A Southwest Florida Beach Was Voted One Of The Top 10 Best Beaches In The World

Tripadvisor has released the winners of its 2024 Travellers' Choice Best of the Best Awards for Beaches across the world. And featured on that list is a beach that many of us here in Southwest Florida are very familiar with. This white sand paradise was voted the second best beach in the United States, and ranked number 9 in the best beaches in the world!

The quantity and quality of Tripadvisor reviews are tabulated each year to form the rankings.  Topping the list this year is the Praia da Falésia in Portugal. The golden sand beach is surrounded by dramatic cliffs and beautiful blue waters. There's a path to walk the cliffs to take in the breathtaking views and plenty of amenities such as restrooms, snack bar, and public transportation. It's easy to see how this beach ranks so high.

Set in the heart of the Algarve, the tiny fishing town of Olhos de Agua surrounds a sandy cove lapped by the Atlantic Ocean. This gorgeous stretch of white sand and colored cliffs is up from No. 6 in 2023. Aside from just sunbathing, you can also explore the Benagil tour. Or perhaps a tour along the coast to see the dolphins. If you're up for some world travel, this is the one that's been voted the best. But how about something closer?

Ka'anapali Beach on Maui, Hawaii. This Hawaiian getaway has crystal clear waters perfect for snorkeling and surfing, against a backdrop of lush mountains. Visitors recommend the daily cliff diving ceremony at Pu'u Keka'a (Black Rock), held on the northern end of the beach at sunset. It's no wonder this beach is so popular. I don't even need to explain it. Just watch this video.

Ranking as the second best beach in the United States, and 9th in the world is our very own Southwest Florida entry. Siesta Beach, at Siesta Key, Florida. Siesta Key is the barrier island to Sarasota and is famous for it's white sand beaches, shallow waters, and plenty of family friendly activities. And I'm sure you've heard the term "white sand beach" before, but maybe you didn't know the importance. The primary ingredient in the sand in Siesta Key is quartz, which is a crystal. Crystals disperse heat, which is why our beaches never feel as hot as say, an Atlantic beach. Cooler sands and amazing sunsets, that's what you get on Southwest Florida beaches.

Here's the other Florida entries on the best beaches in the United States list, along with their ranking.

Lastly, Fort Myers Beach and Naples are still recovering from the damage of Hurricane Ian back in 2022 and did not make this list. But the communities are rebuilding and in time, it's likely they will once again be highlighted on a national level.

List Of Best Secret Beaches In America Includes Two In Southwest Florida

When it comes to escaping the monotony of daily life, few things rival the tranquil allure of a pristine beach. Living here in Southwest Florida, we have so many amazing beaches from Fort Myers, Sanibel, Captiva, Naples and Bonita Springs. You can't beat the soothing sounds the of waves, the feeling of the warm sun on your skin, and the salt in the air. If someone asked the best beach to go to, I'm sure popular tourist destinations first come to mind, but the real gems are the beaches are a little more hidden away.

While busy beaches will offer more when it comes to tiki bars, restaurants and surf shops, some prefer a little more quiet. With these secret beaches, parking may be limited. It may be more of a trek out to the beach. Or even a little more of a drive to get there. If you're looking for tranquility, it's so worth it.

Family Destinations Guide just released its list of the Top 100 Best Secret Beaches in the U.S. and two Southwest Florida beaches made an appearance. Coming in at #6 is Lover's Key State Park on Fort Myers Beach. Landing in the #56 spot, Cayo Costa, which is only accessible by boat. While both beaches are amazing, the only bad part right now, is that both are still closed following Hurricane Ian. No word yet on when either will reopen, but hopefully it won't be too much longer.

Shell Key is a 1,800-acre preserve in Tierra Verde only accessible by boat. The water looks absolutely beautiful and clear, perfect for a clear kayak tour.

Dry Tortugas National Park is about 70 miles west of Key West and only accessible by boat or seaplane. The park is known as the home of Fort Jefferson. You'll also find beautiful blue waters, coral reefs and an abundance of marine life.

Boneyard Beach is a hidden beach inside Big Talbot Island State Park in Jacksonville. If you're a fan of driftwood, you'll find plenty along 3 miles of shoreline.

Located in the panhandle, Navarre Beach is known as Florida's most relaxing place. Offering a calm setting, uncrowded shores, soft sands and emerald waves.

Crescent Beach is just south of St. Augustine. The beach gets its name from the natural shape on the coastline. The community is small with not much commercial development and there's minimal vehicle access.

The only way to get to Caladesi Island is by boat and they do offer a ferry out to the island. It's a perfect alternative to the busy nearby Clearwater Beach.

Camp Helen State Park is bordered by the Gulf of Mexico and by Lake Powell. It's the largest coastal dune lake in the state of Florida. The park is only open during the day, but perfect for swimming, shelling, hiking and fishing.