Jimmy Buffett lifestyle on Siesta Key? (Miami, Miami Beach: extended stay, rental, month to)

[Trails]

Hi!

I am thinking about coming down for winter from Northern California and was curious how Siesta Key would be for a single 37 year old guy?

I have been reading a lot about Sarasota on here and it really has sparked my interest. Is seem there is always something do to, great culture, healthy grocery stores, friendly people and an artistic community. I was planning on renting a place month to month. I have two main things I'd really like to have in a rental. One is walkablity and the other is as close to the beach as possible. What do you think about the area near Siesta Village? Along Beach Road or other nearby streets?

Also, I am pretty active and was curious what types of water sports go on there? Can you kayak? What about stand up paddleboarding or an Outrigger Canoe? I would guess there are miles of bike/walking paths? Is there a great gym near the beach?

I have looked into virtually every area of Florida and this area interests me most for the natural beauty and less hectic atmosphere (vs Miami Beach and other such areas). I wasn't planning on working, maybe part time, but just want some R&R for a few months. I mention it because getting a job is not a factor whether I come or not.

I have been to Florida before, and actually spent a week on Sanibel and loved it, but didn't think it was a good place for singles.

Thanks for any advice/tips!

[SoFLGal]

Originally Posted by Trails

Hi!

I am thinking about coming down for winter from Northern California and was curious how Siesta Key would be for a single 37 year old guy?

I have been reading a lot about Sarasota on here and it really has sparked my interest. Is seem there is always something do to, great culture, healthy grocery stores, friendly people and an artistic community. I was planning on renting a place month to month. I have two main things I'd really like to have in a rental. One is walkablity and the other is as close to the beach as possible. What do you think about the area near Siesta Village? Along Beach Road or other nearby streets?

Also, I am pretty active and was curious what types of water sports go on there? Can you kayak? What about stand up paddleboarding or an Outrigger Canoe? I would guess there are miles of bike/walking paths? Is there a great gym near the beach?

I have looked into virtually every area of Florida and this area interests me most for the natural beauty and less hectic atmosphere (vs Miami Beach and other such areas). I wasn't planning on working, maybe part time, but just want some R&R for a few months. I mention it because getting a job is not a factor whether I come or not.

I have been to Florida before, and actually spent a week on Sanibel and loved it, but didn't think it was a good place for singles.

Thanks for any advice/tips!

Siesta Key might work for you. The village is pretty artsy and somewhat laid back. It does get a bit crazy in the winter though with all the tourists going out to the beach. I would bet Sanibel's population is probably older than what you might find on Siesta.

There's all kind of boat launches or places you could put a kayak in. I believe you could probably go right off the beach if you wanted to. There are many parks and walking paths in Sarasota, just depends on specifically what you're looking for.

In not sure on the gym question because it's been a few years since I've lived up that way so someone else is going to have to chime in on that one.

Anna Maria, just a little north of Siesta, is really laid back but I'm thinking it might be a little too laid back for a single guy.

Why don't you vacation on Siesta for a week or so and try it out and if you like it then go for more of an extended stay?

[Vanwilder]

Trails,

For your bike and walking trail needs. The Legacy Trail 12 mile one way hike or bike from Sarasota to Venice.

Biking the Legacy Rail Trail, Sarasota - Venice, Florida#

[gypsychic]

Originally Posted by Trails

Hi!

I am thinking about coming down for winter from Northern California and was curious how Siesta Key would be for a single 37 year old guy?

I have been reading a lot about Sarasota on here and it really has sparked my interest. Is seem there is always something do to, great culture, healthy grocery stores, friendly people and an artistic community. I was planning on renting a place month to month. I have two main things I'd really like to have in a rental. One is walkablity and the other is as close to the beach as possible. What do you think about the area near Siesta Village? Along Beach Road or other nearby streets?

Also, I am pretty active and was curious what types of water sports go on there? Can you kayak? What about stand up paddleboarding or an Outrigger Canoe? I would guess there are miles of bike/walking paths? Is there a great gym near the beach?

I have looked into virtually every area of Florida and this area interests me most for the natural beauty and less hectic atmosphere (vs Miami Beach and other such areas). I wasn't planning on working, maybe part time, but just want some R&R for a few months. I mention it because getting a job is not a factor whether I come or not.

I have been to Florida before, and actually spent a week on Sanibel and loved it, but didn't think it was a good place for singles.

Thanks for any advice/tips!

I think you will love a vacation on Siesta. Yes, I always tell people it has that "Margaritaville" vibe, with it's bustling little village area and big drum circle on the beach. As SoFLGal says though, it gets crazy during season with all the visitors, but maybe you are looking for that busy vibe? (don't worry, nothing like Miami crazy- lol!)

Lots of places in the area for kayaking - there are kayak tours and kayak rental places, here is a link to a paddleboard place:

Sarasota Paddleboard Company

There are no gyms I know of near the beach, but there is a Gold's Gym on Bee Ridge, not too terrible far from Siesta I believe.

Anna Maria Island and the Bradenton Beaches are also very nice, plenty of funky little beach eateries, more "Old Florida" style, maybe just a tad less people during the winter (although it gets crowded, this place really got "discovered" this past year due to magazine articles!) Great for walking/biking, etc. Siesta is probably more your thing, though. Sanibel beautiful, but too old for you.

Have fun, hope this helps!

[angelfish]

There was a gym on Siesta last I heard, Siesta Key Fitness Center I believe it's still there. Siesta sounds like a good fit, just keep in mind the "village" isn't really a village, and very small, but you have everything there you need.

[Ladywithafan]

I'd hang out there if I didn't have to work!

[Trails]

Wow,

Really great responses! The idea of vacationing on Siesta for a week is a good one, then to go from there. And the info the the Legacy Trail sounds like exactly what I was looking for! A 12 mile trail! Perfect.

Thanks also for the info on the Paddleboard place. Looks like there are at least a few people who enjoy this (talk about a workout!). And the Siesta Key Fitness center looks small but perfect for my needs. As far as Siesta getting a busy during season, that is fine. I just wasn't looking for the Miami vibe.

Great advice from everyone!

[Big House]

Originally Posted by Trails

Wow,

Really great responses! The idea of vacationing on Siesta for a week is a good one, then to go from there. And the info the the Legacy Trail sounds like exactly what I was looking for! A 12 mile trail! Perfect.

Thanks also for the info on the Paddleboard place. Looks like there are at least a few people who enjoy this (talk about a workout!). And the Siesta Key Fitness center looks small but perfect for my needs. As far as Siesta getting a busy during season, that is fine. I just wasn't looking for the Miami vibe.

Great advice from everyone!

I always liked the paddle boards when I've seen them out on the water. How do they work though, if they are two feet under water?

[Trails]

Two feet under water? I guess that might happen from time to time, but usually you are on top of the waters surface - especially in an area like Siesta Beach where large surf / big waves don't happen everyday.

[whitesandbeachbum]

Originally Posted by Trails

Two feet under water? I guess that might happen from time to time, but usually you are on top of the waters surface - especially in an area like Siesta Beach where large surf / big waves don't happen everyday.

You'll find other paddleboarders here. Do a search on Google for paddle board Sarasota - specifically Sarasota Paddleboard Company.

Joe