Dr. Beach, also known as Dr. Stephen P. Leatherman, has released his annual list of the top beaches in the United States. This year, the list is celebrating its 30th anniversary, and Dr. Beach has adjusted his criteria to give extra credit to beaches with good safety records and no smoking.
The number one beach on the list for 2021 is Hapuna Beach State Park on the Big Island, Hawaii. This white coral sand beach stands out in a landscape dominated by black lava flows. Dr. Beach describes it as the perfect place to swim, snorkel, or scuba dive in the crystal clear and clean waters during the summer months. Visitors should be aware of powerful rip currents during the winter months but can rest assured that well-trained lifeguards are on duty.
Coopers Beach in Southampton, New York, comes in second on the list. This “Gold Coast” beach is hundreds of yards wide and made of grainy white quartz sand. The beach is backed by large sand dunes covered by American beach grass interspersed with extravagant mansions. A snack bar serving lunch and drinks is also available.
Ocracoke Lifeguarded Beach on the Outer Banks of North Carolina takes third place. This beach was once home to Blackbeard the pirate and remains a special place for Dr. Beach. He notes that the main pursuits here are swimming and beachcombing, and visitors shouldn’t expect to play golf or stay at the Ritz.
Fourth on the list is St. George Island State Park in Florida’s panhandle, a long barrier island far from urban areas and a favorite destination for beachgoers, anglers, and bird watchers. Besides swimming in the crystal-clear water, Dr. Beach enjoys beachcombing and shelling.
Lighthouse Beach in Buxton on the Outer Banks of North Carolina comes in fifth. This lifeguarded beach is the number one surfing spot on the U.S. Atlantic Coast as the large offshore sand banks, known as Diamond Shoals, cause wave refraction, focusing wave energy on this beach. Visitors can also stroll down to the Cape Point where a long sand spit often exists.
Rounding out the top 10 are Duke Kahanamoku Beach in Oahu, Hawaii; Caladesi Island State Park in Dunedin/Clearwater, Florida; Coronado Beach in San Diego, California; Beachwalker Park on Kiawah Island, South Carolina; and Coast Guard Beach in Cape Cod, Massachusetts.
Dr. Beach ranks the best U.S. beaches based on 50 criteria scored on a five-point scale, including safety, sand quality, cleanliness, and more. His network of beach managers provides relevant data, and he also issued tips for social distancing on the sand. Dr. Beach emphasizes that going to a beach is inherently one of the safer things that you can do, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. He also urges visitors not to use the sand as a giant ashtray and to keep it clean for everyone to enjoy.
In conclusion, Dr. Beach’s annual list of the top beaches in the United States provides a great guide for beachgoers to find the perfect place to swim, sunbathe, and enjoy the great outdoors. With so many amazing beaches in the United States, this list provides the ultimate resource for planning your next beach vacation.
Are you planning your next summer vacation and struggling to decide where to go? With so many beaches to choose from in the US, it can be overwhelming. To help you out, we’ve compiled a list of the 10 best beaches to visit in the US. We’ve considered 10 different lists of the best beaches in the United States to make this list as objective as possible.
Let’s start with number 6 on the list, as there was a tie between five beaches mentioned three times. One of them is El Matador Beach in Malibu, California. Although most of the beach is a no-swim zone due to the rocks in the water, you can still enjoy stunning sunset views and leisurely strolls along the beach. South Beach in Miami, Florida, is also tied for sixth place. Its famous white sand, turquoise water, and iconic Art Deco lifeguard stands make it a dream destination for all types of travelers. Coligny Beach in South Carolina, with 5 miles of pristine coastline, is ideal for long walks, swimming, and family fun. Oak Street Beach in Chicago, located on Lake Michigan, offers a mix of sand and city and has access to running and biking paths, as well as great restaurants and bars nearby. Orange Beach, Alabama, on the Gulf Coast, boasts 32 miles of perfect white sand and ample opportunities for water sports like diving, paddleboarding, parasailing, and jet skiing.
Now, let’s move on to the top 4. Siesta Beach in Florida’s Gulf of Mexico is known for its clean, hard-packed sand, which is 99% quartz and stays cool no matter how hot it gets outside. Shaded picnic areas, tennis and volleyball courts, and children’s playgrounds make it a great spot for families. Ka’anapali Beach in Hawaii is a favorite for water sports and relaxation, with excellent areas for snorkeling and opportunities to see seals, sea turtles, and other sea creatures.
And now, for the top 3 beaches to visit in the US. Cannon Beach in Oregon, ranked third on our list, boasts the iconic Haystack Rock, which towers 235 feet above the ocean floor and is especially incredible at low tide. This beach is incredibly clean and vast, perfect for long walks, although it can get cold and windy. Clearwater Beach on Florida’s Gulf Coast takes the number 2 spot with its breathtakingly blue waters and sugar white fine sand. There are hundreds of things to do on Clearwater Beach, from parasailing and boat tours to swimming and watching the dolphins playing in the waves. Finally, the top spot on our list goes to Grace Bay in Turks and Caicos, with its pristine turquoise waters and soft, powdery sand. It’s no wonder that it’s consistently ranked as one of the best beaches in the world.
Whether you’re looking for relaxation or adventure, family fun or a romantic getaway, these top 10 beaches have something for everyone. Plan your trip now and get ready to soak up the sun and make unforgettable memories.