Whitest Sand Beaches in the World
SARASOTA’S SIESTA BEACH RANKED THIRD IN AMERICA BY DR. BEACH
In 1987, a team of scientists from Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution judged the sugary powder at Siesta Key to be the “finest, whitest sand in the world” during the “Great International White Sand Beach Challenge—”a title that still stands today. The scientists studied samples from more than 30 beaches around the world and declared Siesta’s sand was made of 99% pure quartz. The ultra-fine texture allows the sand to remain as cool as flour, even during the hottest time of day.
And if this prestigious title wasn’t enough:
Conde Nast Traveler magazine judged Siesta’s sand to be “The Best of the Best Sand” in 1999.
3,000 readers of USA Today named Siesta as one of the top three U.S. beaches.
This year, The Travel Channel named Siesta Key Beach as the “Best Sand Beach in America.”
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FLORIDA’S BEACHES TAKE THREE TOP SPOTS IN TOP 10 LIST
SARASOTA, Fla. (May 30, 2008) -- Sarasota & Her Islands, located on Florida’s Gulf Coast and known for sugar-white sand beaches and numerous cultural attractions, is proud to announce that Siesta Key Beach was named the third top beach in America by coastal expert Dr. Stephen Leatherman, a.k.a. “Dr. Beach.”
Leatherman unveiled his internationally-recognized list of the Top 10 U.S. Beaches live via satellite from Caladesi Island State Park in the St. Petersburg/Clearwater area last Thursday.
Two other Florida beaches honored by Leatherman this year include number one-ranked Caladesi Island State Park in the St. Petersburg/Clearwater area, and ninth-ranked Cape Florida State Park in Key Biscayne, near Miami.
“This recognition acknowledges a remarkable area of the state. With more than 1,200 miles of unparalleled coastline to explore in Florida, it isn’t surprising that three Florida beaches have impressed Dr. Beach and made it into his top 10 list,” said Governor Charlie Crist.
Siseta Key Beach is 99% quartz and has also been previously ranked as the finest, whitest sand beach in the world. Just steps away is Siesta Village, playing host to Sarasota’s myriad offerings, from candlelit dining to beach boutiques and live music.
“We are thrilled to be included in “Dr. Beach’s’ Top 10 U.S. Beaches, stated Virginia Haley, president of Sarasota & Her Islands Convention and Visitors Bureau. “We hope that through the support of “Dr. Beach,” travelers will visit Sarasota and experience the cultural, ecological, culinary and eclectic attractions that are also offered when exploring the destination.”