CONTACT
1.888.941.RENT

logo ×

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Is it just us or are the days flying by faster than ever before? We blink, and spring has sprung, we sneeze, and the long hot days of summer have begun, and when we turn our heads, it is fall, and the big holidays have arrived, whether we are ready for them or not. Thanksgiving is just around the corner, and if you don’t want a repeat of last year when grandma fell asleep in her mashed potatoes and you wore your body down with all the work that goes along with it, this is the year you should think about all the reasons Sarasota is the perfect Thanksgiving vacation destination. Our RentTheKeys holiday hideaways will provide a sanctuary you will actually be thankful for!

We’ll Say It Again & Again: This Way to the Beach!

Close your eyes and imagine this scenario. You awaken at a decent time on Thanksgiving morning, the sun gently peeking in the windows, and as you stretch luxuriously, knowing there are no chores awaiting you and no grumpy relatives complaining about the meal that took days to prepare, you realize that for the first time in a very long time you are completely rested. Looking out the window, perhaps in your oceanside escape, you see turquoise waters, white sand beaches, and palm trees swaying in the fall breezes. It is still warm this late in the year, with air temperatures running in the high 70s and water temperatures following close behind, and although you may feel it is a little too cool for swimming, this Thanksgiving morning does provide the perfect opportunity for sun worshipping and relaxation. At home, those grumpy relatives may be wearing winter coats, and the first snowstorm of the season may be taking place, but here in sunny Sarasota, our tropical paradise invites you to throw on your swimsuit and make your way to the beaches that make us so popular with travelers from all over the world.

Memorial Day Getaway in Sarasota, Florida

But What About the Feast?

Just because you are skipping Thanksgiving at home, it doesn’t mean you have to give up the feast that accompanies it, especially as there will be a large selection of restaurants in Sarasota open for business and waiting to prepare, serve, and clear away the meal that has been your greatest love and worst enemy over the years. We’ve listed some of  our favorites below, but trust us, there are many more, so if something catches your eye during your stay, be sure to ask if they will be open!

Starting Christmas

It’s a fact of life that no sooner than you finish the last bite of pumpkin pie and sip your final sip of mulled wine, the Christmas season begins, and in Sarasota, it may have started even sooner. Many of our local neighborhoods may have already hung their Christmas decorations, eager for Christmas to finally arrive, so we encourage guests to get in their cars and tour the local neighborhoods, perhaps amazed that our tropical paradise can be so wintry festive. If you are still around on Monday, SRQ Trolley begins its annual Holiday Tour of Lights, taking its guests to where the lights are sparkling the brightest, and because they offer four different sizes of trolley, large groups can be assured they will be able to ride together. We really can’t think of any better way to get in the holiday spirit than this tour of lights!

florida keys christmas

Happy Thanksgiving from RentTheKeys!

Your favorite moments, however, may be the ones you spend relaxing in our RentTheKeys holiday hideaways. Prepare the turkey in our fully equipped kitchens, watch the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade on state of the art televisions, and dream about those sugarplums in some of the most comfortable beds in the state. Our properties become homes when you and your family are residing within. Contact us and reserve your favorite escape today!

Just because you are extending your summer adventures a little later into the next season, it doesn’t mean you won’t want to participate in the traditional fall holidays during your Sarasota getaway, especially at Halloween. We may be offering a paradise of white sand beaches, turquoise waters, and sunny days, but your kids won’t care one bit (and may even become a bit unpleasant to deal with) if trick-or-treating is not a part of this Halloween vacation equation! Today, we at RentTheKeys are taking our guests on a sweet journey that will help keep their child/parent relationships on an even quota with this guide to the best places to trick-or-treat in Sarasota.

Goblin Gathering at GT Bray Park, October 11, 5-8 PM

The fun thing about Halloween is it is a holiday that can, and usually is, celebrated all month, and if you traveling here on October 11th with your family, your littles will appreciate this first chance to try out their costumes and score some treats. This free event offers a costume contest, treats being passed out by local businesses, and even free admittance into a bounce house, ensuring that your first foray into the holiday will be a fun and exciting one for your tiniest travelers.

Haunted Trails at Oscar Scherer State Park, October 18-19, 1843 South Tamiami Trail in Osprey

A small road trip will bring you to a couple of nights of spooktacular fun, offering a kids’ trick-or-treat trail featuring booths, activities, and interactive games as well as candy for your costumed adventurers. The Little Monster Manor is a fun house providing spooky thrills for the pint-sized bunch, and the S’mores Station is destined to be your favorite part of the entire family. Also offering haunts and thrills for the older travelers, this wonderful event is a treat for the entire family!

Nathan Benderson Park Trick-or-treat on the Lake, October 29, 5:30-8 PM

Everyone is invited to participate in this fun trick-or-treating experience taking place on Regatta Island at Nathan Benderson Park. Offering a candy trail providing booths that provide games, crafts, and so much more, this event also features storytelling, live music, and a Halloween film being played on a large video screen. And because this is a children’s event, we can promise that the movie won’t be inappropriately gory or scary, as no one wants to traumatize any tiny tots, they just want to provide a safe and fun Halloween experience. This event is free but does cost $10 per car for parking.

Candy Carnival at Oasis Church, October 31, 6-8:30 PM, 5215 Lorraine Road in Bradenton

This next free trick-or-treating event, or in this case, trunk or treating, is a favorite for children of all ages, offering a huge selection of Halloween themed activities that celebrate the holiday the right way. Face painting, carnival games, and an interactive hayride are just some of the exciting activities you and your family can participate in between chowing down on popcorn and hotdogs, and its family photo booth will give you a souvenir of your Sarasota vacation that is so much better than key chains or coffee mugs. All the candy can give kiddos an extra dose of the wiggles, and that is ok, because the rock climbing wall, inflatable obstacle course, bungee trampoline, toddler bounce house, and inflatable slide will tire them out again, and we can almost promise that the drive back to your RentTheKeys retreat will be quiet as they will be asleep before you even start the engine.

Downtown Venice Halloween Strut, October 31, 4:30-6:30, Downtown Venice

Venice is known for its shark teeth beaches and this family friendly Halloween event in which all ages are invited to participate, dressing up in their favorite costumes to enjoy trunk or treating, kid friendly music provided by DJ Steve, games, candy, and so much more. And if you really want to celebrate right, arrive early, leave early, and head over to the Candy Carnival at Oasis (details above) for the second Halloween adventure of the night; the timing works out just about perfect, as the Halloween Strut ends about 30 minutes after the candy carnival begins.

Welcome to the Neighborhood

Many of our RentTheKeys sanctuaries are located in family neighborhoods, ensuring that little goblins and ghouls will be roaming the streets in search of treats, so why not join in the fun? Everyone knows the best candy is served by moms and dads who want to be known as the “cool house” on Halloween, and when the kids get tired and dad has to piggyback them home, their bedrooms are just a short walk away. Contact us and reserve your favorite holiday hideaway today!

Life is so chaotic, hectic, and loud, and sometimes all we want to do is run away to somewhere peaceful, serene, and quiet, and this fall, if that feeling overcomes you, we suggest a journey to Sarasota. Fall is our quiet season, a time when most travelers are getting back into the swing of things with school, work, and their preparations for the big three holidays that take place in the end months of each year, and the mood of Sarasota changes greatly. Beaches offer a tranquil respite, with more square feet of sand being available for play, lines at restaurants shorten, and more of our RentTheKeys seasonal sanctuaries are open for business, giving travelers a better chance of finding the property that speaks to their soul; this guide to vacationing during the quiet season in Sarasota will paint the picture of a peaceful getaway your soul needs.

Feel the Difference?

If you have ever traveled to Sarasota in the summer months, your fall getaway may be a surprise. Yes, the temperatures are still warm enough for swimming, meaning beach days will be on your itinerary, but that steamy heat, the sensation that you have stepped into a hot tub with no water, is gone. Humidity adds to the heat and although we love our Florida hometown no matter what the weather is like, we do get excited when the air dries out and we can play outside without feeling as if we need to take a bath. This decreased moisture makes fall the time we look forward to every year and when you visit, you too will want to spend as much time outside as possible.

A Taste Tour of Sarasota

This quiet season may be a bit too quiet for local restaurants, and as such, they use this time to create new recipes, offering new menus that may be lower priced than the ones they use at the height of the season. This is the time of year when guests don’t experience long waits at the most popular restaurants, helping keep temper tantrums from hangry children (and occasionally spouses) at bay. Owen’s Fish Camp, 516 Burns Court in downtown Sarasota, is one of our more popular restaurants, offering a dining experience that is both fun and delicious, and although there may still be lines at the dinner hour on weekends (we locals LOVE this spot), they will be shorter, and it won’t take long to be seated at your table tucking into the best seafood dinner you have enjoyed in a long time! For those who have a taste for the finer meals, September 21, the Sarasota Opera Annual Food & Wine Festival comes to town, offering an opportunity to sample the foods and wines of many of the best restaurants in Sarasota and Manatee counties, an event we recommend everyone should attend.

More Events to Enjoy

We can’t help it. When the temperatures cool down, we want to play outside as much as possible, and some of the festivals and events offered in these late summer early fall months help us do just that. The Sarasota Water Lantern Festival, held October 19th at Nathan Benderson Park, is a peaceful event that adds to your quiet enjoyment of the season, and in November, although the crowds start to pick up again, the Chalk Festival featuring the temporary art of artists from all over the world will make you fall in love with color and flair. Held on Pineapple Avenue November 8 through November 11, we promise this adventure will be your favorite. Additionally, the Sarasota Medieval Fair is held November 2 through December 1, bringing a touch of “huzzah!” to your vacation activities and is something we try to attend every year, recommending it to all of our friends.

Spend Less, Save More

Shop owners, vacation property owners, and restaurant owners  may appreciate the lull, but they still need to pay the rent and as such, they often offer great deals that your bank account will greatly appreciate, Celebrate the quiet moments with shopping sprees in St. Armands Circle, offering unique boutiques, charming restaurants, and a beautiful park that will have you wanting to celebrate the moderate temperatures as well. This exclusive shopping district would cost you much more if you were to visit in the busy season, so feel free to shop ‘til you drop, knowing you would have spent much more money if you had come any other time of year!

Retreat to RentTheKeys

Offering the quiet you crave and the peace you need, our seasonal sanctuaries will bring you joy during this beautiful quiet vacation. Sleep in late and go to bed even later, enjoy family barbecues and personal pool parties, and wake up every morning knowing that this fall escape was one you will never forget. Contact us and reserve your favorite today and feel the RentTheKeys difference.

The nation is divided on when to start the new school year, with some parts waiting until September to ring the first bell and other parts not seeing anything wrong with starting in the middle of August. But all of the nation is united when it comes to celebrating what is often considered the last big weekend of the summer, and no matter where you hail from, a Labor Day getaway in Sarasota is destined to offer all the ways to celebrate, relax, and feel pampered and spoiled. And that last part is where we at RentTheKeys come into the picture, offering the homes you can’t live without and ensuring that this vacation will be one that helps you get into the swing of things during the crazy school year that is about to begin.

The 76th Annual Labor Day Regatta, September 1 & 2

Sailing regattas may seem a little foreign to those who don’t live near the sea, but for us, they can be an integral part of our everyday life with the 76th Annual Labor Day Regatta being one of our favorite events. You don’t have to be a sailor to enjoy this event sponsored by the Sarasota Sailing Squadron, just being able to watch the graceful vessels skimming across the waters is enough for most people, but if you DO sail and you think you might be interested, we encourage you to check it out. Hundreds of sailors from all over the nation participate in this event that takes place at City Island (1717 Ken Thompson Parkway) and is absolutely free for spectators.

Florida Highwaymen, Selby Gardens, 1534 Mound Street, September 1-15

The Florida Highwaymen were a group that consisted of 26 black artists that specialized in painting Florida land and seascapes starting in the 1950s, and due to the subject matter, it is only fitting that Selby Gardens is offering this exhibition of some of the best of their work. The artists were mostly self-taught and the environment in the nation in the 1950s and 60s kept them from being able to show in local galleries, which meant that most men sold their works from the trunks of their cars. Filled with color and that unique Florida vibe, the Florida Highwaymen artwork is a true complement to the gardens that are always on display.

Venice Craft Festival, September 1, Downtown Venice with Free Parking Offered at Miami Avenue West

The island town of Venice, Florida is located just under 20 miles south of our Sarasota hometown and is home to the Venice Craft Festival. Featuring the works of local artists who work in a variety of genres, including ceramics, jewelry, and stained glass in addition to paint and photography, this wonderful event opens at 10 AM and closes at 4 PM. Offering a  great chance to find some exciting souvenirs, you may want to stay for the entire day, taking some time to check out Caspersen Beach, a beach that has made Venice known as the Shark’s Tooth Capital of the World!”

Savoring a Taste Tour of Sarasota

The best vacations are often remembered not just for the sites visited or the comforts experienced, but also for the foods we devoured during our explorations of the area and Sarasota is also known as a foodie’s paradise. Starting out your day right inside the doors of a brightly painted yellow cottage known as the Breakfast House, located at 1817 Fruitville Road, taking a break from a beautiful beach morning to explore the cuisine at 1592/Wood Fired Kitchen & Cocktails for lunch (1592 Main Street). At dinner, your choices are plentiful in this town where white sand beaches compete for attention with local restaurants, but if we had to choose just one, we would absolutely recommend Indigenous. Located at 239 S Links Avenue, Indigenous is an all-American restaurant serving foods that are, well, indigenous to the area, and although their menu changes regularly (often on a daily basis) we can’t praise their quality, taste, and creativity highly enough.

Relaxing with RentTheKeys

The school year, whether it is just about to begin or has already been in session for a few weeks, is always hectic, crazy, and overscheduled, so why not take this last getaway of the summer to relax and rejoice in the comforts found in our RentTheKeys vacation sanctuaries? Swimming in private pools located in screened-in lanais, playing pool in air-conditioned game rooms, gathering with the family on the comfiest couches in the state watching summer movies on state of the art televisions (Hey 80s movies fans, Eddie Murphy is back in a new Beverly Hills Cop movie and it offers all the magic the first 3 provided all of those years ago) and watching the sunset from cushioned chairs that overlook the sea. All of these experiences will help you relax and prepare for the next 8 months of fun. Contact us and reserve your favorite escape today!

You may have noticed that it is getting dark a little sooner each day, that mornings offer a hint of cool, and that the stores are filled with dorm essentials and back to school signs, and just like that, the carefree days of summer are coming to an end. It isn’t too late, however, to get in one last vacation, to plan a getaway to a place where summer springs eternal and comfort is key. If a back-to-school vacation in Sarasota sounds like something that would interest you, choosing RentTheKeys will ensure this vacation will never let you down, offering an adventure filled with fun and memories that you will not be forgotten, and this guide will help you fill all the empty spaces on your itinerary.

The Beaches Await

Going back to school with a golden tan is easy to do after a vacation in Sarasota, especially when you spend much of your time enjoying the white sand beaches we are known for. There are many beaches to explore. Sarasota Beach is popular with families, but if you want to experience the whitest sands in Florida, Siesta Beach on nearby Siesta Key promises to make all your dreams come true, with its sands being created from Appalachian Quartz that has been eroded into a fine powder over thousands of years. Looking for a beachy experience that will excite the imagination of your thrill seeking youngsters? The beaches of Venice, a small town located just a few miles south of Sarasota, is billed as the Shark Tooth Capital of the world and upon occasion has even been known to give up a real treasure, the giant tooth of a Megalodon. 

Life Is a Walk in the Park

There is nothing more family friendly than spending some time at the park and even though summer is drawing to a close on the calendar, in Sarasota the summer extends nearly year round, so we suggest a visit to Sarasota Bayfront Park. Located at 5 Bayfront Drive and offering a playground and picnic pavilions, it is the splash pad that will help keep the kiddos cool and the opportunity to go kayaking and canoeing that will ensure the entire family has an adventure they will love.

Family Friendly Restaurants

It can be difficult finding restaurants in which parents feel comfortable taking their children, but in Sarasota most restaurants are child friendly, including the ones we have listed below.

Anita’s Restaurant, 441 S Tamiami Trail

If some of your fondest memories are of breakfasts enjoyed at your grandma’s table, a visit to Anita’s Restaurant will transport you back to those happy times. Offering an eclectic menu filled with classic breakfast dishes with a few elevated options tossed in for good measure, including Black Truffle Steak & Eggs and a Greek Breakfast Wrap. Anita’s offers a laidback vibe and the prices on their menu range between 10 and 20 dollars.

Bob’s Train, 2211 Fruitville Road

We seriously doubt that there is a more family friendly restaurant in the entire state than Bob’s Train, mostly because the restaurant IS a train. Comprised of four railroad cars, the oldest was John and Mabel Ringling’s, built in 1916, the restaurant serves as a restaurant and a museum with its walls covered with pictures of Ringling history. The menu is an all-American one, offering burgers, sandwiches, and salads, and although it is not open for breakfast, they do offer a Sunday brunch, offering a wonderful selection of omelets and other classic breakfast dishes.

Beach House Waterfront Restaurant, 200 Gulf Drive N in Bradenton

Offering a sustainable and locally sourced menu, the food served at the Beach House will delight the palate and the views will delight the soul. The menu is seafood-centric, but it also offers burgers and other land lubbers’ meals, something that every parent will appreciate as children don’t often seem impressed with seafood. Their grouper sandwich, however, is something we can promise nearly everyone will love, sourced from the seas that surround us and tasting sweet, fresh, and delicious.

The Quiet Moments with RentTheKeys

As you explore all that Sarasota has to offer, (we recommend checking out Mote Aquarium as well, even if it didn’t make the list here) in the back of your mind, thoughts of all the fun and comfort you have found at home with RentTheKeys will dance through your mind. Our homes and condos are designed to be an integral part of your vacation experience, offering high-end amenities and rental fees that are surprisingly reasonable for such a popular tourist destination. Providing a soft place to land, exhausted travelers will soon be rested and revived, waking each morning feeling ready to face all the wonders Sarasota has to offer. Contact us and reserve your favorite back to school escape today!

You don’t have to go in the water during your beach vacation in Sarasota, but if you don’t you will miss out on a great number of adventures that would enhance your vacation experience. Offering a carefree vibe and all the serenity of the sea, we at Rent the Keys have created this guide to some of our favorite on the water activities in Sarasota FL, ensuring that your daylight hours will be filled with fun and fancy. And your nighttime hours? Those will be filled with all the comforts found in our Rent the Keys Florida sanctuaries ensuring that every minute of your getaway will be ones you wish could go on forever.

Swimming

We try not to oversimplify things but in this case, we will throw caution to the wind and invite our guests to enjoy the pleasures of a morning swim or afternoon frolic. The salty waters will be warm, the sun shining down on you will be cheerful, and your soul will be at peace as you swim, float, or simply stand in the water, bobbing with the waves. Just remember, however, that sunscreen will need to be reapplied often during this and any other of the water activities listed here or risk looking like a lobster throughout your stay!

Snorkeling

Once you’re in the water, snorkeling is the next logical step, requiring only a mask, snorkel, flippers, and possibly an underwater camera to capture the sights you will want to remember for the rest of your life. Most dive shops, including Florida Underwater Sports, 6920 S. Tamiami Trail, will sell the equipment you need, ensuring a day of fun in the water will be at hand.

Stand Up Paddleboard

Once an ancient form of doing battle, today stand-up paddleboarding has become the latest Zen activity that changes the lives of all who participate and Sarasota Paddleboard Company, located on Lido Key, offers tours, equipment, and tours of mangrove tunnels that will fascinate and amaze. If you are just interested in playing by yourself, the paddleboard company will deliver the equipment to your door, giving you more time to participate in your newest obsession.

Deep Sea Fishing

Pitting wits against the denizens of the sea is an obsession for many Florida visitors, making deep sea fishing a popular sport. You could rent a boat on your own and try to find the spots where the fish are biting the hardest, or you could check out the charters we have listed below.

Ecotours

The natural beauty of the waters that edge against our Florida hometown deserve to be explored in depth and the many ecotours in the area will help you do just that, including the Sea Life Encounter Cruise offered by Sarasota Bay Explorers. Taking guests on a watery voyage that begins and ends at Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium, 1600 Ken Thompson Parkway and includes wildlife encounters, nature walks, bird watching, and hands on experiences as their wildlife specialists pull sea creatures from the waters of Sarasota Bay, tossing them back home safe and sound after your introductions.

Jet Skis

There is something wonderful about zipping around the waters of Sarasota with the power of a jet ski roaring beneath your thighs and Sunworld Watersports, Sarasota Jet Ski Rentals located at 1059 N. Tamiami Trail, offers the equipment you need for the adventure of your lifetime. Rent a jet ski for as little as 1.5 hours or as long as 4 hours and they even include a cooler filled with waters and sunscreen for no additional charge as well as providing the perfect areas to enjoy your watery experience in.

Come Home to Comfort

When the Sarasota heat gets to be too much and the sun has fallen into the sea, coming home to the comforts found in our Rent the Keys vacation escapes will be the highlight of your Florida vacation. Contact us and reserve your favorite today and discover all the ways our properties will be an integral part of your vacation experience.

As much as we admire those travelers who always seem to have it all together, planning their vacations to the tiniest detail, choosing their vacation rentals months before the trip begins, even packing an entire week before their plane is about to take off, it is the procrastinators in life that we at RentTheKeys identify with. We too know the pain of putting things off to the last minutes, leaving the house just an hour before we are supposed to be boarding and discovering that our ride share won’t be at the house for another 14 minutes. These last-minute adventures can be off putting to the planners in our lives, but when your last-minute journey takes you to the Florida Keys, we celebrate you and offer a plethora of benefits that may surprise you on your Florida Keys vacation, many of which can be found below.

Same Space, Lower Cost

Our goal is to get all our homes rented every night of the year, but there may be circumstances that keep this from happening and our open beds can be your prime opportunity as last-minute deals may be the way we cover our bases. Call it bribe to get our way, but do you really want to complain when your last minute getaway offers up the opportunity to live in the lap of luxury at a price that may seem more suited to a smaller home? Whether you forgot to plan or you simply decided on the spur of the moment that a journey to Florida was what your soul needs, you may notice that the closer available dates are the cheaper dates and although the jump in price may not be that noticeable, every little bit counts when it comes to saving money.

Siesta Key luxury rentals

No Sacrifices for Our Florida Keys Vacation

If you have ever had an unplanned or last-minute stay in a hotel, you already know that all hotel rooms are not created equal and the availability of the best rooms, the ones that look out to the sea, that offer two queen beds, and a balcony, may be slim to none. Chances are the last-minute room booked is the one that is closest to the elevators, where loud guests and the dinging of the bell that announces more are coming can keep you awake late into the night. With RentTheKeys, however, that will never be an issue as ALL of our properties are designed to be an integral part of your vacation experience. Offering a complex blend of comfort and modern amenities, the spaces, even the one that are available at the 11th hour of your vacation planning session, are the best of what we can offer, ensuring that this vacation will be one that will bring you pleasure from the first moment you step inside the door.

Want to Save More? Skip the Generic Vacation Rental Websites!

Here’s a little known secret in the travel world, one that we don’t mind sharing with our guests. Those vacation rental websites don’t just charge you for the privilege of using them, they charge the homeowners when you rent one of their properties! We don’t want to pay those fees anymore than you do, so if we can pass on the savings, encouraging you to choose Rent the Keys for a journey in comfort that you have to experience to believe, we don’t think anyone will have anything negative to say about that. So go ahead, browse our page and get the best costs for every property we offer, and this deal isn’t limited to those who wait till the last minute to book, it’s available to everyone!

What Can You Do With Little Notice? (Outdoor Edition)

Now that you have an idea of the benefits of booking at the last minute, why don’t we put some of the savings you have just incurred to good use? The activities listed below can add fun and wonder to your Florida vacation and do not require any advance notice or reservations!

Bird Watching at Myakka River State Park in Sarasota

Home to over 100 species of birds (more during winter migration) the beauty of Myakka River State Park is something that will be best enjoyed with your smart phone taking pictures and marking off all the different species you catch sight of on a variety of bird watching apps. Even if you aren’t an avid bird watcher, the trails that run through this park provides clear views of the river, the landscape, and some of the most stunning sunsets in town and is open every day of the year from 8 AM until sunset.

A Day at Siesta Beach on Siesta Key

You guessed it. There’s no need for any pre-planning to enjoy a day at Siesta Beach and many of our summer sanctuaries will offer a selection of beach gear so you won’t even need to worry about purchasing chairs, umbrellas, or coolers. Pack some sandwiches, snacks, and your favorite beverage, slip into that new swimsuit you bought as you rolled into town, and prepare for a day of carefree sun worshipping and serene adventures.

Visit Iguanaland in Punta Gorda

Located just a few miles away from your Port Charlotte home sweet vacation home, Iguanaland is open every day of the year from 10 AM until 6 PM and offers a wild selection of reptiles for your viewing pleasure. Enjoy personal encounters with the reptiles that make Iguanaland their home when you sign up for their animal encounter which could include snuggling a safe but slithery snake for those who like to live life on the wild side. Home to over 230 types of reptiles, you may never forget your first sighting of a rhinoceros iguana, which is quite honestly one of the largest we have ever seen, and although not particularly handsome, will be the star of your photo show when you arrive back home.

Last-Minute Adventures in the Keys (Indoor Edition)

There are a few things you can expect from your last-minute Florida journey, including the realization that winter is just an abstract concept that we don’t really understand, that white sand beaches are softer than normal sand beaches and cast quite a glare making sunglasses a requirement, and that rain will fall at least once (if not once a day!) during your vacation in paradise. Most often it blows out as fast as it blew in, but if you are wanting to avoid the damp, these indoor adventures require no advance planning!

Sip & Savor at the Wicked Dolphin Rum Distillery in Cape Coral

Open every day except Sunday, the wonderful staff at the Wicked Dolphin Rum Distillery don’t care if you have planned this getaway for months or if you hopped on a plane yesterday and when the rain started, thought, wouldn’t some delicious rum be a good choice right now? Offering tours of the distillery, something you will need to reserve in advance, the rum made at this wonderful spot is made in small batches, using Florida sugar, local ingredients, in an American copper pot that is actually the largest one in South Florida.

Step into the Past at the Anna Maria Island Historical Museum

Located at 402 Pine Avenue on Anna Maria Island, the AMI Historical Museum is open year-round but closed on Sundays and Mondays, and not only do you not have to worry about making advanced reservations, but you also won’t spend any of your last-minute savings because admission is free. (Donations are always accepted though) Pine Avenue is a historic street on the island, reflecting the history of Florida’s architecture with cottages that were built in the 1900s, recently restored, and currently holding local businesses, including this museum. Offering exhibits regarding our island home’s history, the gift shop is perfect for picking up some last-minute gifts for friends and family back home.

Search for Treasures at the Red Barn Flea Market in Bradenton

Closed on Mondays and located at 1707 1st Street in Bradenton, every visit to the Red Barn Flea Market promises to bring something new to your life. More than a flea market as it offers retail shops selling new merchandise, food courts, and an open-air farmers market that does not fit into this indoor category, there are over 600 shops and booths in this air-conditioned establishment. Popular year round, the air conditioning makes it a cool spot during the hottest days of summer!

A Taste of the Keys

The best vacations revolve around the meals we enjoy during our journeys and even as your Rent the Keys last minute escape offers a fully equipped kitchen, you really shouldn’t miss these local favorite restaurants. Don’t you think mom (or whoever is the chef in your family) deserves a break on vacation?

Breakfast at the Blue Dolphin Café in Longboat Key

Open every day of the week at 8 AM, there is no need to rise early to enjoy the delicious breakfast dishes served at this local hot spot. Serving traditional breakfast foods, including egg dishes, pancakes, and waffles, every bite will be your favorite; we just suggest that you arrive before 10 on weekends as that is when it is busiest. The rest of the week we only advise our guests to make sure they get there before closing time at 2 PM.

Enjoy an International Flair for Lunch at the Cuban Taste Restaurant in Port Charlotte

The Cuban Taste Restaurant not only doesn’t care if you made the decision to join them for lunch 5 minutes ago, but they also don’t accept reservations, so no pre-planning is involved. Closed on Sundays and open at 7 AM every other day of the week, this taste of Cuba is destined to be your newest obsession.

Devour a Taste of the Sea for Dinner at Shark’s Fish House Restaurant in North Port

Closed on Sundays and Mondays, Shark’s Fish House Restaurant is the only seafood restaurant on our list (ANY seafood restaurant is destined to be ideal!) offering the freshest seafood in the area for your Florida Keys Vacation. Family owned and operated and serving meals made from locally sourced ingredients, it is inexpensive, not fancy, and will make you fall in love with the fruits of the sea. For those unsure of seafood, they do offer chicken and burger options, but we encourage you to step outside your box of normal and try their specialties, discovering a passion for seafood that will stay with you forevermore.

Comfort Happens with RentTheKeys

Our homes are designed to make guests feel instantly at home, even as they are thousands of miles away from their own residences, and the difference between RentTheKeys and other vacation homes will immediately be apparent upon your first steps inside.

Plush sofas, chairs, and cloud soft beds ensure that everywhere you sit and lounge will be your favorite. Take a nap on a lazy Tuesday afternoon, sleep in late every day of your stay, and relax in all the ways you never seem to be able to do during real life. Our bedrooms will be your favorite retreat, our living rooms will be your favorite hangouts, and our dining rooms will be the center of all your favorite activities.

Offering state-of-the-art televisions, high-speed internet, and appliances that will make amateur chefs shed a tear of delight. Whether you use every modern convenience we offer or pick and choose the ones that fit your idea of vacation life best, if we have made your life easier by the end of your stay, we can consider that we have done our jobs well.

Crystal-clear pools, community hot tubs, and grilling areas (community in our condos, private in our standalone homes) will ensure that your minutes spent at home will be as fun and fulfilling as your explorations of our Florida towns, islands, and Keys. Reserve your favorite escape today!

July 4th is just around the corner, and although the celebrations we engage in today look far different than the ones that have taken place over the centuries, the underlying feeling of excitement, happiness, and pride in our country has never changed. And as summer taps on our doors, the hallways of schools are quiet and dark, many families take this all-American holiday to engage in a worldwide tradition, their annual family vacation, and if your journey brings you to Sarasota for Independence Day, all the better! This guide to the events, activities, and fun you can have during your Florida getaway also gets better when you choose RentTheKeys for your summer sanctuary!

Summer Circus Spectacular, July 3rd, Asolo Theater, 5401 Bay Shore Road

Although the Summer Circus Spectacular is a summer-long event that takes place from June 14 through August 17, their July 3rd performances will make a fantastic way to start your holiday celebrations. Every night offers something different, including contortion artists, acrobats, hair hang, and slack wire, and ticket prices are low enough $20 for adults, $15 for children 12 & under) ensures that this exciting show will easily fit into most vacation budgets. Additionally, for $5 more per ticket, guests will get admission to the Circus Galleries and the Tibbals Learning Center, so why not take this holiday to run away to the circus?

Stars, Stripes, and Rooftop Delights, July 4 at 7:00 PM, Westin Sarasota

For the best views, you always want to go up, and that includes for the best views of firework shows as well, making participation in Stars, Stripes, and Rooftop Delights an excellent choice for your July 4th celebration. Dance the night away to the beats played by one of our favorite local DJs, fall in love with the beauty of Sarasota at night, and devour an all-American BBQ buffet, while sipping refreshing cocktails and when the fire in the sky begins you will have the best seat in the house to enjoy the show! General Admission Tickets cost $130 per person and include the meal and one Welcome Drink ($50 for those under 12. If you really want to party the night away the right way, VIP Tickets include reserved seating, another round of drinks, and a Welcome Swag Bag filled with goodies; this package starts at $1500, though, so it is a bit pricey!

Rhinestone Cowgirls: Legendary Ladies of Country Music, July 4 at 7:00 PM, Florida Studio Theater

Country music is a beautifully unique American genre, and the women of country music are equally beautiful and unique, making this celebration of female country stars a perfect way to honor our country. This 90-minute show features three talented women performing covers of some of the most popular country classics, the ones sung by your favorite stars, including Tammy Wynette and Loretta Lynn. And because this is an American holiday, you might expect (and would be absolutely correct in doing so) that Independence Day, Martina McBride’s popular hit, will be played! Ticket prices start at $37 and can be reserved online at the Florida Studio Theatre website.

July 4th Bayfront Fireworks Spectacular, July 4, Sarasota Bayfront Park

To you it might seem that we took a long time to get to the heart of the matter, but to us, well, we just call it building the anticipation of a night filled with big booms and all the colors of the rainbow! The July 4th Bayfront Fireworks Spectacular is a community event that has been a local obsession for just over 10 years and is a part of the fireworks you will see at the Stars, Stripes, and Rooftop Delight event we mentioned earlier. Beginning at dusk, sometime around 9 PM, and ending approximately 30 minutes later, this show is mirrored in the waters of the Bay, doubling your fun!

July 4th with RentTheKeys

Barbecues, pool parties, and all the Bomb Drop cocktails you can drink can be the best part of your celebration when you choose to stay in and check out the amenities of your summer sanctuary. And although we can’t guarantee they will happen, nor can we guarantee that they will be sanctioned, chances are some community-based fireworks will be in your future! We love any chance to celebrate, and in Sarasota and Manatee Counties, fireworks are permitted in the neighborhoods on New Year’s Eve, New Year’s Day, and of course, the 4th of July, which makes us wonder why anyone would consider leaving the house to fight traffic and crowds when everything they need for a beautiful holiday can be found right here with us. Contact us and reserve your favorite RentTheKeys holiday hideaway and discover all the ways you can celebrate our nation’s birthday while enjoying all the comforts of home!

When you live in where summer reigns eternal, you might think it would get old after a while, but on Siesta Key, the opposite true. We love everything about the summer months, spending our days hanging out the beaches, eating all the fresh seafood we can handle, and participating in the seasonal events that take place every year, including all the fun stuff that accompanies our celebration of our nation’s birthday. If your summer journey brings you to Siesta Key for a stay in our Rent Siesta Key retreats and an exploration of everything 4th of July related, this guide to what the holiday will entail will help you fill every minute of the day with fun and fancy!

Suncoast’s Largest Food Truck Festival, July 1-3, University Town Center in Sarasota

The celebrating starts early in this part of the coast, and although Suncoast’s Largest Food Truck Festival takes place in Sarasota, it will take you just minutes to get there to participate in all the yum! Featuring over 70 food trucks—yes, you read that right, over 70—there is no way you will be able to avoid overeating, but it is a holiday, and everyone knows there are no calories in holiday food, right? The festival also offers live music to dance to and a fireworks display to ooh and ahh over, ensuring that your kickoff to the big party will be as exciting and fun as the celebrations that follow. Additionally, the stores will be open during the festival, so guests can get in a little extra shopping while they are there.

Independence Day Golf Cart Parade, Riviera Bay Community Playground in St. Petersburg

This next fun event involves a road trip, but once you see it, we think you will agree that it was more than worth the extra time! Held in the evening of July 3rd, starting at 7 PM, this parade is unlike any you have ever witnessed before, featuring a convoy of golf carts decorated in patriotic colors. There will be no marching bands and there may be some candy thrown to the viewers, we don’t know, but we do know that this free parade will tickle your funny bone and make you wish you could live here forever!

Picnic on the Beach, any Siesta Key Beach

If your kids are like ours, they awaken at dawn’s first light, eager to get to the fireworks segment of the celebration, and keeping them entertained and patient until the big event finally does arrive can be a full-time job. We have learned, however, that promising a picnic on the beach usually quiets the queries of, “Is it time yet?” If you really want to make a splash, fill your cooler with red, white, and blue foods (strawberries, mini marshmallows, and blueberries are a great start!) and deck your family out in equally patriotic-looking suits.

The Fireworks Go Boom!

There is nothing we love more than a fireworks show on 4th of July, and there will be a variety of displays going on in the area, including right here on Siesta Key. We know that our guests love choices, so we have listed a few of our favorite shows below.

Fireworks on the Lake, Nathan Benderson Park in Sarasota, July 3

We’ve looked at this from all the angles and we simply can’t see anything wrong with being able to enjoy two nights of fireworks! Fireworks on the Lake, held on July 3, is a memorable celebration of our nation’s birthday, offering not just fireworks, but music, food, beverage, and an almost overwhelming show of community friendship and support. Also offering a variety of kid-friendly activities, you won’t be disappointed when this night ends because you have another day of celebrating to do and another night of fireworks to watch on the actual holiday. 

Siesta Key Community Fireworks, July 4th, Siesta Beach at Dusk

Grab the beach chairs you probably found in the closet, fill the cooler with your favorite beverages, and head over to Siesta Beach for a night of fun and explosions. The Siesta Key Community Fireworks show is a very popular event, so be sure to arrive early, something that will be easy to do if you are staying in one of our Rent Siesta Key beachfront properties. You can just open the door and be on the white sands in minutes! The show is also visible from Crescent Beach.

Happy 4th of July from Rent Siesta Key

Finally, there will be the moments you choose not to leave your Rent Siesta Key holiday haven, hanging out by the pool, lazing on balconies that offer prime viewing of the fireworks display or of the amateur displays provided by neighbors (fireworks are legal on Independence Day in Sarasota and Manatee Counties). Proving that vacation dreams can come true and can be more magical than realized, our properties will be your favorite part of your Siesta Key getaway. Contact us and reserve your favorite today!

Summer springs eternal in Sarasota, and even as it may still be tiptoeing into your hometown in June, in Sarasota it is in full bloom, offering long lazy days best spent at the beach, the chill of air conditioning, and the salty scent of the sea. Storms begin rolling in every afternoon, only to roll back out soon after, and when your journey brings you here in June, our RentTheKeys summer sanctuaries reflect the glory of a summer day spent doing whatever you like. And in case you need more ways to fill those long and wonderful minutes of your Sarasota June vacation, this guide to the top events will help you do so in a fun and exciting way.

Summer Movie Nights, Most Sundays in June and July at CoolToday Park

The most popular events aren’t always the biggest events, and Summer Movie Nights at CoolToday Park are the perfect example! Family friendly movies are shown on the park’s scoreboard, starting at 5 PM, and as you hang out at the ballpark with your favorite traveling partner munching and sipping traditional stadium foods available for sale, you may wonder why anyone would want to watch a movie any other way!

Bradenton Boat Show, June 5-7, Bradenton Area Convention Center

Even if you live in the deserts of Arizona in real life and have absolutely no reason to buy a boat, the Bradenton Boat Show is worth a visit, offering a glimpse into a world you will want to be a part of. Offering boats, boating accessories, fishing gear, and so much more, it just may end up being your favorite part of your summer getaway—especially if you decide to take part in the Captain Joe Fishing School, where expert anglers share tips, hints, and a peek into the serenity of a good day fishing.

4th Annual Downtown Sarasota Spring Craft Fair, June 8 & 9

The most beautiful areas in the world attract the most talented artists and artisans, and with those talented folks, some of the best arts and craft shows come into existence, with the 4th Annual Downtown Sarasota Spring Craft Fair serving as the perfect example. Offering masterpieces from a huge variety of artistic genres, including pottery, photography, clothing, and more, this event provides a fun and colorful way to pick up some souvenirs to bring back home with you when your summer Florida journey comes to an end.

Summer Circus Spectacular, June 14- August 17, Historic Asolo Theater

The circus has been in town since John Ringling of circus fame bought 20 acres of land on Sarasota Bay back in 1911, and although the golden years of circus have mostly disappeared from the landscape, (there has been a resurgence lately, though!) the Summer Circus Spectacular keeps the magic alive. Opening night offers the first of the circus artist performances and a gala reception with the performers, with complimentary hors d’oeuvre’s, beer and wine being served (cocktails are available for purchase). After opening night, the performances just keep getting better and better, and if you can come back more than once during your visit to Sarasota, we highly recommend it. 

Repticon Sarasota 2024, June 15, Sahib Shrine Center, 600 N Beneva Road

If you are hot for cold blooded creatures, Repticon Sarasota 2024 offers an up close and personal look at a variety of reptiles from all over the world. Many of the cool creatures are for sale as are the supplies needed for a pet lizard or snake, but even if you don’t purchase anything seeing the reptiles on display is sure to be an exciting adventure that you and your kiddos will love.

8th Annual Bob Rizi Memorial Golf Tournament, June 21, The Meadows Country Club

With an average of 255 days of sunshine every year and an average air temperature running about 72 degrees, you might imagine that golf would be a popular activity, and you would be 100% correct. We love golf and we love our golf enthusiasts, including Bob Rizi, and this Memorial Golf Tournament pays homage to him in a way in which we are sure he would approve. Foursome registration includes breakfast, lunch, and a goodie bag for each player and proceeds benefit Suncoast Charities for Children, ensuring participants can have a great time while doing a good deed!

Come Home to RentTheKeys

Offering a soft place to land and many wonderful ways to continue your summer adventures in the most comfortable of ways, our seasonal sanctuaries will be the perfect place to chill out on the hottest days in June. And because having fun can be cool as well, many if not most of our properties also offer crystal clear private or community pools! Contact us and reserve your favorite escape today.

×