Siesta Key is a Florida paradise located between Sarasota and the Gulf of Mexico. Head to the southwestern coast of Florida to explore the wonderful barrier island of Siesta Key.
Near the center of Siesta Key rests a special neighborhood called Palm Island. It’s a wonderful residential neighborhood with Florida foliage, lovely parks, and fun activities. Seasonal and full-time residents are proud of their little idyllic neighborhood, and all its special heartfelt traits.
When staying at one of our Siesta Key vacation rentals, be sure to visit the heart-shaped Palm Island and drive by the park.
Heart-Shaped Island
Palm Island, Florida, lives up to its name, as it is indeed an actual island. Developed by key architect Frank Archibald, Palm Island was a dredging project to open up the canal system. While it had a clear community function, the benefit was a small island surrounded by calm waters. The island was designed in the shape of a heart. Rumor has it that Archibald designed it that way to honor his wife. The residents of the Palm Island neighborhood have nicknamed it the heart of Siesta Key.
Map of Palm Island
If you look at a map of a Siesta Key with a bird’s-eye view, you can definitely see the captivating heart shape of Palm Island. You can also see its close proximity to the beach (within walking distance), and the nearby restaurants, such as Another Broken Egg Café or the Siesta Key Oyster Bar. While both offer starkly different experiences (one a casual breakfast, the other a rambunctious seafood bar), they are some of the best dining experiences you can have near Palm Island.
Quiet Relaxation of Siesta Key
Palm Island takes quiet relaxation to another level. When you stand in the middle of the island, you won’t find any traffic lights, no loud village noises, and nothing to distract you from the ambiance. This is an isolated and small one-way access community. There are no attractions to bring in tourists. With that said, locals are within walking distance from the Siesta Key Beach, Florida, and downtown Siesta Key Village. Many are seen biking to the local sights from their Palm Island home.
Choose Your Siesta Key Vacation Rental
Come join us on a vacation escape with one of our Siesta Key condos. You can find a variety of different rental types to suit your specific needs. Find gym discount units to maximize your time working out and staying in shape at the only gym on the island. There’s a two-week limit for our rentals during peak travel seasons of October through May. Stay right on the water and admire your gulf front views with one of our condo tower rentals for a great two-week vacation on Siesta Key.
Elsie Blair Park
Palm Island is home to a gorgeous community area called Elsie Blair Park. It is named after Elsie Blair and her husband, Donald. Elise founded the Garden Club for the island after moving to it in 1963. She died in 1994 at 96 years old, but her legacy lives on through the park, community programs, and more.
Quiet Siesta Key Neighborhoods
Sure, you can visit if you want. Through traffic is rare. You can take a brief drive through the neighborhoods about 150 homes, seeing its cherished park side and waving to bicyclists as you go. It’s a quiet enclave of Siesta Key, and worth a stop if you want to admire what living the real Florida island life is like in the 21st century.
