Siesta Key Beach near Sarasota, Florida

Address:Siesta Key, Florida

Said to be among the world's most beautiful beaches, Siesta Key Beach is located on Beach Rd on Siesta Key Barrier Island. It is famous for its sand, which is made up of 99% quartz, and is soft, blindingly white, and always cool under your feet. It is believed to have been carried here by rivers from the Appalachians, and deposited on Siesta Beach millions of years ago. At the 1987's "Great International White Sand Beach Challenge", it was given an enthusiastic nod for having the "whitest and finest sand in the world." It's one of 3 beaches on Siesta Key, and is just off the Sarasota Mainland. The beach is less than a mile long and remains open to visitors from 6am to 11pm.

The water here is beautiful and calm. It is fairly shallow near the shore, and lifeguards are on duty all year long, so families with small children can have fun in the water without worry. There are restrooms, parking spaces, and picnic areas. Bring a basket filled with your favorite treats or grab something to eat at one of the local snack stands. Siesta Key Beach is also wheelchair accessible.

Feel free to just lie back on the sand and enjoy tropical breezes under a glowing sun. The Gulf of Mexico that wraps around Siesta Key ensures that it's always a little warmer than the mainland, so the weather is warm and sunny most of the time. There's a large selection of activities to choose from. Will you go fishing or snorkeling? Boating or parasailing? Maybe you'll take advantage of the beach's volleyball and tennis courts, or take a relaxed walk on the crystalline sand near the water and see what kind of shells the Gulf will bring to shore. While here, you'll probably also encounter an assortment of sea birds who make their homes here. You might also catch a glimpse of frolicking dolphins playing in the shimmering blue water just off shore.

Siesta Key Village is an easy walk from the beach. It's a charming little beach town with shops, restaurants, and cafes, a few bars with live music, and places to stay. Every Sunday, one hour before the sun sets, locals and visitors alike come down to the beach for a drum circle to serenade the sun as it sinks gently over the water. It is an experience not to be missed.

Siesta Key Beach is fun, it's romantic, and it's breathtakingly beautiful. Take your beach towel and settle deep into the world's finest sand beach with a good book and someone you love. It simply doesn't get better than this....