Siesta Key Vacation with the Hubby

This was going to be our last vacation as a family of four. Soon, we will welcome our baby boy to the bear family. Traveling with a bun in the oven and literally vacationing in the oven state—Florida—came with fun challenges. Momma Bear and Papa Bear are heading to Siesta Key, a world-renowned beach that's consistently ranked among the top ten beaches.

A road trip while pregnant requires multiple bathroom stops. So plan and dress accordingly for restroom breaks. Just like planning a road trip with kids and bringing tons of snacks, it’s basically the same when you’re pregnant. Comfortable shoes and clothes are essential while traveling pregnant and in Florida’s summer heat.

Our hotel of choice was another Hilton resort, located in an area where everything was walkable. When you plan a vacation of any sort, try to stay at hotels that are in areas where it’s easy to walk to most places. Get out on foot and leave the car at the hotel. The rooms were spacious for me and hubby, and I immediately thought about how much the kids would love it. The hotel had a pool located on the top floors that overlooked the city—fancy! We used the hotel bicycles to get around town. Biking up the bridge was a thing of beauty—insert sarcasm here. The local restaurants within walking distance from the hotel were charming and fit right into the culture.

Beach Time

There was a beach closer to the hotel, but it was rather packed and hard to find parking. We had to remember that our desired beach was Siesta Key and not the convenient beach by the hotel. Siesta Key beach may have been less than five miles from the hotel, but it felt like thirty miles. Since most people are heading that way, you will find yourself in a mini traffic jam. But oh, is it worth it! The other side of the bridge didn’t disappoint. Let me boast about the pristine beaches that Florida has. Siesta Key beach is worth the drive and time in traffic. The beach sand is equivalent to that of tropical islands. No need to board a plane and deal with TSA when you can drive to one of Florida’s most sought-after destinations. It felt like a movie walking up and down the beach. We even rented a beach buggy to explore the Siesta Key side.

Key Takeaways

Future note: stay in a hotel closer to Siesta Key Beach even though it may cost a little more—it’s worth it! Load up on sunscreen, please! Embrace the wait at the beach restaurants. Florida is a destination with a destination! Find all the beautiful places to enjoy in the Sunshine State.