Readers’ Choice: Siesta Key Is Florida’s Best Beach

Siesta Key was voted the number one beach in Florida.

Choosing the best beach in Florida is no easy task. That’s why we let our readers do the hard work with a poll.

While the contest was tight, one clear winner came out on top: Sarasota’s Siesta Key beach. With a total of 36 percent of the votes, people think there is simply no better place to enjoy the ocean in the Sunshine state. And we couldn’t agree more.

Here’s why everyone loves this Gulf Coast beach so much.

What Makes Siesta Key Beach So Special

Royal terns sea birds stand on Siesta Key beach

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It’s not just our readers and our staff that say Siesta Key is unique: Science agrees, too. As soon as you step on the sand, you’ll be shocked by its powdery softness. This isn’t your imagination.

Unlike 98 percent of beaches in the world, Siesta Key is blessed with sand made of quartz rather than coral and minerals. Besides having a flour-like texture, the sand is perfectly white and also keeps cool no matter how intense the Florida sun gets. Sounds like a fairytale, doesn’t it?

The beautiful white color of the sand creates a mesmerizing contrast with the clear aquamarine water that surrounds it. Stretching for over 8 miles, the beach also offers varied spaces. You can decide if you want to be near hotels and bars or if you’d rather spend time in the quieter areas.

What to Do Around Siesta Key

Ca d'Zan Sarasota Ringling Museum of Art

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Sadly, you can’t spend all of your time at the beach — though you are definitely encouraged to spend as much of it as possible lying on the cool sand. You can also enjoy water sports like sea kayaking and snorkeling or go for a bike ride on the beach, a very popular tour.

For those times when you must be away from the sound of the waves, there are plenty of fun things to do in Sarasota, the city adjacent to the island. Sarasota is considered one of the best places to live in Florida, in part because of its amazing cultural offerings.

Start by visiting the Ringling Museum of Art and the impressive Mary Selby Botanical Gardens. You can also go shopping in St. Armand’s Circle or get close to nature at Myakka River State Park.

Where to Eat Around Siesta Key

Shopping plazas around St. Armand's Circle on Lido Key island near Sarasota, FL, USA

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We have great news for beach bums: You won’t have to walk far to find good food in Siesta Key. You’ll find myriad restaurants and bars in Siesta Key Village, a walkable neighborhood that’s always buzzing with life. From Italian to seafood to Thai, your cravings will be satisfied here.

But if you want even more options, don’t hesitate to make the short drive to Sarasota. Downtown has a diverse and exciting food scene. The absolute best place to dine, however, is Yoder’s. This Amish restaurant specializes in American fare made by hand. No matter how full you are, don’t even dare to leave without eating a pie.

Where to Stay in Siesta Key

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There’s a single rule in Siesta Key: Be as close to the beach as possible. Accommodation tends to be expensive, given that this is an extremely hot market.

The Beach Club at Siesta Key offers direct access to the beach in an old Florida setting that feels much cozier than larger hotels and apartments. But there are plenty of other beachfront options, including The Sea Spray Resort, Turtle Beach Resort and some beautiful Airbnbs.

And if you can’t make it to this seaside wonderland yet, there are plenty of other amazing Florida beaches to visit.