This Beach Was Just Named the Best in the U.S. for the Second Year in a Row

The popular Florida destination had a $20 million renovation in 2016

NEED TO KNOW

• Siesta Beach in Florida ranked No. 7 globally and No. 1 in the U.S. on The World’s 50 Best Beaches 2026 list
• Known for its 100% quartz-crystal sand, the beach underwent a $20 million renovation in 2016, adding new amenities
• Florida and Hawaii dominated the U.S. rankings with multiple beaches featured, including Henderson Beach and Kapalua Beach

Just in time for summer, a new annual ranking is showcasing the best beaches that the United States has to offer.

The 2026 edition of The World's 50 Best Beaches is broken down globally, as well as nationally, after over 1,000 travel professionals vote on their favorite picks.

On the North American list, which includes the Caribbean and Mexico, the first U.S. beach on the list is Siesta Beach in Florida at No. 7.

The report described Siesta Beach as one that “stays cool to the touch even under the hot Florida sun" and that the “odds of perfect beach days are much higher than average [there].”

Located on Siesta Key in Florida, the beach has 100% quartz-crystal sand and underwent a $20 million renovation in 2016, according to Sarasota County's website. This led to a new playground, additional restrooms, two concession stands, a renovated Sarasota School of Architecture pavilion and more.

The beach offers 950 parking spots for free for visitors, making it the most parking for any public beach in Sarasota County.

Siesta Beach also took the top spot in 2026 for the Best U.S. Beaches and the Best Places to Visit in Florida by U.S. News & World Report. The year prior, it ranked No. 1 in the U.S. and No. 4 globally on TripAdvisor Travelers' Choice awards.

“We found the beach area to be exceptionally clean, [with] powdery white sand that added to the overall appeal of the location,” one reviewer shared on TripAdvisor.

“This is a gorgeous, wide beach with amazing blue water…The parking and amenities are tasteful and don't detract from the natural beauty,” another added. “Great for beach walks, wading, and people-watching.” 

Along with Siesta Beach, Florida's Henderson Beach made the list. There were also five beach inclusions from Hawaii.

Check out the highest-ranking U.S. beaches from The World's 50 Best Beaches 2026 list below.

1. Siesta Beach, Fla. (No. 7 overall)
2. Flamenco Beach, Puerto Rico (No. 10 overall)
3. Kapalua Beach, Hawaii (No. 33 overall)
4. Waimanalo Beach, Hawaii (No. 35 overall)
5. Magens Bay, U.S. Virgin Islands (No. 36 overall)
6. Lanikai Beach, Hawaii (No. 39 overall)
7. Henderson Beach, Fla. (No. 42 overall)
8. Hapuna Beach, Hawaii (No. 46 overall)
9. Wai'anapanapa State Park, Hawaii (No. 49 overall)

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