More than 1,000 leading travel professionals and influencers have undertaken the oh so arduous task of naming their absolute favorite beaches in the world and the list of the World's 50 Best Beaches for 2025 is here. This annual collaboration between beach-savvy judges, journalists and high-profile scenesters is a reflection of real-time beach expertise, so these beaches are 100% stunning and worth a spot on your bucket list. This year, just one U.S. beach made the list, and it's a perennial pleaser.
Siesta Beach in Siesta Key, Florida was named the number 42 best beach in the world. Known for its rare, powdery white sand, this beautiful beach is made up of 99% pure quartz. This unique sand stays cool in the hot sun, making it perfect for a chill beach day. But the said isn't the only highlight. The clear blue water is shallow and calm, ideal for swimming, wading or floating. The lack of large beach developments in the area has preserved the beach's natural beauty. And the weather? The contributors dub this beach "frequently idyllic," meaning you're highly likely to have a perfect beach day when you visit.
"Our 2025 list is the result of countless days spent by our judges, Beach Ambassadors, and the World's 50 Best team exploring coastlines across the globe," said Tine Holst, Co-Founder of The World's 50 Best Beaches. "Our mission is to inspire travelers to go beyond the typical tourist hotspots and discover the kind of beach experiences they've always dreamed of—places that are truly breathtaking, peaceful, and unforgettable."
While Siesta Beach may not rank as high as the top three—Cala Goloritze in Italy, Entalula Beach in the Philippines and Bang Bao Beach in Thailand—it's frequently named the best beach in the U.S. and definitely deserves its spot among the best in the world. Find the full list of the World's 50 Best Beaches here.