Where is the best place to watch the sunset at Siesta Key?
Where is the best place to watch the sunset at Siesta Key?
Siesta key sunsets are well-known for their stunning vibrancy and view of the horizon. However, where is the best place to watch the sunset at Siesta Key? As a photographer in Siesta Key, I have become extremely familiar with the best sunset views on the island.
Anywhere along the beach in Siesta Key is going to provide an incredible gulf coast view of the westward setting sun.
One of the main viewing areas of the sunset in siesta key is the main public beach located at:
948 Beach Road
Siesta Key, FL 34242,
Because there is a drum circle that occurs daily starting at 10am. Additionally, you will also find amenities like restrooms, showers spacious parking lot, concessions and a playground.
| Location | Key Points | Parking |
| Access 7 & 8 | Sometimes less crowded than main public beach, great view of the sunset | Free parking lot |
| Point of Rocks | Less crowds, tide pools, interesting rocks | Must park at nearby access 12 and walk, limited free parking available |
| Crescent Beach | Amazing sunset view, quiet and less crowded | Limited street parking |
| Lido Key | Amazing sunset view and walkable to St. Armand’s circle for dinner and shopping | Paid parking lot and street parking |
| Turtle Beach | Low crowds, amenities such as restrooms and picnic | Spacious free parking lot |
| Main Public Beach | Most lively and crowded but has drum circle and lots of amenities, great sunset view | Spacious free parking lot |
What time to watch the sunset in siesta key?
The best time to watch the sunset in Siesta Key is 15 minutes before sunset and 15 minutes after. Because that it is when sunset is at peak vibrancy.
Golden hour occurs the hour before sunset and it is the best time for beach photography.
Importantly, it is recommended to arrive at least 30 minutes before sunset to ensure you can secure a good spot.
| Season | Sunset Times |
| Winter | 5:45PM-6:30PM |
| Spring | 7:35PM-8:20PM |
| Summer | 8:00PM-8:30PM |
| Fall | 5:35PM-7:15PM |
How to photograph the sunset in Siesta Key?
Tips to photograph the sunset in siesta key include, shooting on ISO 100-200, using a wide angle lens and adjust the shutter speed accordingly.
- Low ISO 100-200
- Wide angle lens
- Wide depth of field f8-f16
- Use a tripod
- Adjust shutter speed as light fades
Take note, that it is best to shoot on manual mode to achieve the best sunset photography with a camera.
Also, some photographers like to use a Neutral Density filter on their lens. Also known as an ND filter, these filters reduce the amount of light that passes through the lens without shifting the colors.
What is so special about Siesta Key sunsets?
With hashtags like #siestakeysunset and #siestakeybeach being used on thousands of social media posts, it’s clearly a destination worth writing home about.
The island of Siesta Key has gulf facing views of the setting sun that paint the sky with stunning colors that both locals and tourists have described as a spiritual sight to behold.
It’s hard to say where the best place to watch a sunset at Siesta Key is because any Siesta Key sunset is unforgettable.