Summer is here, everyone is looking for the best beaches in the United States of America. There is one person who has the answer: Dr. Stephen P. Leatherman, who is also Dr.
Every year, Leatherman compiles America’s best beaches on the Atlantic, Gulf and Pacific coasts. It uses 50 indicators rated on a five-point scale, such as the softness of the sand, the number of sunny days, cleanliness, and others.
A geoscientist and coastal ecologist, Leatherman received the nickname when he was a professor at the University of Maryland, teaching a course on waves and beaches. His students called him “Dr. On the beach.”
This year, St. George Island State Park – a barrier island near the Florida Panhandle – was named America’s No. 1 beach in the annual Dr. Beaches of the best prizes, just in time for the Memorial Day weekend.
What Leatherman loves about St. George Island State Park: “It has the whitest crystal sand in the world; There is nothing like it, says Leatherman. “In the bright sun, it’s so blindingly white that you have to wear sunglasses.”
Victory Beach is surrounded by liquid emerald green waters and is located on St. George Island, which stretches 20 miles to the mouth of the Apalachicola River in Florida. “It’s known for its oysters and other shellfish,” Leatherman said.
George has food restaurants and family motels, unless you prefer to camp in the park itself. It is also a beautiful city. “From there you have a great view of the entire state, the park and six miles of pristine beach,” explains Leatherman.
In 2023 the list developed many of the same beaches as in 2022 and 2021, but in different positions. There was also an interesting novelty of 2023 : Poipu Beach, in Kauai. What is unique about Poipu: It is a double beach separated by a tombolo, an isthmus created from sand that grew to meet the distant island. “It’s protected from the waves, so it’s very shallow water, a sandy beach, and no waves — it’s perfect for kids,” says Leatherman.
From Florida to Hawaii, these are the top 10 beaches of Dr. Beach for 2023.
1. George Island State Park – Florida Panhandle
Why it’s on the list: “This long barrier island, far from urban areas, is a welcome destination for beachgoers, fishermen and birders because nature abounds,” says Leatherman, who loves white sand, fine sand and sugar.
· Warning: in addition to bathing in its liquid crystalline waters, Leatherman recommends going to the beach to look for shells.
2. Captain Kahanamoku Beach – Oahu, Hawaii
· Why it’s on the list: “Bahanamoku Beach sits west of Waikiki Beach, away from the big crowds of other places,” says Leatherman. “It is the most famous beach in this world of sand.”
A word of advice: Visit Kahanamoku Lagoon, protected by a coral reef, “great for families with children,” says Leatherman.
3. Coopers Beach – Southampton, New York
· Why on the list: On the southern shore of New York lies Long Island, America’s first “Gold Coast” lined with mansions and protected by the cool waters of Labrador. “Coopers Beach is a hundred feet wide, white grainy beach sand,” Leatherman said.
Word of advice: “The best beach access in the Hamptons is at Coopers Beach; there’s also a bar here that serves lunch and drinks,” says Leatherman.
4. Caladesi Islands State Park – Dunedin/Clearwater, Florida
· Why it’s on the list: On the former island, Caladesi is accessed via a foot bridge or a long walk from Clearwater Beach. “The white beach is made of a row of crystalline sand, soft and soft at the water’s edge, inviting you to dip in the liquid waters,” says Leatherman.
A word of advice: Leatherman recommends taking a kayak or canoe ride through the mangroves to spot the big blue heroes.
5. Lighthouse Beach – Buxton, Outer Banks, North Carolina
What’s on the list: “This beach is the number one surf spot on the Atlantic coast of the United States, as the large seawalls, known as Diamond Shoals, cause waves to refract and generate energy on this beach.” said Leatherman.
Tip: Stroll to Cape Point, where you’ll often find a long, narrow stretch of sand with waves coming in from both sides. Walking will make you “like Moses,” says Leatherman.
6. Coronado Beach – San Diego, California
· Why on the list: “Coronado Beach is the star of Southern California; it’s a true oasis by the sea hundreds of meters wide,” says Leatherman.
Word of advice: the beach is ideal for surfing, watching boats and hanging out at the emblematic Hotel del Coronado, built a hundred years ago.
Wailea Beach – Maui, Hawaii
· Why it’s on the list: “Wailea Beach is a series of five bay beaches, part of the Wailea resort complex, which provides a public walkway to visitors,” says Leatherman.
Tip: when the sea is calm, practice snorkeling here.
8. Beachwalker Park – Kiawah Island, South Carolina
· Why on the list: “This is a nature lover’s beach, so visitors can bring their canoes and kayaks to the nets of the cove,” says Leatherman.
Word of advice: “It’s fun to walk or bike along the sandy beach at Captain Sam Inlet to see thousands of birds,” says Leatherman.
9. Poipu Beach – Kauai, Hawaii
· Why on the list: “Located on the sunny, dry side of this island is Poipu Beach, which is actually two beaches in one,” says Leatherman. “Tambulola, which is a narrow strip of sand, which extends from the shore to the island, separates the two bays from the shores.”
A word of advice: “You’ll find a large open area behind the beach, as well as parking, snorkel rentals to explore the coral reef, and surfboard rentals,” says Leatherman.
10. Coast Guard Beach – Cape Cod, Massachusetts
Why it’s on the list: In Eastham, Coast Guard Beach is a classic Cape Cod: “It sits on a stretch of sand that stretches south from the glacial cliffs,” says Leatherman.
A word of advice: “Look for red flags with pictures of sharks on days when these predators are around and follow the advice of a lifeguard,” says Leatherman.
