For many people, the fall means donning cable-knit sweaters, drinking mugs of hot chocolate by the fire, and raking the lawn. But here at our resort hotel on Siesta Key, the sun is shining and the air is warm.
With kids back in school and the summer crowds gone, many say fall is their favorite season in the Key–and the perfect time for an adventure. From boating to beaching to hiking, there won’t be a dull moment in your Siesta Key vacation.
Catch Dinner on a Fishing Charter
If catch and release (or eat) is your thing, be sure to hop on board one of Siesta Key’s fishing charters for an unforgettable day. From nearshore to deep sea offshore, Siesta Key has some great fishing.
Grouper and red snapper are a few of the common catches, but flounder and catfish could also be on the menu. When you’re back on dry land, take your fish to Walt’s or Big Water Fish Market to have them cooked up and served. If you’re lucky enough, you may spot whales, dolphins, and manatees in the waves.
Kayak through a Mangrove Tunnel or on the Bay
Kayaking is one of the region’s most popular outdoor activities, and the Mangrove Tunnel Kayak Eco-Tour is a great choice for visitors who want to see wildlife in its habit and learn about the Everglades ecosystem.
These guided ecotours out of Sarasota start with a search for dolphins and manatees in the bay, and finish under a canopy of the mangrove trees. Kayak through this shaded tunnel in search of flora and fauna, including alligators, otters, and birds of all sizes.
The tours are designed for adventurers of all ages, and all equipment is included. Don’t forget your camera and a pair of binoculars for a close-up! If guided tours aren’t your thing, rent a kayak (or an SUP!) from one of the local sports stores and do a solo paddle in the ocean.
Chill at the Beach
Never underestimate a good day at the beach. And you’re in the right place, because Siesta Key has the best in the U.S. Warm summer water temperatures linger into the fall, with fall averages in the mid- to high-70s.
Bathe in the warm waves of the Gulf or soak up some sun on shore–Siesta, Crescent, and Turtle beaches have some of the whitest sand and bluest waters in the U.S.
If reading a book while catching rays is too tame, there are plenty of other things to do at the beach. Yoga, sea shelling at low tide, and pick-up volleyball are just a few favorite beach activities.
Hike a Trail
Siesta Key is known for its sun and sand, not its hiking trails. But that doesn’t mean there aren’t some great ones nearby. A 20-minute drive away, Oscar Scherer State Park is a great option for families wanting to take a break from the beach and get active.
This Florida park offers more than 15 miles of hiking trails, with distances you can cover in an hour and others that take the whole weekend. For a short stroller-friendly hike, walk the half a mile to the Mammoth Oak Tree, the second largest live oak in the state.
With slightly cooler air temperatures, fewer bugs, and no risk of waking up in a sweltering tent, the fall is the best time for visiting outdoors people to explore state parks.
Check out the Outdoor Theater
A day of adventure under the sun calls for an end of day treat. Why not skip the patio drinks this fall and try something new, like an outdoor play or a movie under the stars? For a Halloween-inspired act, check out The Legend of Sleepy Hollow on October 28, an immersive theater experience that takes place in a field (Sarasota Polo Grounds).
For a more family-oriented evening, check out a Nathan Benderson Park’s movie in the park this October 28 on Regatta Island for a screening of Beauty and the Beast. Bring a blanket and a lawn chair for this sunset viewing of a classic. Best of all, it’s free! Admission and parking are free of charge, drinks and snacks available for cash purchase.
No matter which of these activities you choose this fall, you’ll be able to access them all right outside our comfortable Siesta Key resort hotel!
