Siesta Beach in Sarasota, Florida is the best beach in the country right now, according to the prestigious annual rankings from “Dr. Beach.”
Every year, Florida International University professor Stephen P. Leatherman, aka Dr. Beach, ranks U.S. coastlines on 50 criteria including water temperature, sand quality and upkeep of the natural environment. Siesta Beach is the only one to top his rankings twice in their 26-year history: It previously won the honor in 2015.
Siesta Beach beat out shorelines in Hawaii, California and elsewhere with its fine, white sand and a recent $21 million makeover that resulted in more picnic areas, more parking spaces and a new playground.
And of course, the water here looks gorgeous at any time of day:
Here are the top 10 beaches for 2017, according to Dr. Beach:
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