Once again Steve Leatherman (Dr. Beach) named Siesta Key Beach the nation's top beach in an annual nation wide survey. Siesta Key Beach is 40 acres of sugary white, 99% pure quartz crystal sand. Siesta Key Beach was the second place holder in Leatherman's rankings in 2010, and 2009, and was third in 2008. ... And now Siesta Key Has The Nation's Best Beach !!!

Leatherman, the director of Florida International University Laboratory for Coastal Research said "The sand is like sugar, it's super soft, and super fine." Dr. Beach ranked the award winning beaches on 50 specific criteria, including the look and feel of the sand, the overall water quality, the area's weather, the beaches facilities and the crowds. Key Beach got big points for shallow waters and the gentle currents. Leathermans says "Most days you measure waves over there in inches, not feet."

Parking at Siesta Public Beach is free, but during season, you better get there before 10am, otherwise you could be crusin' for a while looking for a spot.

Dr. Beach says "Once a beach reaches the pinnacle of Leatherman's list, it is retired from consideration for future rankings."

The top 10 beaches were:

1. Siesta Beach, Sarasota, Florida.
2. Coronado Beach, San Diego
3. Kahanamoku Beach, Waikiki
4. Main Beach, East Hampton, New York
5. Cape Hatteras, North Carolina
6. St. George Island State Park, Florida
7. Beachwalker Park, Kiawah Island, South Carolina
8. Coast Guard Beach, Cape Cod
9. Waimanalo Bay Beach Park, Oahu, Hawaii
10. Cape Florida State Park