Road trip, anyone? While it is true that Florida boasts the most pristine beaches around, one stands out as not only the world’s best but the absolute best in the country!
Each year, TripAdvisor puts together a list called the Travelers’ Choice Awards, in which popular hotels, restaurants and experiences are recognized based on the millions of opinions submitted by users. And, well, the travelers have spoken, and they named Siesta Beach in Siesta Key the No. 4 best beach in the world, with a 4.7 rating based on nearly 8,600 reviews.
According to the site, Siesta sets itself apart due to its wheelchair accessibility and proximity to various shops and lively restaurants. It’s also easy to get to via public transportation. These factors, in addition to the beach’s clear waters and white sands to play sports in or simply admire the sunset, led to its high ranking. But that’s not all.
Siesta Key Beach named #1 beach in the country
Fourth in the entire world is quite the honor, especially when looking at the dramatic cliffs of Portugal’s Praia da Falésia or the crystal-clear waters of Indonesia’s Kelingking Beach. But the Florida destination tops the list as the best beach in all of the U.S.!
Rounding out the top 5 of the best beaches in the nation by TripAdvisor, Siesta Key is followed by two Hawaii beaches in second and third place, Poipu Beach Park and Ka’anapali Beach. Coming in at fourth is San Diego’s La Jolla Cove and another Hawaii hot spot, Waikiki Beach, in fifth.
About Siesta Beach
Located on the Gulf Coast, Siesta Key Beach is the ultimate destination for beach lovers. Unlike beaches elsewhere that are made up mostly of pulverized coral, it is known for its soft and light-colored sand, made up of almost 100% pure quartz crystals. One perk of this unique characteristic is that it keeps cool to the touch despite the Florida heat!
Beyond your typical beach activities like splashing around in the waves and soaking up the sun, Siesta Beach also offers playgrounds for kids, picnic areas, concession stands and a sand volleyball court. Oh, and there’s free parking spaces. Luckily for us Miami dwellers, the drive to Sarasota takes a little over three and a half hours, making it the perfect weekend getaway!
The best of the best beaches in the world, according to TripAdvisor
Other top coastline contenders from around the world include Greece’s unbelievable Elafonissi Beach at No. 1 with its pink sands (yes, you read that right) and Thailand’s wonderfully secluded Banana Beach at No. 2. The top 10 list goes as follows:
- Elafonissi Beach, Greece
- Banana Beach, Thailand
- Eagle Beach, Aruba
- Siesta Beach, Florida
- Praia da Falésia, Portugal
- Playa Varadero, Cuba
- Bavaro Beach, Dominican Republic
- Platja De Muro, Spain
- Kelingking Beach, Indonesia
- Myrtos Beach, Greece
Find the full list here.