<Li> 2015 awarded #1 U.S. Beach (TripAdvisor source Orlando Sentinel February 18, 2015) </Li> <P> Siesta Beach is located on Beach Road on Siesta Key . Siesta Beach is known as one of the most beautiful beaches anywhere in the world . At the "Great International White Sand Beach Challenge" held in 1987, it was recognized as having the "whitest and finest sand in the world ." </P> <P> Unlike beaches elsewhere that are made up mostly of pulverized coral, Siesta Beach's sand is 99% quartz, most of which comes from the Appalachian Mountains . Even on the hottest days, the sand is so reflective that it feels cool underfoot . It's estimated that the sand on Siesta Beach and Crescent Beach on Siesta Key is millions of years old, having its origin in the Appalachians and flowing down the rivers from the mountains until it eventually was deposited on the shores of Siesta Key . </P> <P> Shallow water depth in the near shore area together with year - round lifeguard protection, makes this one of the safest beaches in the county and great for small children . </P>

Where does siesta key beach sand come from