Siesta Key beat out three Hawaiian beaches, two other Florida beaches, two California beaches, one in Alabama and an area of coastal North Carolina, as noted in the rest of the 2024 list:
• No. 2 — Maui.
• No. 3 —Honolulu-Oahu.
• No. 4 — Kauai.
• No. 5 — Gulf Shores in Alabama.
• No. 6 — Clearwater Beach.
• No. 7 — Destin.
• No. 8 — Malibu.
• No. 9 — The Outer Banks in North Carolina, including the beaches at Kitty Hawk, Nags Head and Kill Devil Hills.
• No. 10 — Laguna Beach, which is about halfway between Los Angeles and San Diego.
The U.S. News says, “With 8 miles of white sand to spread out on, this Florida barrier island off the coast of Sarasota was made for beach bums. Enjoy Siesta Key’s laid-back atmosphere while relaxing on Crescent Beach, a secluded stretch of sand with an area for snorkeling. For more excitement, check out Siesta Beach, which boasts tennis and volleyball courts, a playground and concessions. Or, head to Turtle Beach for premier beachcombing opportunities. What’s more, travelers can avoid costly parking fees by utilizing Siesta Key’s free trolley service during their trip.”
U.S. News travel rankings are based on an analysis of expert opinions and traveler reviews. We also rely on our in-destination writers and editors for their recommendations and insider knowledge.
The scoring for vacation rankings, the magazine adds, gives 50% of the weight to users’ reports. “Anyone has the ability to vote on the destinations included on our ranking lists,” U.S. News notes.
