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This Florida beach has the whitest sand thanks to ancient river flow

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My quest for the best family beaches in Florida has carried me like a wave of determination from coast to coast. From my home of South Florida, to the Panhandle, to the Florida Keys, and every shoreline in between, I’ve left a trail of footprints and sandcastles... and eventually landed at my favorite one.

Siesta Key is unlike any other beach in the state. The Gulf Coast hamlet in Sarasota County offers a slice of picture-perfect paradise in one superbly family-friendly bite. It gets bonus points for easy accessibility, thanks to its proximity to the Sarasota Bradenton International Airport, Tampa International Airport, and major freeways.

So, what makes Siesta Key so special?

Pure Quartz Crystal Sand

Siesta Key's secret sauce is its sand, which is nearly 100 percent pure quartz crystal, making it feel like powdered sugar between your toes. Local history suggests this quartz was deposited from the Appalachian Mountains via rivers, millions of years ago. The sand doesn't require any nourishment through added sediment, either; Siesta Key is one of only a few naturally accreting beaches on Florida's Gulf Coast.

Crescent Beach, one of the three main public beaches, also was scientifically determined to have "The World's Finest, Whitest Sand," during the 1987 Great International White Sand Challenge. Judged by Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution's Coastal Research Center Director, Dr. David Aubrey, the competition included runners-up from the Bahamas and Grand Cayman.

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Crystal-Clear Water

In addition to its majestic sands, Siesta Key offers everything people love about the Gulf Coast beaches: warmer (but no less refreshing) water than the Atlantic and sunsets beyond compare. The water in Siesta Key, particularly, is also some of the clearest in the state—an ode to its white sand and shallow wading depth.

Bear in mind: It's not out of the ordinary to find yourself swimming next to a dolphin or, in the summer months, a manatee. Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife while you’re in the water, so you don’t get spooked by a friendly dolphin or curious 'sea cow.' Want to see more? Grab your snorkel gear, and head to the Point of Rocks on the southern end of Crescent Beach. The calm, shallow, crystal-clear water is teeming with dolphins, various fish, crustaceans, coral, and algae.

Family Activities Galore

The beach might occupy most of your time, but I highly recommend carving out some to experience the wonders on the mainland.

One of my favorites is the Marie Selby Botanical Gardens. Everything about this 15-acre botanical garden will make you feel like you've entered Narnia. Kids especially will love the Ann Goldstein Children's Rainforest Garden, conveniently nestled near the entrance, with a majestic waterfall, rope bridge, research station, and other fun surprises.

More local, family-friendly highlights include the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium, Sarasota Jungle Gardens, and Bayfront Park and Splash Pad. On a rainy day, we also took our kids to the Jump Jump Children Multiverse, an adorable indoor playground designed for ages one through nine.

For those willing to venture a bit further, Myakka River State Park and Caspersen Beach—the "Shark Tooth Capital of the World," just south of Siesta Key in Venice Beach—are worthy day trips.

MORE BEYOND THE BEACH: Why Sarasota might be the perfect Florida vacation spot for families

Myriad Family Accommodations

Shabby chic rental cottages comingle with low-key resorts, including many that offer villa-style accommodations with multiple bedrooms, kitchens, and other homey amenities. Throw in a couple luxe options (a la The Resort at Longboat Key Club and The Residences On Siesta Key Beach) as well as all the hotels a stone's throw away in Sarasota, and you’ve got something for every family size, interest, and budget.

Beach access points, parks, playgrounds, and other attractions are peppered throughout the island. Regardless of where you bunk up, you’ll be able to get around easily, either by foot or via the free, "hop on, hop off" Siesta Key Breeze Trolley. My family and I opted to stay closer to Siesta Beach Park and Playground, and enjoyed short walks to the playground and beach, as well as Siesta Key Village for dining and shopping.

Not a Party Beach

Siesta Key is one of the best family beaches in Florida I’ve ever experienced. It doesn’t seem to attract many loud, "party hard" types (at least, you won’t find them en masse). This is a testament to the small-town charm it has preserved over the years. The island's lack of mega resorts and hotels—in addition to a noise ordinance that goes into effect at 10 p.m. every night—helps uphold its tame, laidback personality.

The biggest party you'll find is on Sundays at sunset, when locals gather on Siesta, Englewood, and Nokomis Beaches to form a spectacle of music and dance known as the Siesta Key Drum Circle. Kids are welcome.

On Sunday mornings, you’ll also find a small farmer’s market with local crafts and goodies, in Siesta Key Village. If you’re looking for a refreshing snack, grab some ice cream or virgin daiquiris at the Daiquiri Deck.