One of the best beaches in the world is right here in the US. Siesta Beach in Florida’s Sarasota County has just earned a spot among the world’s most breathtaking coastlines—ranked the 12th best beach in North America and 42nd best globally on The World’s 50 Best Beaches list for 2025.
Each year, The World’s Best Inc. consults over 1,000 global travel professionals as judges to nominate top coastline contenders from locations around the world. Their handpicked Beach Ambassadors, or on-the-ground travel experts with local knowledge, then offer up detailed insights of each beach destination. The result? A list that highlights not only the most scenic beaches, but the ones that deliver a full and top-tier sensory escape.
Siesta Beach was the only US destination to make the cut this year. Beating out heavyweights from Hawaii, California, and beyond, the dreamy Gulf Coast shore has now officially captured the hearts of international travel experts.
It’s one of three fabulous beaches on Siesta Key, a barrier island in the Gulf of Mexico off the coast of Sarasota. According to the World’s Best team, Siesta Beach stands out thanks to its “powdery, blindingly white sand, made up of 99% pure quartz from the Appalachian Mountains.” And it’s true, unlike many other beautiful beaches in the US, Siesta’s sand has a silky, sugar-fine texture: “The main attraction of Siesta Beach is the uniqueness of its white powdery sand that you don’t see just anywhere, ”says Condé Nast Traveler travel specialist Haley Covel, of Cove Travels. “And having it at our fingertips right here in the US is truly something special.”
Beyond its coastline, what really sets Siesta Key apart is its unpretentiousness. “It’s an incredibly chill—and walkable—beach town,” Covel says. You can walk from the beach to a taco stand, grab a frozen daiquiri, and be in flip-flops the whole time. It’s ideal for families, but just as beloved by couples and solo travelers who want to slow down and soak it in. Plus, according to Covel, the beach is patrolled by lifeguards, making it a safe haven for young swimmers. Not to mention, the calm Gulf waters are perfect for snorkeling, paddle boarding, or simply floating about.
Getting to Siesta Beach is refreshingly easy. The Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport (SRQ) is just 25 minutes away, and as Covel notes, while renting a car is an option, it’s not a necessity. The island is delightfully pedestrian-friendly, and a free trolley loops around to all the hot spots, making it simple to explore without the stress of parking. It’s around a six-hour scenic drive north of Key West (or a 4-hour ferry ride from nearby Fort Myers) so if time allows for it, travelers already exploring southern Florida can add it as a stop to their Keys itinerary.
There’s a whole slew of reasons our readers continue to fall hard for Florida’s gulf coast: iconic sunsets, waterfront dining, and active beach scenes, ideal for parasailing, boat days, and sunset catamaran cruises. The island of Siesta Key is home to three distinct beaches: Siesta Beach, the lively and most photographed stretch; Crescent Beach, a more private cove perfect for snorkeling near Point of Rocks; and Turtle Beach, a quieter, slightly rugged escape ideal for shell collecting and kayaking.
According to Covel, the best time to travel to Siesta Beach is April to May or September to October. “Be mindful of Florida’s hurricane season, which runs from June through August,” Covel says. “If you choose to travel during hurricane season, I highly recommend travel insurance in case of any unexpected weather.” In fact, last year’s Hurricane Milton caused significant damages to Sarasota County—with storm surges, flooded homes, downed trees, and widespread power outages. However, after extensive recovery efforts, the beaches at Siesta Key and Lido Beach reopened last November, with minimal repairs remaining.
If you’re looking for a day trip to Siesta Key’s (or perhaps the charming coasts of Anna Maria Island), book a hotel or Airbnb on Longboat or Lido Key.
