Siesta Beach, located on Beach Road in Siesta Key, Florida certainly has something to celebrate. The beach has been awarded the #1 spot in TripAdvisor’s 2017 Top 25 Beaches in the United States.  In addition, Siesta Beach has also been named #5 on TripAdvisor’s list of Top 25 Beaches in the WORLD for 2017.  There’s something special about this sandy paradise on Florida’s southwest coast, so it’s time to put Siesta Beach on your vacation “must-do” list. Here are a few reasons why Siesta Beach won the coveted TripAdvisor awards:

Sand– Since 1987 Siesta Beach was determined to have “the whitest and finest sand in the world”.  Comprised of 99% quartz, the sand on Siesta Beach is white, cool, soft and soothing. Due to its composition and reflective properties, even on steaming hot days, the sand remains amazingly cool. The special sand is purported to be millions of years old coming down various rivers from the Appalachian mountain range, then ending up on the shores of the Siesta Key area.

Beauty – Known as one of the most pristine and beautiful beaches with crystal clear, clean blue water that’s soothing to the eye.  Sunsets over the Gulf of Mexico are especially appealing and worth plenty of photographs. Special note:  This is a non-smoking beach adding to the environmental/cleanliness factor.

Safety – There’s lifeguard protection all year long in addition to an exceptionally shallow water depth. This, combined with the mostly calm gulf waters, makes this a great beach for younger children and is considered to be one of the safest public beaches in America.  Lifeguard stands are painted in various bright colors to aid in finding your place on the beach.

Special Needs Assistance – Free beach sand-going wheelchairs are available near the main pavilion for those requiring help to and from the beach.

Marine Life – Head to the southern portion of Siesta Beach to Crescent Beach to search for shells, coral and marine life like manatees, dolphins and manta rays.  Look for the sea wall and Point of Rocks.  Further adventures can be found at another beach in the area, Turtle Beach.

Special Events – The festive Siesta Key Crystal Classic Sand Sculpting Competition has been held annually here. Other events include Volleyball competitions and the 4^th of July fireworks.

Amenities – The beach area has bathrooms, showers, picnic areas, parking, snack bars and lots of shady tree areas.

For accommodations during your stay in the area, consider a stay at Hyatt Siesta Key Beach, a Hyatt Residence Club. This beachfront resort is located on Crescent Beach and provides a wonderful gulf setting and relaxed atmosphere.  The comfortable two-bedroom units feature well-equipped kitchens, spacious living areas and deluxe baths with a whirlpool tub.  On-site amenities include a swimming pool, convenient bar/lounge, Day spa and health club. The Siesta Key area offers ample shopping, restaurants, fishing, golf and of course, the beach.

–Contributed by Chris Golden