Daily Daydream: Siesta Beach, Florida

Every year, Dr. Beach (his real name, Dr. Stephen Leatherman, is just as good, although more as reminder to wear sunscreen on those beaches) lists his best beach in America. He factors in everything from the number of sunny days, to sand softness, to amount of seaweed/jellyfish on the beach. In 2011, Sarasota, Florida’s Siesta Beach was ranked as number one on that list, and it’s easy to see why.

Siesta Beach’s white sand is made of 99 percent pure quartz, which means that it will feel cool even on scorching hot days, making the dash to the water that much less painful! The water is clean and clear, and helped the beach earn its Blue Wave designation from the Clean Beach Council.

There’s plenty of space for everyone to spread out on this beach, as it is 2,400 linear feet. You’ll also find year-round lifeguard protection, a park with showers, bathrooms, and snack bars, as well as plenty of shallow areas for kids or not-so-strong swimmers. Best of all? The beach is designated smoke-free, so you won’t have to worry about digging up a cigarette butt in your sandcastle.

Where is it? In Sarasota, Florida.

Where to stay? Rent your own personal beach condo at the Hyatt Siesta Key Beach, where two-bedrooms offer between 1,865 to 3,000 square feet of space, and a private terrace or balcony.

What else should I know? Even though there are 800 parking spaces nearby, they fill up fast. So if you’re planning on driving, arrive early.

Who’s it for? Swimmers, sunbathers, anyone who wants a siesta (we couldn’t resist) on the beach.

You might also like:

• Our Readers’ 15 Favorite Beaches
• Siesta Key Travel Advice
• Dr. Beach’s Top 10 U.S. Beaches for 2010