Where is the best beach in the US? According to The World’s 50 Best Beaches list for 2026, it’s not in California, Cape Cod—or even Hawaii. It’s in Florida.
Siesta Beach, located in Florida’s Sarasota County, has officially claimed its place (again) among the globe’s most breathtaking coastlines, ranking 7th in North America and 28th globally—making it the top US beach on both lists. And this year, another Sunshine State locale made the cut: Henderson Beach along Northwest Florida’s panhandle, a region also known as the “Emerald Coast,” ranked 26th in North America.
The annual ranking is compiled by The World’s Best Inc., which also publishes well-known franchises like the 50 Best Bars in the World. According to their website, the best beaches list is based on polling by 1,000 travel professionals across the globe who visit the destinations and share on-the-ground insights regarding quality and conditions.
This year’s ranking marks a significant ascent for Siesta Beach, which climbed from its 2025 position of 12th in North America and 42nd in the world. It’s now scored above heavy-hitting North American contenders, including Hawaii’s Kapalua Beach (#33), Waimanalo Beach (#35), and Waianapanapa State Park (#49) and Caribbean favorites like The Baths in the British Virgin Islands (#8) and Taylor Bay Beach in Turks and Caicos (#17). Siesta Beach also outranked Puerto Rico’s top entry, Flamenco Beach (#41 globally), further cementing Florida’s name in the game.
With summer just around the corner, here’s everything you need to know to plan a getaway to Siesta Beach, including how to get there and where to stay.
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What makes Siesta Beach special?
Siesta Beach is one of three beaches on Siesta Key, a barrier island in the Gulf of Mexico off the coast of Sarasota. There’s also Crescent Beach, a more private cove perfect for snorkeling near Point of Rocks; and Turtle Beach, a quieter, slightly rugged escape ideal for shell collecting and kayaking.
According to the World’s Best team, Siesta Beach stands out thanks to its “powdery, blindingly white sand, made up of 99% pure quartz from the Appalachian Mountains.” It’s true, unlike many other beautiful beaches in the US, Siesta’s sand has a silky, sugar-fine texture—similar to what you would find in the Caribbean.
“The main attraction of Siesta Beach is the uniqueness of its white powdery sand that you don’t see just anywhere,” says Condé Nast Traveler travel specialist Haley Covel, of Cove Travels. “And having it at our fingertips right here in the US is truly something special.”
