Planning a trip to the beach in Florida? We have just the places for you.
Two slices of Sarasota-area paradise were ranked among the best beach towns by Southern Living
The lifestyle magazine recently released its list of the top 50 beach towns in the South, with two in Sarasota and Manatee counties appearing on the list.
The rankings were based on over 10,000 responses to a survey conducted during the summer of 2024.
“These reader-selected beach towns are home to growing food scenes, colorful shopping districts, postcard-worthy views, and endless ways to frolic in the water,” Southern Living details. “Each one has its own unique feel and energy, but you’ll find that all are overflowing with charm.”
Siesta Key among the best Florida beach towns. Here’s why
Siesta Key, recently named the best beach in the nation by U.S. News & World Report, boasts a wide public beach featuring soft sand made almost exclusively of pure quartz, which remains cool on the feet even when baked in the Florida sun.
Now it’s also ranked among the best beach towns, coming in at No. 15 on Southern Living’s list.
“Although it was affected by Hurricanes Helene and Milton, Siesta Key — part of a string of islets along Florida’s southwest coast—is well on its way to recovery. With three beaches and a variety of shops and restaurants, this place doesn’t waste a single inch of its 3.5 square miles. The 77 Seaside Islander, a free public trolley, makes it simple to get anywhere you need without bringing a car or breaking a sweat.”
Why Anna Maria Island is ranked one of the best beach towns in Florida
Anna Maria Island, ranked among the best beaches in the country at No. 3, known for its sugar-white sands and turquoise waters, is narrow, only about 7 miles long and consists of three official cities, from south to north: Bradenton Beach, Holmes Beach, and the city of Anna Maria.
Adding to the accolades, Anna Maria Island was ranked 11th on the list of best beach towns by Southern Living:
“A true Old Florida escape, Anna Maria Island preserves its authentic atmosphere by eschewing high-rises, chain stores, and fast-food restaurants. Instead, it repurposes brightly painted historic homes and buildings on Pine Avenue for markets, bakeries, and boutiques. And when it comes to incredible views, the glittering Gulf to the west and the deep blue Palma Sola Bay to the east speak for themselves.”
What is the best beach town in Florida?
Southwest Florida’s Sanibel placed sixth for the best Southern beaches, with Southern Living describing it as a “sunny slice of paradise.”
“With no stoplights or high-rises, the island is an old-school beach town at its best. Once you’ve come here, it won’t be long before you’ve adopted the Sanibel stoop, the well-known posture of serious shell seekers.”
Sanibel is an island off the coast of Lee County, roughly 23 miles from downtown Fort Myers. Its neighbor, Captiva, ranked 20th on the list.
Nearly 20 Florida beach towns made the ranking. Any near you?
In total, 19 Florida beach towns placed in the top 50:
Where is the best Southern beach town in the US?
Georgia’s St. Simons Island took home the top spot for the best Southern beach. Southern Living highlighted the town’s scenery, history and activities as to why it was the best.
“Like the ebbing tide that reveals pluff mud speckled with oyster beds, visitors come in waves to this alluring town where the peel ’n’ eat shrimp and gorgeous sunsets are requirements. Crossing the F.J. Torras Causeway (the only road onto the island) signals a shift in the salty air. Georgia’s second-largest barrier island, St. Simons is nestled between the Frederica River and the Atlantic Ocean, with creeks woven throughout its scenic landscape.”
What are the best Southern beach towns in the country?
Here are the top 10 beach towns on Southern Living’s list:
Contributing: Wade Tatangelo, Sarasota Herald-Tribune
Kim Luciani is a journalist for the USA TODAY Network-Florida’s Audience team. You can get all of Florida’s best content directly in your inbox each weekday by signing up for the free newsletter, Florida TODAY, at https://heraldtribune.com/newsletters.
This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: 2 stunning Sarasota area spots ranked on list of best beach towns
Reporting by Kim Luciani and Samantha Neely, USA TODAY NETWORK – Florida / Sarasota Herald-Tribune
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
