Biking on Siesta Key is a great way to soak up the sun, feel the coastal breeze, and see all the Florida gulf coast sights. And with lots of rental options that are close to your Siesta Key condo, it’s a surprisingly quick and easy way to travel!
Siesta Key Transportation
There are a lot of ways to get to, from, and around the area. You may ask yourself: how far is Siesta Key from Tampa? It’s about 60-70 miles from Tampa International Airport (TPA) depending on which route you take. You can easily take a shuttle bus, Uber, taxi, or pick up a rental car. There is also the Sarasota-Bradenton airport which is much smaller and closer and can easily get you to your destination.
Of course, once you’re there, you will want to experience the beach or hit the trails! Leave the car behind and pick up a bicycle. It’s a great way to stay active, set your own pace, and explore everything the area has to offer!
Ride the Trails
Siesta Key spans about 8 miles from the very north tip at Bay Point Park to Turtle Beach in the south. You can take the packed sand beaches most of the way. Fill in the rest with paved roads and walking trails. A few miles out beyond neighboring Sarasota you’ll have access to many more trails as well.
The 12.5-mile Legacy Trail going from Sarasota to Venice is a local staple. It’s flat and inland, and though not by the coast you will see a lot of greenery and wildlife. It has multiple rest stops and is mostly secluded from car traffic. From here you can jump on and off the trail at several points, including historic sights of Venice and other parks and trails.
For almost 10 miles, the Venetian Waterway Park Trail combines urban amenities and natural landscapes. You’ll see all sorts of boats, parks, and a long stretch of beach at the end. The Oscar Scherer State Park has 15 miles of trails perfect for exploring, fishing, birding, and picnics.
Adventure seekers willing to go further afield can try Cape Haze and Boca Grande south of Venice. Together they make up 14 miles of secluded but majestic beaches, rustic buildings with an old restored lighthouse standing guard on land’s end.
It is also a sea turtle nesting season between May and October. If you’re visiting during the summer months, you can watch these little critters take their first steps on the beach.
Plan Your Next Stay
Beach biking offers a unique vantage point and convenient way to travel. It’s an easy and fun way to get around from the Siesta Key condos to the area’s many sights and trails. Come check them out!
Siesta Key Bike Rentals
Siesta Key Bike and Kayak and Siesta Key Sports have great rentals. Both are near Stickney Point, right by the South Bridge connecting the key to downtown Sarasota. Robin Hood Rentals on Ocean Boulevard in Siesta Village is another notable option.
These places have variety and flexibility with hourly, daily and weekly rates. You’ll find bikes, trikes and other related vehicles for adults and children. This includes sportbikes, city cyclers, and single gears made for the sand. If you’re looking to try something new and interesting, there are plenty of options too. You can find scooters, electric bikes, foldable bikes, and even bikes – those larger models built for couples or groups to share.
The rental agencies may also have locks, baskets, and protective equipment like helmets available. With these additions, you can easily stop and go at your pace. Feel free to do some shopping, sightseeing or sit down for a meal between cycling sessions.
Note that in Florida, cyclists must obey all the same rules of the road as drivers. Children under 16 must wear helmets by law (and they are of course recommended for adults). Be sure to brush up on state traffic laws and if you’re ever unsure, ask a local.
Siesta Beach and the roads around it will be heavy at peak hours. However, there is very little visibility in the dark as there are no outdoor lights on the beaches. If you choose to do an early morning or late-night cycle to beat the traffic, make sure your bike has bright, visible lights on both the front and back.
