Siesta Key, America's Best Beach for 2011

By Kevin McGeever, VISIT FLORIDA Editor
Published: May 26, 2011
Last Updated On: June 9, 2011

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Siesta Key

Discover the wide shores, powder-soft sands and turquoise waters of Siesta Beach on Sarasota's Siesta Key, America's Best Beach for 2011.

Sarasota's Siesta Key is home to America's Best Beach for 2011.

Dr. Stephen Leatherman, the Florida International University coastal scientist who has researched and published his beaches list for 21 years, said: “Siesta Beach in Sarasota boasts that it has the finest and whitest sand in the world, and I cannot argue with this claim; the powdery sand is nearly pure quartz crystal. The beach is hundreds of yards wide, attracting volleyball players and beachcombers as well as those who just want to find their place in the sun.”

Seven Florida destinations have now received the highest honor from Leatherman, better known as Dr. Beach.

"Siesta Beach in Sarasota boasts that it has the finest and whitest sand in the world, and I cannot argue with this claim; the powdery sand is nearly pure quartz crystal."

Previous Sunshine State winners are: Caladesi Island (2008) and Fort De Soto North (2005) in The St. Petersburg/Clearwater area, St. Joseph Peninsula State Park (2002) in Port St. Joe, St. Andrew's State Park (1995) in Panama City, Grayton Beach (1994) in South Walton and Bahia Honda State Park (1992) in The Florida Keys.

This year, St. George Island State Park in Northwest Florida and Cape Florida State Park in Key Biscayne also were in Dr. Beach’s Top 10.

According to FIU’s Laboratory for Coastal Research, where Leatherman is director, 50 criteria are used to evaluate beaches, such as water and sand quality and environmental management.  

“Waves at Siesta Beach are normally measured in inches and the beach gradually slopes into the Gulf waters, making it a very safe area for children,” Leatherman said. “This beach park is complete with showers and bathrooms, snack bars, grills, picnic tables, shade trees, and a large parking area, which does fill up on summer weekends. Siesta Beach is a smokeless beach, earning extra points for cleanliness and environmental management.”

Sarasota County Commissioner Nora Patterson has been a Siesta Key resident for 41 years. “I know first-hand what a gem we have with Siesta Beach. Now we get to share Siesta’s stunning white sands and turquoise waters with the world.”

Email Florida stories to kevin@visitflorida.org.