Siesta Key Beach, Anna Maria Island Named Best Beaches in Florida by U.S. News & World Report

Siesta Key Beach and Anna Maria Island are home to the No. 1 and No. 2  Best Beaches in Florida, according to a new list by U.S. News & World Report. To come up with the rankings, the U.S. News says it factored in reader votes, aesthetics, atmosphere and convenience. 

Siesta Key was lauded for its beaches’ sugar-white quartz sand, clear turquoise water and “lively atmosphere,” with Crescent Beach and Turtle Beach receiving shout-outs. U.S. News also named Siesta Key Beach to its list of the world’s most beautiful beaches.

Meanwhile, Anna Maria Island, in Manatee County, was recognized for its beaches’ Old Florida vibes and soft white sand. U.S. News specifically highlighted Coquina Beach and Manatee Public Beach’s amenities and family-friendliness, as well as Bean Point’s stunning sunsets. 

What other Florida beaches made the list? Delray Beach ranked No. 3, and Santa Rosa Beach No. 4. Rounding out the rest of the top 15 are Palm Beach, Destin, Marco Island, Fort Walton Beach, St. George Island, Clearwater Beach, Amelia Island, Sanibel Island, Key Largo, St. Petersburg and Islamorada

No matter what, we think we can all agree that this list confirms something we locals know in our bones: we live near the greatest shores on Earth.