Longboat Key Freedom Fest Parade begins at 9:00 a.m. at Longboat Key Town Hall, 501 Bay Isles Road.
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