Sarasota-Bradentongulf coast getaway

The powder beneath your feet at Siesta Beach is the “whitest and finest sand in the world” according to the Great International White Sand Beach Challenge. Unlike other beaches, the sand at Siesta Beach isn’t made up mostly of coral: It’s 99 percent quartz, so even on the hottest of days, the sand still feels cool underfoot. It is estimated that the sand is millions of years old, originating in the Appalachians and making its way down the rivers to the shores of Siesta Beach. The water is shallow near shore and there are lifeguards available year round, which makes this not only a gorgeous beach, but one of the safest as well. Oh, and bring a blanket and a drum if you’re headed there on Sunday so you can take part in the free community drum circle that meets up south of the main pavilion—just follow the sound a couple of hours before sunset.