Siesta Key, Florida wall art by Mike Dooley: photographs of Siesta Key Beach, its white sand and its Gulf sunsets. Prints from $75 on paper or metal. Orders are paused while I move to Florida.
The Beach My Dad Told Me About
One day, after we had been visiting Mom, my dad told me that one of the nicest beaches in the world was just up the street, and would I like to see it? Uh, yeah.
Even the parking lot was beautiful. The beach was even better. The size is overwhelming, with gorgeous white sand as far as the eye can see. Okay, that might be an exaggeration, but seriously, that is one wide beach. It was sunset, and I had my camera in hand. That’s how this one started, and it’s stuck with me ever since.
That White Stuff Isn’t Really Sand
It’s almost all quartz crystal. The bonus is that it doesn’t get hot the way regular sand does. Walk barefoot all you want.
Getting to the Water
Getting from the parking lot to the sand is pretty easy. From where the sand starts to the water’s edge? That’s a bit more work. But stand at that water’s edge and it’s all worth it.
One of the Best Beaches Anywhere
Siesta Beach was ranked 42nd in the world on the 2025 World’s 50 Best Beaches list, the only U.S. beach on it, and U.S. News named it the No. 1 U.S. beach for 2026. I’m looking forward to making many visits.
The Beach Sign
I get back as often as I can, and every single time, I photograph the beach sign on the way in. It has nothing to do with the shot I’m actually after and everything to do with the place — a small ritual that marks the start of every visit.
The Day Off I Keep Promising Myself
One day I want to sit on this beach with my Kindle and take a day off. No work, no emails, no nothing.
The Beach
More from Siesta Key as I get back to shoot it.
→ Also in the collection: Venice, just down the coast.
Prints from this page: Sunset at Siesta Key, Man on the Beach.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I buy fine art prints of Siesta Key, Florida?
Every Siesta Key print shown on this page comes as a paper or metal print in sizes from 9×12 to 40×60, starting at $75. Print orders are paused while I move to Florida. Tell me which print you want and I’ll write you back when the shop reopens. Browse the full Seascape Collection or reach out directly for a custom size or framing request.
Can I order a print of Siesta Key right now?
Not yet. Print orders are paused while I move to Florida. Prints start at $75 on paper or metal. Tell me which Siesta Key photograph you want and I’ll write you back when the shop reopens.
What do you photograph at Siesta Key?
Siesta Key Beach, its white sand and its Gulf sunsets.
Is the sand at Siesta Key really quartz?
Yes. Siesta Beach sand is almost entirely quartz crystal, and it stays cool underfoot instead of getting hot like regular sand.
Is Siesta Key a good beach for sunset photography?
Yes. Siesta Key faces the Gulf of Mexico, and the end of the day is when I like it best. My dad first took me there at sunset, camera in hand, and it is where my Sunset at Siesta Key photograph was made.
How is Siesta Key ranked among the world’s beaches?
Siesta Beach was ranked 42nd on the 2025 World’s 50 Best Beaches list, the only U.S. beach on it, and U.S. News named it the No. 1 U.S. beach for 2026.
Prints are paused while I move to Florida. Want to know the day they reopen? Send me a note and I’ll add you to the list.
Choose your coast