Siesta Beach ranked Top 5 in U.S. and Top 10 in world by Tripadvisor
Sarasota County's most popular beach has again been ranked among the best in the state, country, and world by a national website. Tripadvisor, which bills itself as the world's largest travel guidance platform, announced today (Feb. 21) its Best of the Best Beaches for 2024 list as part of its annual Travelers' Choice Awards.
The rankings are based on an analysis of all the reviews left on Tripadvisor for beaches globally over one year, with the award revealing "the highest-rated beaches by real people who recently visited," according to the Tripadvisor press release. Beaches received glowing reviews for their breathtaking views, cleanliness, watersport-friendliness, and best overall experiences.
Siesta Beach on Siesta Key in Sarasota County ranked No. 2 in the U.S. and No. 9 in the world. Tripadvisor notes it's good for sunbathing and families and that "fall is a great time to visit Siesta Key to snag lower hotel prices and enjoy post-summer sunshine."
Ka'anapali Beach in Lahaina, Hawaii, is the No. 1-ranked beach in the U.S. with several other Florida spots making the national ranking including Hollywood Beach, in Broward County, placing fourth and Clearwater Beach at No. 12.
In the U.S., winners were from eight different states this year, from Maine to Oregon. However, Hawaii and Florida had the most award-winning beaches, with Hawaii leading with 10 winners, including the top spot.
"Whatever your taste and style, these lists are the perfect jumping-off point for spring-break plans that haven't been yet cemented, summer trips that bring together the whole family, and even those far-off winter holidays that beg for a beachy reprieve," said Sarah Firshein, Head of Editorial at Tripadvisor, in a statement.
Siesta Beach has been ranked No. 1 in the U.S. twice by Dr. Beach
Siesta Beach has been ranked No. 1 in the U.S. twice by Stephen “Dr. Beach” Leatherman and appeared in a Wall Street Journal story in 2022 about the best beaches in Florida. When Sarasota landed on Time magazine's list of The World's 100 Greatest Places of 2021, the blurb ran with a Siesta Key sunset photo and a subhead that read “The growing Gulf Coast scene.”
Siesta's wide public beach features soft sand made almost exclusively of pure quartz, which remains cool on the feet even when baked in the Florida sun. There's also the pavilion that's home to Siesta Beach Eats operated by concessionaire Venice Pier Group, which also owns Sharky's on the Pier and Fins at Sharky's on the Venice Fishing Pier at Brohard Park, as well as Myakka River spot Snook Haven.
In addition, Siesta Beach is conveniently located less than a mile away from bustling Siesta Key Village and a bunch of popular restaurants, bars and nightclubs.
Wade Tatangelo is Ticket Editor for the Sarasota Herald-Tribune, and Florida Regional Dining and Entertainment Editor for the USA TODAY Network. Follow him on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. He can be reached by email at wade.tatangelo@heraldtribune.com.