Reveille and Taps: The Daily Flag Ceremony at Beach Access 2

Every morning and every sunset, neighbors gather at Siesta Key's Beach Access 2 to raise and lower the flag. It is one of the island's most moving traditions.

At the north end of Siesta Key, Beach Access 2 opens onto a small point over the water that locals call Sunset Point. It is a lovely spot any time, but it is the flag ceremony that makes it special.

Each morning a volunteer from the neighborhood raises the American flag as Reveille plays, and at sunset it comes down again to Taps. Visitors and neighbors stop, put down their coffee or their beach bags and stand quietly. Veterans are often in the crowd, and newcomers are always welcome.

The tradition began with a Pearl Harbor survivor who lived on the island, and it moved to Sunset Point in 2017. In early 2026, with help from local veterans groups, the site gained new flagpoles honoring each branch of the armed services along with the POW/MIA flag.

It is a short, quiet moment, but guests tell us it is one of the things they remember most. Pair the sunset ceremony with a walk on the beach and dinner in the Village afterward.

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