If you’re looking for a place to kick off your flip-flops and relax, Siesta Key Beach is the destination you need to visit. From beautiful, white sand to calm waters that are great for swimming, there’s no shortage of reasons why this beach should be your next vacation spot.
Not only do we think it’s a great place to visit, but the rest of the country does as well. It’s frequently voted the best beach in the entire country, and one of the top beach destinations in the world.
Keep reading below to see why should plan a trip here as soon as possible.
Where Is Siesta Key Beach?
So let’s start with the basics: Siesta Key Beach is located on Siesta Key, which is just off the west coast of Florida in Sarasota County. This barrier island in the Gulf of Mexico spans about 10 miles long and features nine miles’ worth of beachfront property.
The entire area attracts over two million tourists each year as well as locals who love coming here year-round! It’s about an hour south of Tampa (and Tampa International airport) and only a few minutes from the Bradenton/Sarasota airport, which is much smaller.
Siesta Key Is the #1 Beach in the United States
Siesta Key is the #1 beach in the United States. Yes, it’s true. Massive travel publications have awarded this beach as either the best or second best in the country over the past few years.
And with so many incredible beaches in the US, that says a lot. If you’ve ever wanted to find that perfect blend of relaxation and adventure, then Siesta Key Beach should be at the top of your list!
The Sand Is Like Powdered Sugar
The sand is white, soft, and fine. It’s quartz sand, which results in the extra fine particles that make it feel like powdered sugar.
It’s so comfortable to walk and lay on that it will make you despise other beaches with coarse sand (like the East Coast of Florida).
It’s a clean, sandy beach with dunes to explore, along with vegetation like dune grass to make it especially scenic and photogenic. The white sand, turquoise waters, and tropical vegetation also mean Siesta Key is the perfect place for a photoshoot.
The Sunsets are Amazing
Siesta Key is one of the best places to watch the sunset all over Florida. With unobstructed views of the Gulf, you can enjoy every second of the sunset as orange, pink, and purple fills the sky.
No wonder so many people make their way to the beach in the evening. And don’t forget about the sunrise. Even though the sun rises on the other side of the state, it still paints the sky in marvelous color. So be sure to go for a beach walk or run early in the morning during your stay here.
It’s a Family-Friendly Beach
Siesta Key Beach is a great beach for families because it’s close to hotels, restaurants, and other attractions. There are many things to do off the beach that will keep the kids entertained. Plus, the water is calm and perfect for swimming!
The best time to visit is probably in spring or fall when the water is very warm, but the weather is dry. In the summer, the water is warmest, making it comfortable to swim. However, there are thunderstorms almost every afternoon.
It’s still a great place to be in the summer, just plan to do all your swimming in the morning. And not just swimming, but the calm waters make it a great place for kids to boogie board, paddle board, snorkel, build sand castles, and much more.
Planning Your Next Vacation
If you’re looking for a place to spend a family vacation, Siesta Key Beach is the perfect spot. It’s got all the amenities you could want: great food, entertainment, and activities for kids. And it’s great nearly any time of the year, with winter being the most popular time to visit.
It’s within driving distance of a major airport, and only a few minutes from a smaller airport.
Looking for more ideas about where to take your next trip? Then head over to our blog to find other helpful articles like this.