Festive Holiday Shopping in Siesta Key & Gulf Gate – Siesta Sand

By Jane Bartnett

Santa says, “Head to Siesta Key and Gulf Gate to do your holiday shopping this year.” Lend your support to the local merchants and discover wonderful finds for everyone on your list. Jingle, jingle!

Siesta Key and neighboring Gulf Gate are filled with shops and eateries on the Key offering sure-to-please holiday gifts that can’t be found at large department stores. Shoppers will discover personalized shopping and help in finding just the right gift.

Along the way, there are also plenty of places to stop for breakfast, lunch, dinner or a drink.

For a morning, afternoon or full day of holiday shopping, plan for a fun day of holiday shopping on Siesta Key and nearby Gulf Gate.

Shop and dine in Siesta Key

En route to Siesta Key, at the intersection of Stickney Point Road and Tamiami Trail South, dive into Swim City. This large and welcoming shop has a large selection of beachwear and accessories. Continue over the bridge to CB’s Saltwater Outfitters. Following post-storm renovation, CB’s is expected to open in late November or early December. Next door, Fin Island Company, CB’s sister store, is a beach-inspired boutique filled with tropical gear, clothing and gift items for him, her and kids. too.

At the light, turn left at the colorful “Welcome to Siesta Key” mural on the side of the Crescent Beach Market. This end of the Key has a vibe that’s distinctly different than the village that lies to the northern part of the island. Stop in at Captain Curt’s Souvenir & Gift Shop, lot of fun gifts to consider. The Southbridge Mall is home to Silver City Jewelers and the trademarked watercolor gemstone, silver jewelry is the star of the show here. The Green Turtle Shell & Gift City store has great coastal inspired finds.

The Crescent Beach Shopping Center is home to Key Casuals, a women’s clothing shop filled with vacation wear and Siesta Key merchandise. A few doors away, Sunshine & Sand Hidden Treasures, next to the Big Water Fish Company has affordable coastal themed gifts. The stylish Eye Style Optical Boutique has a large selection of top brand sunglasses that would make an excellent gift.

Heading north on Midnight Pass toward Siesta Key Village, the acclaimed Foxy Lady clothing store offers women’s sportswear, accessories and evening wear.

For “big bling for a little ching”, drop in to Created Gems to find manmade Spektralyte diamonds and other treasures in gold and silver. Find the perfect something for the beach lover on your list at Beach Bazaar including Siesta Key stocking stuffers ranging from magnets to shells and tumblers to candles. Beach toys, towels, backpacks, swimsuits, Siesta Key hats and T-shirts for men, women and kids will make memorable gifts.

In Davidson’s Plaza, Tommy Bahama, Lily Pulitzer and Southern Tide sit side by side.

Get to Know Gulf Gate

Combine a trip to Gulf Gate with your visit to Siesta Key or make a day of it in this fascinating neighborhood that lies five minutes from the key, just off South Tamiami Trail. A mini United Nations of exciting small shops filled with unique items, Gulf Gate is home to many highly acclaimed small restaurants that offer a taste of French, Mexican, Spanish, Turkish, Italian , German and American fare.

There are four main shopping streets in Gulf Gate. Superior and Gateway Avenues are bordered by Mall Drive and Gulf Gate Drive.

On Friday, November 8, the new “Gulf Gate Second Friday Festival” will open the season. Created by Only Eyes Optical owner Diana Reason and chef Fatima Soriano of the Taste of Spain restaurant, the program strives to introduce customers to Gulf Gate shops and restaurants. The Gulf Gate Second Friday Festival will continue through the spring.

On Gulf Gate Drive, a long strip of stores, offices and restaurants line this busy center.

Seascape Aquarium & Pet Center, in the center of the storefronts, is the place to find exotic tropical and freshwater fish, coral, and aquariums, as well as reptiles and birds. A few doors away, Scandinavian Gifts Baked Goods & Grocery is home to the original O&H Danish pastry Kringle. Sold frozen, this delicacy is ready to heat and enjoy and is available in 15 flavors. Shoppers will also find a large selection of Scandinavian crystal and fine china, Nordic Christmas collectibles, cards, jewelry and gift items. At the end of the row of stores, stop in at L’Opera Bakery Bistro and take home French pastries and breads that will make a great hostess gift or surprise for a neighbor as you wish them a “Joyeux Noel.”

On Superior Avenue, the Wild Ginger Apothecary is a bright and welcoming shop filled with beautiful crystals, jewelry, apparel and gifts. Also, on Superior, Only Eyes Optical offers a wide selection of sunglasses from Ray Ban and other top manufacturers. Clarabell Cookies bakes natural cookies from their own recipes in their on-site kitchen and will also ship.

Organic skin products, essential oils and bath salts can be found on Gateway Avenue at the Natural Apothecary Shoppe. Next door, at the Sail Away Studio boutique, discover chic women’s clothing and accessories from Europe.

Happy shopping and a very happy holiday season!