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If the perfect vision of water, sand, and sun is what you seek, you can find it on Siesta Key. e narrow barrier island stretches just eight miles from tip to toe, but the legends of these sands linger far past the beaches. Recently Dr. Beach and TripAdvisor.com rated Siesta Key the #1 beach in the United States. Siesta Key's sand proves remarkably so and brilliantly white, with a bev y of crushed white quartz that paints a masterpiece with the turquoise hues of the Gulf of Mex ico. Accent the image with tropical foliage and incredible weather for the ideal image of a beach escape to a tropical paradise. Today, the mystic destination continues to draw almost 400,000 visitors ever y year. It's the perfect locale to take advantage of Florida's year-round weather with ever ything from fishing and sightseeing charters to watersports equipment rentals. K nown as the "cradle of the ocean," Siesta Key is a subtropical estuar y home to more than 1,400 native plants and animals. Mangroves and reefs are abundant and fishermen can delight in the myriad of snook, tarpon and sea trout. In the Siesta Key Village, you' ll find unique items from talented local artisans. A fine Saturday morning farmers market, pleasantly busy retail district in the village, and a smaller version at the Siesta South shopping area offer pleasant excursions. Living here is nothing short of laid back. Here is a place where bathing suits are an acceptable aire for any occasion. A variety of habitats speck le the island including grand, waterfront estates, condominiums and Key West-style coages and bungalows all var ying in bright colors and hues. e historic and upscale Sanderling Club showcases rich and diverse architecture, some of the best work from the famed Sarasota School of A rchitecture's Paul Rudolph. e Sanderling Club has made it its mission to not only preser ve the histor y of its architecture, but also its Florida ecolog y in order to give its residents a true replication of Old Florida living. 36 | FLORIDA HOMES MAGAZINE I WHERE TO EAT Captain Cur t's Crab and Oyster Bar. Serving seafood favorites and delectable drinks in an old Florida laid-back atmosphere. captaincur ts.com WHAT TO DO CB's Saltwater Outfitters has everything you need for a day on the water from boat rentals to fishing char ters to parasailing and wave runner rentals. cboutfitters.com PLACES TO STAY The Hyatt Siesta Key Beach features 33 grand residences, with a Cabana Cantina that serves nibbles and drinks, both poolside and beachside. hyatt.com. e Saturday morning farmer's market is a regular spot for visitors and locals. SIESTA KEY D est inat ion

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