1. Siesta Key Beach – Sarasota, Florida
Named No. 1 Beach in the United States in 2011 and No. 5 in the World in 2017 by TripAdvisor, plus the number one spot on Dr. Beach’s highly-regarded annual list, Siesta Key Beach is undoubtedly Florida’s crown jewel. The Gulf Coast Beach sits just an hour south of Tampa in Sarasota and with 99 percent quartz makeup, the sand is crystal-white and fine as can be. Siesta Key Beach is popular for all ages and types of travelers, hosting families, spring breakers and retirees in droves. The calm turquoise waters and lifeguard watch make it especially popular for families with small children.
The different colored lifeguard stands work as the perfect landmark, so you can lay out your beach setup and let your friends know which color lifeguard stand you’re near.
Just down the road from the Siesta Key Public Beach, you’ll find Siesta Key Village—a colorful strip of Midnight Pass with ice cream shops, restaurants, bars, nightclubs and shopping. Pick up a souvenir at longstanding Beach Bazaar, get an ice cream cone at Big Olaf Creamery and after the sun sets, bar hop popular haunts Gilligan’s, Daiquiri Deck and Beach Club.
