If you’re daydreaming about enjoying the sunshine on a beautiful beach, you’re in good company. Tripadvisor has just released its 2025 Travelers’ Choice Awards: Best of the Best Beaches, and this year’s U.S. list is full of dreamy beaches, but none are more celebrated than Siesta Beach on Florida’s Gulf Coast.
Tripadvisor’s rankings are based on reviews and ratings from real travelers over the past 12 months. This list is not created by editors or influencers, it’s curated by real beachgoers who’ve actually been there and are (probably) already planning their return.
After analyzing traveler feedback, Siesta Beach in Siesta Key, Florida, took the No. 1 spot this year. With its picture-perfect shoreline and wide range of activities to choose from, this ranking comes as no surprise to a Florida native like myself.
What Makes Siesta Beach So Special?
Set on a barrier island near Sarasota, Siesta Beach is widely known as one of Florida’s most beautiful coastal destinations. Its white sand isn’t just soft. It’s made of 99% pure quartz, which gives it a powdery texture that is surprisingly cool, even on Florida’s hot summer days.
Beyond its beauty, the beach offers something for everyone. Families appreciate the calm, shallow waters, lifeguards on duty, and convenient amenities like restrooms, snack bars, and shaded playgrounds. Couples can stay until golden hour to catch one of the Gulf Coast’s iconic sunsets, which often paints the sky in vivid shades of pink and orange. If you’re an adventurer-seeker, you can try parasailing, kayaking, paddleboarding, snorkeling, or even diving near local reefs.
To experience the local culture, don’t miss the weekly sunset drum circle, held every Sunday evening near the main pavilion. It’s a lively celebration that fills the beach with music, dancing, and good vibes.
Two More Florida Favorites Landed in the Top 10
Siesta Beach wasn’t Florida’s only standout this year. The 2025 Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice Awards also included Clearwater Beach and Bahia Honda State Park in the top 10, securing Florida’s status as a go-to state for beach lovers.
Clearwater Beach (No. 6)
Known for its white sand and crystal-clear water, Clearwater Beach is a popular choice in Florida for families, couples, and solo travelers alike. The beach’s wide pedestrian-friendly promenade is perfect for sunset strolls, and every evening brings a festive atmosphere to Pier 60, where street performers, vendors, and live music create a sunset celebration.
There’s more to explore beyond the beach too. Kids and animal lovers can visit the Clearwater Marine Aquarium and get up close to sea turtles, otters, and dolphins. Shell collectors will love Sand Key Park, and those craving peace and nature can board the ferry to Caladesi Island from Honeymoon Island State Park to one of the few untouched barrier islands left on Florida’s Gulf.
Bahia Honda State Park (No. 9)
Located just past the iconic Seven Mile Bridge in the Florida Keys, Bahia Honda State Park is a beachgoer’s dream with a postcard-worthy backdrop of swaying palms and aquamarine water.
Loggerhead Beach is great for kayaking and long walks. Calusa Beach, with its views of the historic Bahia Honda Rail Bridge, is a popular swimming and snorkeling spot. And Sandspur Beach offers the widest stretch of sand for sunbathing. Bahia Honda is also one of the top snorkeling destinations in the Florida Keys, with its reefs teeming with tropical fish, elkhorn coral, and even spiny lobsters.
Tags: Florida
