Siesta Key Beach Ranked Number One in United States; Coquina Beach Among Top for Families

Sunset on the public beach of Siesta Key in Sarasota

SARASOTA -- Well, it finally happened. Our local beaches, long perennial entries on various best of lists throughout the U.S., have finally reached the summit. Siesta Key was ranked number one on Dr. Beach's Top 10 List 2011, while Family Magazine has listed Coquina Beach on Anna Maria Island as the number seven family beach in the nation.

Director of Florida International University's Laboratory for Coastal Research, Stephen P. Leatherman, known as “Dr. Beach” has been ranking the best sandy spots in the U.S. since 1991 on a wide variety of criteria and his list is widely regarded as the gold standard. Siesta Key has been ranked as high as second on his list in the past.

Leatherman said that he couldn't argue with the assertion that Siesta Beach has the best sand anywhere and said that the tropical water temperature and calm, crystal-blue waters were factors, but that he was also impressed with the child-friendly facilities and that Siesta earned “extra points” for being smoke-free.

Coquina Beach in the City of Bradenton Beach on AMI Photo Credit: Bradenton CVB

Parent Magazine boasted about the beauty of the famous Australian Pines of Coquina Beach and praised its warm waters, ample wildlife and tremendous array of early morning shells as reasons families would enjoy the barrier island's southernmost beach spot. In light of last year's oil spill scare, the rankings are welcomed affirmations of what we've known all along – the best beaches in the world are right in our backyard.

Though both lists snubbed my personal fave, Bean's Point on Holmes Beach, I'll take satisfaction in knowing that the best kept secret will still remain the least crowded of the three. Now, don't just sit there -- get out and enjoy those magnificant local beaches!