AARP ranks Siesta Key as No. 1 beach

Siesta Key has won another No. 1 beach distinction — this time from an organization more reflective of the demographics in Sarasota County.

On the heels of winning the 2015 Travelers’ Choice Award for the best U.S. beach from TripAdvisor, AARP has listed Siesta at the top of its list of 12 beaches to visit in 2015. The Sarasota County public beach was one of four American beaches on the list, and the only beach from the southeast.

"Wide expanses of powdery sand and emerald Gulf of Mexico waters attract flocks of families as well as couples looking for a romantic getaway,” the article states. “After a day of shell collecting or kayaking, relax in the adjacent village that’s chock-full of eateries and shops.”

Siesta placed first out of 25 other beaches to receive the TripAdvisor award, receiving 2,010 excellent ratings from visitors. St. Pete Beach and Ka’anapali Beach in Hawaii placed second and third, respectively.

Last month, Coastal Living chose Sarasota as the featured “Dream Town," citing its beaches, architecture, arts and culture, demographics and restaurants, among other local features. Winners from this year include Bodega Bay, Calif., and Dana Point Calif., and the nearby Anna Maria Island has earned the distinction in the past.