Siesta Key Florida

#1 Beach in USA, Siesta Key Beach, Hosts Largest Annual Valentines Day Vow Renewal Ceremony

Find Passion in Sarasota During the Romantic Month of February

SARASOTA, Fla. (January, 2012) --  February is a magical time of year when Valentine’s Day inspires romantics from all over to travel to Sarasota County, Florida to say “I do” one more time during a special beachside vow renewal ceremony, or to luxuriate at one of Sarasota’s many hotels and resorts. With this exquisitely romantic event for visiting couples, Sarasota makes it impossible not to say YES beachside at sunset on “heart day” and experience the abundance of performing and visual arts, fine dining and inspiring natural beauty of the destination.

Say “I Do” Again in Sarasota County on Valentine’s Day

Every year on Valentine’s Day, over 500 couples gather on Siesta Key Beach in Sarasota – one of the only places in the world where the soft, sugary sand is 99 percent pure quartz – to renew their vows of marriage in a romantic beachside ceremony at sunset.  The "Say 'I Do' Again: A Renewal of Marriage Vows" event takes place at 6:00 pm on Tuesday, February 14, and is open to anyone who would like to attend – locals and visitors alike.  As the sun sinks over the crystal waters of Siesta Key, couples dig their toes into the sugary-white shores and reaffirm promises given on their wedding days.

Check out images from last year's ceremony.

Siesta Key Beach offers a scenic spot for photos, and after the ceremony couples can enjoy live music, a long walk on the beach, a beach-side barbecue or can join in the Valentine Stroll to Siesta Key Village, where shopkeepers stay open and there are plenty of outdoor cafes for a romantic Valentine’s Day meal.

While registration is not mandatory, couples can pre-register for event by calling 941-861-7275, and with a $5 registration fee will receive a special personalized certificate and flowers.   For more information, go to www.sarasotagov.com

A Warm Welcome from Siesta Key Beach

The #1 beach in the USA, Siesta Key Beach, has a new welcome sign for all to enjoy.   In mid-January, Sarasota County Commissioners were all smiles sporting their “#1 Beach” t-shirts standing alongside the brand new sign.  Now, visitors and residents alike will have a chance to have their picture taken next to the sign to memorialize their visit to one of Sarasota County’s famed treasures.  

Check out the rest of the unveiling here!

The 8-foot-by-4-foot sign is located at the beachside entrance of the main pavilion.  The sign was designed as a postcard and conveniently located so visitors and residents could pose for photos next it. The reverse side of the sign carries the message, “Wish you were here at the #1 beach in the USA!”

The Commissioners were all sporting their own "Siesta #1 Beach" shirts and wanted to share the shirt decals with the public!

Download and display the Siesta Beach #1 badge now!

Can't make it to the beach? If you would like a copy of the sign for youself to share with others, just donwload the pdf version of it by clicking here!

Relax on Siesta Key Beach - America's #1 Beach

About Siesta Key Beach

Siesta Key Beach is central Sarasota's gateway to the sparkling waters of the Gulf of Mexico, an island that combines luxurious amenities with a relaxed vibe that appeals to both visitors and locals.

On the east side of this eight-mile long barrier island is Sarasota Bay and Florida's intracoastal waterway. It's a scenic trail for boaters interested in exploring the mangrove forests that dot the area, dropping a line for snook or pompano, or cruising to Sarasota's dockside restaurants and pubs. On the island's west side are Siesta Key's glorious white sand beaches -- ranked number one in the world in 2011 by Dr. Beach -- and the calm waters of the Gulf. Take an early morning walk while dipping your toes in the surf; build sand castles, search for shells and soak up the warm sunshine in the afternoon; then find a comfortable spot in to view the postcard-perfect moment when the sun dips below the horizon and paints the sky in strokes of red and orange.

There's more to Siesta Key than just beaches and water. This island is a destination for all who stay or live in the Sarasota area thanks to the wide variety of entertainment and dining options that stretch its length. On the north end, a short walk from one of Siesta's large expanses of public beach, lies Siesta Key Village. In the village's quaint few blocks you'll find dozens of shops that cater to the island lifestyle, offering necessities like groceries and hardware alongside souvenirs and bathing suits. Siesta Key Village restaurants -- most with large, open-air dining -- range from pancake and egg joints to award-winning fine dining spots. No matter how fancy, though, dress codes are always casual: Sandals are not only allowed, they're expected.

Down at the south end of Siesta Key you'll find more restaurants, shops and public beaches, as well as marina and boat rental facilities. Within minutes, you can putter in a pontoon boat or slice through waves in a high-powered jet ski. Try parasailing for more high-flying adventure, where you'll experience a unique view of Siesta Key while suspended from a parachute over 100 feet in the air. Or exercise more than just your sense of wonder by renting a bike or a kayak to explore the island on your own.

Siesta Key accommodations range from the simplicity of a hotel to the convenience of a week-long (or more) rental. From cozy, beach-side cottages outfitted with the basics to posh condominium complexes complete with every amenity imaginable, there's an option for all visitors and budgets. Campers and recreational vehicles can set up a few feet from the sand in the unique, publicly-owned campground at the quiet Turtle Beach on the south side of the island. Of course, no matter where you choose to stay, Siesta Key Beach is always just a short walk away.

Casual and beautiful, home to some of the world's best beaches, and a short drive to all that greater Sarasota has to offer, Siesta Key is an ideal spot to spend a lazy afternoon or an extended stay.