TAMPA, Fla. — Two beaches in the Tampa Bay area ranked among the Top 5 beaches in the state, according to U.S. News & World Report.
Residents in the area don't have to go too far when looking for a good beach day as Siesta Key took the No. 1 spot for this year and Anna Maria Island came in at No. 2.
The report describes Siesta Key as one of the most beautiful beaches in the world with white quartz sand, crystal-clear water and a lively atmosphere. It also highlighted Crescent Beach and Turtle Beach, which are two public beaches there. The beach located off the coast of Sarasota is about an hour away from Tampa.
Tripadvisor also ranked Siesta Key as one of the best beaches in the country and the world earlier this year. It was ranked No. 2 in the U.S. and No. 9 worldwide. It was praised for being family-friendly and easy to get to with plenty of parking options.
Anna Maria Island is in Manatee County about 40 miles south of St. Petersburg. The barrier island has soft white sand and a main street with shops and dining opportunities. Coquina Beach and Bean Point Beach are two areas the list points out.
Other Tampa Bay-area beaches that made the list were Clearwater Beach at No. 10 and St. Petersburg at No. 14. Clearwater Beach was also ranked as No. 4 by USA Today in their ranking of best beaches in the state
Clearwater Beach also has plenty to do and is known for its great sunset views, according to the city's website. Other activities include going fishing on the pier, shopping and watching street performers. Just north of Clearwater Beach is Caadesi Island State Park in Dunedin, which was ranked fourth by Dr. Beach on his annual list of the top 10 beaches in the U.S.
