Florida's Siesta Beach has been ranked the best beach in the US for the second time in a row, according to The World's 50 Best Beaches. Located on Siesta Key near Sarasota, the area's white quartz sand, calm waters, and easygoing feel are loved by travellers.
White sand beaches are hardly rare in Florida, but Siesta Beach has something that repeatedly earns it the title of best beach in the US. According to a recent ranking of the World's 50 Best Beaches for top 50 North America Beaches, Siesta Beach is ranked as the seventh best in North America and the top-ranked beach in the United States. The Florida gem has gained this title for a second year running, and it's easy to see why.
The ranking is based on information and input taken from travel journalists, industry experts, and beach ambassadors. Additionally, factors such as wildlife, preservation, uniqueness, natural setting, and consistency all play a part in the final selection. These qualities certainly helped Siesta Beach stand out, but that's only a part of its charm.
Why does Siesta Beach stand out?
Set on Siesta Key, just west of Sarasota, Siesta Beach is one of the most famous beaches in Florida. It is known for its powdery white sand, calm waters, and an easygoing atmosphere that invites visitors to spend the entire day by the sea. One of the major reasons travellers are attracted to the beach is its white sand, which is composed of nearly 99% quartz. Since quartz reflects sunlight, the sand stays cool underfoot even on hot summer days. People often compare it to powdered sugar or flour as it's super fine and has a soft, powdery texture.
Additionally, the Gulf waters are usually calm, and the shoreline slopes gently. The water changes colour from clear turquoise to emerald green, the waves are gentle, and the whole place has a laid-back rhythm that's perfect for a lazy day by the sea or a relaxing vacation.
The practical side of Siesta Beach
Beyond all the beauty, Siesta Beach earns points for its practicality, too. The beach is clean, well-kept and well-equipped. There are restrooms, a playground, concession stands, shelters and pavilions on the beach. Other amenities include picnic tables, covered picnic shelters, beach equipment rentals, outdoor showers, changing rooms and beach wheelchairs, along with easy access to the sand. The beach has around 950 free parking spots, making it even more convenient to visit on weekends, spring holidays, or peak season.
Experiencing Siesta Beach
The first thing to do here is to slow down and enjoy your surroundings. Watching sunset over the Gulf of Mexico is one of the most romantic things you can experience here. Take a stroll on the shore and enjoy the gentle waves making ASMR sounds. Since the water is mostly calm and shallow near the shore, you can also go for a swim. For people who want a little more movement, paddleboarding, kayaking and beach volleyball are all part of the experience too.
There are lifeguards on duty during the day, making it safer than many popular beaches in the US. Additionally, dolphins occasionally turn up, making the visit even more exciting. The best part of Siesta Beach is its area. Spread across roughly 101 acres, it's wide enough to feel free even on busy days.
Siesta Beach and its surrounding
While the beach is the main appeal, its surrounding areas are worth visiting too. Siesta Key has three other areas that you can visit while visiting the beach: Crescent Beach, Turtle Beach and Siesta Key Village. Siesta Key Village has plenty of seafood restaurants, shops for beachwear and souvenirs and a casual evening energy. Meanwhile, Crescent Beach and Turtle Beach offer a slower pace. Turtle Beach is known for its sea turtle nesting habitat, and Crescent Beach and the Point of Rocks area are better for a quieter day and a more natural setting.
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