Your Ultimate Guide to the Siesta Key Crystal Classic Sand Sculpting Festival + Clear Kayak Adventures in Sarasota
Plan your Sarasota getaway for the Siesta Key Crystal Classic (Nov 14–17, 2025) and explore Midnight Pass with Get Up and Go Kayaking Sarasota.
Photo credit: Cheyann Eder
Experience Sarasota’s Most Magical November Event
If you’re planning a Sarasota getaway this November, there’s one event you can’t miss — the Siesta Key Crystal Classic International Sand Sculpting Festival, happening November 14–17, 2025, on world-famous Siesta Key Beach. 🌊✨
Each year, master sculptors from around the world transform Siesta Key’s powder-soft quartz sand into breathtaking works of art. From whimsical sea creatures to towering castles, these sculptures are a testament to creativity and coastal beauty.
But while you’re here soaking in the sunshine and artistry, don’t miss another must-do Sarasota adventure: a clear kayak tour with Get Up and Go Kayaking Sarasota — the perfect complement to your Crystal Classic weekend.
Why Visit Sarasota & Siesta Key During the Festival
November is one of the best months to visit Sarasota and Siesta Key — think mild temperatures, vibrant sunsets, and fewer crowds. The Siesta Key Crystal Classic Sand Sculpting Festival adds a lively, artistic energy to the season, with:
- Live music and food vendors
- Professional sand sculpting competitions
- Family-friendly sandcastle lessons
- Nighttime light shows illuminating the sculptures
It’s the ultimate Sarasota weekend — where art meets ocean breeze.
Add an Eco-Adventure: Clear Kayaking at Midnight Pass
Photo credit: Cheyann Eder
After a morning exploring Siesta Key Beach, trade sand for sea and head just 20 minutes south to Osprey, Florida, home of Get Up and Go Kayaking Sarasota.
This top-rated eco-tour company offers clear kayak tours through Midnight Pass, a historic stretch once connecting Sarasota Bay to the Gulf of Mexico. Today, the pass is home to rich wildlife and stunning coastal scenery and there’s no better way to explore it than through the bottom of a completely clear kayak.
✨ Why it’s unique:
You’ll glide silently through mangrove, spot marine life and even search for fossilized shark teeth — all while surrounded by Sarasota’s natural beauty.
💡 Pro tip: Tours often include beach stops for shelling and relaxing, so you’ll get the best of both worlds — adventure and that signature Siesta Key serenity.
👉 Book early at Get Up and Go Kayaking Sarasota — tours fill quickly during the Crystal Classic weekend!
Wildlife You Might See
During your clear kayak tour, you might spot:
- Playful bottlenose dolphins
- Graceful sea turtles
- Fossilized shark teeth beneath your kayak
- Roseate spoonbills, herons, and ospreys soaring above
It’s part adventure, part discovery — and fully Florida!
Where to Stay Near Siesta Key & Sarasota
Whether you’re coming for the sand sculptures, the clear kayaking, or both, here are three of the most highly rated accommodations in the area:
- Siesta Key Beach Resort and Suites – Located right in Siesta Village, just steps from the festival, shops, and restaurants.
- The Resort at Longboat Key Club – Luxury amenities, private beaches, and a short drive to Siesta Key — ideal for couples.
- Aloft Sarasota – A modern, downtown option close to dining, shopping, and your Osprey kayak launch.
Where to Eat in Sarasota & Siesta Key
Fuel your festival fun and post-paddle humger with these local favorites:
- The Cottage Siesta Key – Coastal fusion dishes and vibrant island vibes.
- Ophelia’s on the Bay – Upscale dining with stunning water views, near your kayaking tour.
- Siesta Key Oyster Bar (SKOB) – Lively spot for fresh seafood, live music, and local flavor.
Other Things to Do in Sarasota During Your Stay
Photo credit: Cheyann Eder
Round out your Sarasota getaway with more local experiences:
- Marie Selby Botanical Gardens – Tropical plants and peaceful bay views.
- The Ringling Museum of Art – A can’t-miss blend of art, history, and architecture.
- Turtle Beach & Crescent Beach – Quieter stretches of sand ideal for shelling or sunset.
- Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium: Hands-on exhibits about marine life and conservation. Plan the Perfect Sarasota Getaway
Between the Siesta Key Crystal Classic Sand Sculpting Festival and a clear kayak tour with Get Up and Go Kayaking Sarasota, your November getaway is set to be unforgettable.
Whether you’re watching artists shape sand into masterpieces or paddling over crystal-clear waters, you’ll experience Sarasota from every angle — above and below the surface. 🌊
👉 Book your Sarasota clear kayak tour now and make your Crystal Classic weekend one to remember!