Florida beach boasts ‘soft sand’ — and ranks No. 1 in US. What else makes it special?
A Florida beach boasts “soft sand” — and visitors can’t get enough of it.
So much so, the coastal destination was named the best beach in the U.S.
Siesta Beach ranks No. 1 on a list of the nation’s favorite places for enjoying the sand and surf, according to results published Tuesday, Feb. 18.
“Whether you want to relax or fill your day with activities, Siesta Beach delivers,” the travel website Tripadvisor wrote. “Kick back on the white sand, go swimming in the clear water, or simply admire the sunset — it’s up to you.”
The popular destination wasn’t the only place in the Sunshine State to be recognized. Clearwater Beach landed at No. 6, and Bahia Honda State Park in the Florida Keys took the No. 9 spot in the rankings.
To determine the best beaches, Tripadvisor said it studied ratings and reviews that visitors left across the country. It focused on feedback that destinations received between Nov. 30, 2023, and Dec. 1, 2024.
What makes Siesta Beach special?
Tripadvisor has more than 8 million listings, and “fewer than 1%” of those destinations are Travelers’ Choice Awards Best of the Best winners. Siesta Beach — located on Florida’s Gulf Coast — received the honor after fans said it was family friendly, strewn with seashells and close to other attractions.
“The beach has lifeguards on duty, while the relaxing town offers nearby cafes and oyster bars all within walking or biking distance,” Tripadvisor wrote in its report. “Visitors can spot wildlife like manatees and dolphins while on kayaking tours, and enjoy beautiful sunsets from the soft sand beach.”
Siesta Beach is on Siesta Key, a roughly 65-mile drive south from Tampa. Tripadvisor said the best times to visit are from “April to May and September to October,” when the “weather is mild, crowds are fewer, and temperatures are more moderate than during the peak summer months.”
Siesta Beach topped the list after it rose from the No. 2 spot it held last year. This time around, the destination also landed at No. 4 on Tripadvisor’s list of the world’s most beloved beaches.
Also in the Sunshine State, Clearwater Beach received nods for its scenery and water activities. Meanwhile, Bahia Honda State Park was praised as an ideal spot for snorkeling and spotting wildlife.
After Siesta Beach, here are the top-ranked beach destinations in the country:
- Poipu Beach Park in Hawaii at No. 2
- Ka’anapali Beach in Hawaii at No. 3
- La Jolla Cove in California at No. 4
- Waikiki Beach in Hawaii at No. 5
