Category Archives: Florida

The Number One Beach in the U.S.

The Number One Beach in the U.S.

The Number One Beach in the U.S. is Siesta Beach at Siesta Key. We stayed at Siesta Key for a month enjoying the great beaches. To our surprise, we found this small island or key had very different beaches to be enjoyed. We went to the different beaches depending on what we were in the mood for. Down the street from our house was a small beach.

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Very small beach

Often we were the only people on the beach. This beach had no facilities, only a small sandy area with enough room for chair and umbrellas. I think the biggest crowd that we encountered was four other people. The sand was much like the any other and there were rocky areas.

The Number One Beach in the U.S.
Some of the locals at the small beach

I drove to the southern end of the key to Turtle Beach. Turtle Beach has dark sand from the shells mixed in it. We loved Turtle Beach for that reason. It was a great place to find different kinds of shells.

The Number One Beach in the U.S.
Turtle Beach

What we found at Turtle Beach was a more narrow beach with a steeper climb from the beach to the parking area. It did offer different things from the others. I guess I would call it a more active area. They have volley ball, horse shoes and lots of fishing options. But I guess I liked it best for the quite walks looking for shells and shark teeth.

The Number One Beach in the U.S.
looking for shells

We now move to The Number One Beach in the U.S., Siesta Beach. I could not believe this beach. This beach is the widest beach that I have ever seen.

The Number One Beach in the U.S.
Very wide beach area

I was surprised to find the sand to be cool, even on the hottest days. Because the sand is 99% pure quartz. The reason I think Siesta is the perfect beach getaway is because of this sand. All the other things are just icing on the cake. Siesta has volley ball nets, tennis courts, playgrounds for children, shaded picnic areas, a store for beach supplies,  lots of parking spaces and a great concession area.

The Number One Beach in the U.S.
wide sandy beach
The Number One Beach in the U.S.
Enjoying the cool sand
Nice concession area overlooking beach and volleyball courts
enjoying food from the concession stand

I of course enjoyed the surprisingly good food at the concession stand. Without needing  to say it, I tried their nachos and they were good. Another thing you need to know is that it is legal to drink alcohol on the beach. The concession sells several different drinks. We never saw a problem from this. Lifeguards are on duty year round and there is a police present at all times in the beach area.

One of the things I liked best was the sunsets. We stayed a watched the sun set into the gulf most evenings.

The Number One Beach in the U.S.
A grat Siesta sunset

 

 

 

The Old Salty Dog

The Old Salty Dog

I found The Old Salty Dog Restaurant to be a good place to eat in Siesta Key. We stopped by the Old Salty Dog our first week at Siesta Key for an early dinner.

The Old Salty Dog
Our First visit

I had the traditional English fish and chips which were great.

The Old Salty Dog
Fish and Chips

My wife had the Captain’s Plate, which is a filet of Mahi with shrimp and two sides.

The Old Salty Dog
Captain’s plate

We enjoyed sitting at the Old Salty Dog, eating our food and enjoying the view around us. The restaurant has open air seating beside the sidewalk allowing you to enjoy the warm breezes and a view of the area. With the word Dog in its name, you know that they would have hot dogs on the menu.  The Salty Dog has two hot dogs on the menu one is a regular hot dog, but the other is a beast. I think the people from Hillbilly Hot Dogs may have consulted with them. It’s called “Our Famous Salty Dog”. I read about it and wanted to try it but in the end common sense won and I passed on it.

The next week my brother and sister-in -law came down to stay a few days with us. We told them about the Old Salty Dog and we decided to go there for dinner.

Our second trip
The Old Salty Dog
Brother and Sister-in-law

The Ladies ordered hamburgers.

Hamburger

My Brother-in-law and I decided to tackle The Old Salty Dog.

Brother-in-law facing the challenge

I have to warn you this is not just a big hot dog. The wiener is dipped in batter and is then deep fried.  We decided to go a step further. We order the Loaded Salty Dog, which comes with Sauerkraut, Bacon, Grilled Onions and Mushrooms and three cheeses. After going through the items on this giant hot dog, I have to include the picture one more time.

The Old Salty Dog
Yes this is a Hot Dog

How did we do? Well, we clean our plates and we were glad to know we had stomach pills back at the Air BnB house if needed.