Mr. Beach gave the white powder sand of Siesta Key the nation’s #1 beach award. Mr. Beach said “The sand is like sugar. It’s super soft, super fine. They claim to have the finest, whitest sand in the world, and I can’t argue with that.”

And he should know! Dr. Stephen Leatherman, a.k.a. Mr. Beach, has authored 16 books and over 200 referenced articles and technical reports on the world’s beaches. He is Chair Professor and Co-Director at the Laboratory for Coastal Research at the University of Virginia, the nation’s first and still highest-ranked public university. Not too shabby…

Sarasota County boasts 35 miles of beautiful beaches, all open to the public.  Siesta Beach is a half mile stretch of wide-open white sand, where you can fly a kite or build sand castles. All public amenities are available including concession, restrooms, showers, picnic tables, gazebos, and public parking. Buses run daily and on special occasions like the International Sand-Sculpting Contest, pick-up spots are designated to avoid the traffic.

Every Sunday evening you can watch the magnificent sunset and listen to the famous Drum Circle which brings musicians playing instruments of all types and varieties. This totally non-commercial local event developed organically and has grown into a community of its own. Watch this video my cool artist friend Shawn McLoughlin did: