U.S. News & World Report has named Siesta Key the No. 1 Best Beach in the United States for 2026.
“Best known for its dazzling white, powder-soft sand beaches that are consistently ranked among the best in the U.S., and indeed the world, Siesta Key is a must-visit for beachgoers,” U.S. News reported.
“Siesta Key is a respite from the hurried world. This beach town is the perfect place to slow down and relax, take your time, unwind and soak up the Florida sunshine.”
The publication released its 2026 Best Vacations Rankings in April.
Among Siesta Key’s beaches, U.S. News ranked Siesta Beach No. 1, Turtle Beach No. 2 and Crescent Beach No. 3.
“This honor is a meaningful reflection of the extraordinary beach experience visitors find here in Sarasota County,” said Erin Duggan, president and CEO of Visit Sarasota County.
“Siesta Key’s soft, pristine sand and relaxed island atmosphere make it a top choice for a beach vacation,” wrote Elizabeth Von Tersch, Visit Sarasota County’s senior travel editor. “Plus, all types of visitors can find a beach experience that suits their needs, from the volleyball courts at amenity-packed Siesta Beach to the peaceful sunsets at Crescent Beach.”
U.S. News & World Report’s Best Vacations rankings spotlight top destinations across a range of travel categories. Editors evaluate more than 1,500 destinations using a variety of factors, with user voting also playing a role in individual ranking lists.
The national recognition has brought Siesta Key extensive positive coverage in national and international media. Condé Nast Traveler and Southern Living magazines have reported on the honor, and newspapers as far away as India have highlighted the designation.
The 2026 U.S. News rankings, along with the 2025 Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice Award that named Siesta Key the best beach in the United States and the No. 4 beach in the world, are helping support continued growth in tourism.
The top 10 beaches in the United States, according to U.S. News & World Report, are:
• Siesta Key, Florida
• Maui, Hawaii
• Anna Maria Island, Florida
• Honolulu, Oahu, Hawaii
• Kauai, Hawaii
• Sanibel Island, Florida
• Gulf Shores, Alabama
• Destin, Florida
• Clearwater Beach, Florida
• Malibu, California
Read the U.S. News & World Report article, “Best Beaches in the U.S. for 2026,” at travel.usnews.com/rankings/best-beaches-in-the-usa.
