I will be traveling on business to orlando in August and i plan to bring my family along. We have 2 boys(ages 4 and 1). We plan to be in Orlando for 3 days and then would like to drive to a beachside resort and spend a week there. How far is it to Siesta Key? Any other suggestions as far as places we can drive to and stay there for a week? We realize it's very hot and humid in August but we want to take advantage of the arrangements my employer will provide. Thanks for the input

Enzo, Siesta Key is about 135 miles from Orlando...it usually takes about 3 1/2 to 4 hours...I think Siesta Key is a great idea because you have the beautiful beach and area attractions such as Ringling Brothers Museum and St. Armand's Circle...you'll also be about 1 hour away from Tampa, where you can visit Busch Gardens.

St Augustine is my favorite bech in the area. It is very beautiful and tranquil. It's about an hour or two from Orlando.

Orlando itself is some what of a bore unless you have children with you.

Good luck.

Admittedly I've never made the drive to Siesta Key from Orlando. I do live in Tampa, though, and it takes us an hour to get to Orlando (Disney area)to our east. It also takes us an hour to get to Sarasota (downtown) to our south. The most I can imagine its taking from within Orlando, and allowing for traffic around that ciy, is 2 1/2 hrs and you can probably do better than that, as you don't need to drive all the way into Tampa to get to Sarasota! I-4 west to I-75 to Sarasota.

daytona beach shores!!

Enzo, I should have added that I drove from Orlando area (Winter Park) to Siesta Key several years ago when my children were of elementary school age...with stopping along the way it did take over 3 hours...we took I-4 west to I-75 south to exit # 37 (toward Sarasota/Arcadia).

it should take no more than 2.5 hours form Orlando...Siesta is beautiful and there is lots to do in Sarasota...it is more than just a resort town...check out the Mote Marine Aquarium, the Ringling museum, and just relax on the most perfect white sand!

Thanks all for your input, it's very appreciated. Looks like Siesta Key is w/in a relatively easy driving distance and it obviously sounds beautiful.