I may be planning a trip in July. I'm looking for a 3 bedroom condo on the beach, that is also within walking distance to Siesta Village. I'd prefer to not rent a car and would like accomodations within foot traffic to restaurants. We have two boys 8&4 so we need a pool. Thanks for any input. PS Is July too hot?

ttt

July is very hot, especially for people who aren't used to Florida humidity. But you are from the NE and if you've suffered through NY summers then you know they are just as brutal -- so you will probably be fine. There are often afternoon showers that cool things down (time to take in an afternoon movie or a mall with a video arcade). It's very nice afterwards to walk on the beach at sunset as it's cooled a bit.

For places to stay, research Siesta Key condos through these web sites: vrbo.com, vacationrentals.com, and gulfcoastrentals.com.

Agree with all Tandoori Girl said. Its hot, its humid, but the evenings are glorious. But a vacation on Siesta Key without a car is not what I would advise. Sure, if you can walk to the village you have access to the Siesta Market and restaurants and shops, but for doing a larger grocery (staying in a condo you need to) and maybe visiting other areas or going to the movies, St Armands Circle, Mote Marine, Botanical Gardens etc, you will need a car. Public transit is not the way to go in Sarasota. So I would advise renting a car for sure if you plan to venture off the "village" area at all. PLus the cost of cabs to and from the airport alone will probably pay for a few days of it. Enjoy Siesta.

Sherry

Thanks for the advice. Is Crescent Beach or Turtle Beach better for beautiful sand and water? I agree a car is necessary.

IMHO Crescent Beach is the best! (but we have been there for 40 years, so I am prejudiced!) Now that a car is in the mix, you have expanded your possibilites to just about anywhere beachfront on the key. And in July, its not but a short drive to the village or off the key to the mainland. Personally I would pick anything on Midnight Pass Rd, just make sure you are "gulf side" not "bay side", which will avoid crossing the road.

Sherry

Wow Sherry, that's just where I was looking. Thanks for your help.

I have to disagree with Sherry....

I live right behind the village, just few steps away from the beach.

IMHO, you do want to stay close to the village. Beach Rd. is what you want.

I understand what AAFF is saying although I still somewhat disagree

Simply due to the 8 and 4 year old boys, I guess I was thinking more of the possibilities of getting a condo right on the beach with a large pool in the complex. So my thoughts lean to Midnight Pass, not that there is anything wrong with properties on Beach Road, but walking out the front door right onto the beach seemed more apt for the "family" vacation with young children. And I suppose its just personal preference, but I prefer being a little further down from the public beach area. Not to say a property on Beach Road has anything wrong with it at all....far from it. I was simply thinking along the lines of ease of the day to day life spent on the beach if its at the front door, with pool behind. Either though is great! And I'm sure either will be enjoyable with its benefits.

Sherry

I have a great friend that has several rentals on Siesta Key. She has great taste so they are all decorated very nicely. One unit has a built in pool and above ground hot tub. The others share an above ground pool and hot tub. Both are within a short walk to the village and the beach. Based on what I've seen, I believe their rates are quite competitive. I am a local and park my car over the weekend (I'd NEVER turn it on if I actually worked on the key), so I guess I disagree that you must have a car. If you are looking for a relaxing beach vacation of bike riding, beach bumming, pigging out, shop browsing and just good old relaxing - I think Siesta Key is the perfect spot. Most rentals will have bicycles, kids games and video tapes for the lazy evenings. If your kids need mini-golf, go-carts and game rooms it may not be the place. Yes, July is hot but it makes it so much easier to have an excuse of lazing in the pool, in the ocean or eating lots of icecream (Big Olaf's in the village makes the best!). If you decide to come, I'll tell you the specialties for each of the village locations (like the Surfer at Ana's Deli, the Lobster Bisque at the Lobster Pot and the Seafood Quesadilla at Siesta Key Oyster Bar)

Check out my friend's website www.siestakeyrentals.biz and if you decide to call, tell Laurel her friend Lori told you about her! (I don't get a referall fee, just nice for her to know how you found out.)

I forgot to mention that while I love Cresent Beach and Turtle Beach is better for shelling, I think the village is the place to be. Of course I lived behind the village for a while and I am on Beach Road now. Besides, if you do rent a car, all the beautiful Siesta Key Beachs are within reach. Make sure to check out the site I mentioned. You'll be surprised at the amount of space, how well kept the units are (some can be quite "worn" on Siesta Key) and your boys would either have their own pool or share with just a few other guests, unlike in a complex.