First, it’s worth mentioning that I’m not the only one who loves Siesta Key Beach. It’s topped multiple lists of “Best Beaches in the USA” for years.

Dr. Beach (a famous coastal scientist) and the Trip Advisor Choice Awards have been showering Siesta Key with love since 2015.

It consistently ranks in the top 10 and top 25 U.S. Beaches.

Siesta Key Beach has ranked in the #2 spot on the Trip Advisor Traveler’s Choice Awards from 2023 to 2022.

One of the reasons everyone loves Siesta Key Beach is the sand.

It is pillowy soft, extra fine, and deliciously cool on the feet–even on sweltering summer days.

Sand on most beaches around the world is a mixture of various minerals, but Siesta Key’s sand is 99% quartz from the Appalachian Mountains.

Imagine a crystal wine glass ground down to powdery softness, and you get Siesta Key Beach.

It’s so fine that it squeaks when you walk on it!

Quartz is one of the strongest common minerals on the earth. It stays cool, and it’s dazzlingly white.

All this to say, go to Siesta Key Beach, ditch your shoes as soon as possible, and plunge your toes into the sand. It’s a delight!

One caveat: since this sand is so fine, it can be hard to clean off.

Apply sunscreen before heading onto the beach, and use talcum powder to clean off the residual sand before hopping in your car at the end of the day.

Another reason Siesta Key is the best Florida beach is the water. Not only is it deliciously warm, it’s insanely clear and clean.

The turquoise color makes it even more beautiful. A swim here is super refreshing.

Plus, limestone formations below the water’s surface make this an ideal spot for snorkeling. You might even spot a manatee or dolphin. 

Kids and adults alike will love swimming here because the waves are so gentle.

Snorkel for sand dollars and a close-up look at the fish.

Another reason to love Siesta Beach is the amenities. Recent renovations have made an already great thing even better.

Now there are even more restrooms, changing rooms, picnic areas with grills, concession stands (with delicious ice cream), showers, beach chair and umbrella rentals, a pedestrian walkway, and lookout towers.

The lookout towers are perfect for watching the sunset.

There’s a fifteen-foot-wide esplanade that makes the beach handicap accessible.

Although there is a massive free parking lot, Siesta Key Beach is popular, so try to get there early in the morning to grab a spot.

Alternatively, consider taking the Siesta Key Trolley so you don’t have to worry about parking.

Besides the beach itself, there are tennis and volleyball courts and a huge playground.

Lifeguards guard the beach year-round at four different stations.

From Labor Day through Memorial Day, they’re on duty from 10 am to 4:45 pm.

They are on guard from 10 am to 6:45 pm the rest of the year.

Once you’ve tapped out on swimming and sunshine, Siesta Key Village is only two blocks from the beach.

This small area is jam-packed with restaurants, gift shops, boutiques, ice cream shops, cafés and fun points of interest.

It’s a great place to meander, grab a frosty-cold beverage, or eat a delicious meal.

The free trolley is a great way to get around here, too.

A few fun spots to stop include:

• Olaf’s Siesta Village for mouthwatering ice cream and tons of fudge.

• Mini Donuts and Coffee for tasty mini donuts and–you guessed it–coffee

• Siesta Key Oyster Bar for delicious oysters and a neat atmosphere

• Daiquiri Deck for seafood, live music, and unique daiquiris

Another reason I love Siesta Key Beach is the abundance of great food and live music nearby.

The Siesta Key Oyster Bar is my go-to spot for food and music.

This casual restaurant has incredible food and fun vibes.

Every surface inside is covered with one-dollar bills. The oysters, scallops, risotto, fish tacos, and mango margaritas are excellent.

Even better, there is live music every night featuring many of the best local bands.

Dreamy-soft sand, turquoise water, great swimming and snorkeling, and plenty of space make Siesta Key Beach a fantastic destination.

It also has many great amenities–from ice cream stands, restrooms, and showers to playgrounds, lookout towers, and tennis courts.

What do you think? Do you agree that this is the best Florida beach in 2024?