Siesta Beach in Sarasota makes top 3 in the USA

Siesta Beach in Sarasota has been voted one of the top three beaches in the USA, beating 650 beaches around the country. Stephen Leatherman, also known as Dr Beach, is recognised as one of the nation’s foremost authorities on beach standards and last week released his much awaited annual top ten list of the best beaches in the US, based on an astonishing 50 criteria including sand colour, beach width and condition of the water.

Siesta Beach, located on Beach Road, Siesta Key, is famous for its icing-sugar white sand. As opposed to other beaches elsewhere that are made up mostly of coral, Siesta Beach's sand is 99% quartz. The shallow water depth combined with year round lifeguard protection also makes Siesta Beach one of the safest beaches in the County and great for families. The beach is a mecca for water sports enthusiasts including perfect conditions for surfing, kitesurfing and parasailing.

A one week stay in a queen bedroom apartment at Siesta Key Bungalows including a private deck, costs from £93 per night. Studios and one bedroom apartments are also available. To book, visit siestakeybungalows.com. Return flights direct from London Gatwick to Tampa are available with British Airways, from £579 per person.

Sarasota and Florida’s Gulf Islands are located on the West Coast of Florida, 45 minutes from Tampa and just one and half hours drive from Orlando. The area has beautiful, white sand beaches, wildlife and a string of unspoilt natural islands, comprising what many refer to as ‘Hidden Florida’.

For further information on Sarasota visit Sarasotafl.org.