Beautiful Siesta Key is an eight-mile long barrier island, off the central western coast of Florida and located between Sarasota Bay and the Gulf of Mexico. Just 55 miles south of Tampa, it has two bridges connecting the key to Sarasota so you''re never far from the action, just far enough.

Siesta Key boasts three beaches, each with soft, powdery crystal-white sand that stays cool to the touch all year long. For public beach goers, there''s Siesta Beach which is within walking distance of Siesta Village where you''ll find shops, sidewalk cafes and restaurants to suit every taste. There''s also Turtle Beach and the private Crescent Beach.

Temperatures in the area range from highs in the 80''s and lows in the 60''s from April through June and again from September through November. December through March is the cooler season with highs in the 70''s and lows in the 50''s while July and August are the hotter months with highs in the 90''s and lows in the 70''s. No matter what time of year you''re in Siesta Key, the weather will be generally sunny and great for outdoor activities.

You can charter a boat for sailing or sport fishing, rent jet skis, go parasailing or take a kayak tour. If you prefer to stay dry, try one of the many golf courses in the area. Of course you may want to just lie on the beach and soak up the sunshine or enjoy the undulating surf in the Gulf of Mexico.

If you can''t wait to stay on the beach, Tropical Shores on Crescent Beach is a 3-diamond resort with four styles of rooms from which to choose, including a mini-efficiency, a one or two-bedroom suite, or the most popular option, a deluxe efficiency. Each choice has a fully-stocked kitchen and beach towels are provided so you don''t have to worry about bringing your own and doing laundry. There''s shuffleboard, a pool, Tiki Hut BBQ areas and it''s only a one-minute walk from gorgeous Crescent Beach. Take a virtual tour at www.tropicalshores.com or call them at 941-349-3330 or 800-235-3493 for reservations.

For a super place to eat, complete with wild parakeets in the coconut palms outside, drive or go by boat on the Intracoastal Waterway to Turtles Restaurant, located on Little Sarasota Bay. If you choose, you can dine on their deck overlooking the Bay. Located at 8875 Midnight Pass Road, Sarasota, Florida, Chef Julian Ortega features a different fresh catch daily, but grouper is most always on the menu in the form of salads, sandwiches, medallions and bites. Various steaks, salads and seafood and even a children''s menu, along with pictures of Turtles Restaurant can be seen at www.turtlesrestaurant.com or give them a call at 941-346-2207.

For the perfect beach vacation, try Siesta Key. It''s hard to resist the super soft sand and balmy breezes you''ll find there.