The 10 Best Beaches in America, According to Dr. Beach

Sports October 21, 2025 0 Comments

The 10 Best Beaches in America, According to Dr. Beach

When searching for the perfect stretch of beach to spend your vacation days on, there are a few factors to consider. Some, such as the clarity of water or the texture of sand, are more pronounced than others; For example, you may not realize how much noise pollution a nearby highway generates until you’re actually on the road shore.

To help you choose your next coastal getaway, Florida International University coastal research professor Stephen P. Leatherman, also known as “Dr. Beach”, presents his annual list of coastal places you’ll enjoy. Top 10 beaches In the United States based 50 standardsThe width of the beach ranges from low to high tide Jellyfishdata reveals that the Florida Panhandle is home to the best beach in the country. Grayton Beach State Park features exceptionally fine white sand known as “sugar sand.” Warm shallow water with calm waves. And the nature of 2000 acres garden With rare coastal dune lakes and hiking trails. It wasn’t the only Florida beach to make the list. Caladesi Island State Park, off the coast of Dunedin and Clearwater, came in sixth place.

North Carolina External banks The islands were also well represented, with Ocracoke Lifeguarded Beach and Buxton’s Lighthouse Beach coming in second and fifth respectively. Dr. Beach also gave top honors to two Hawaii beaches: Duke Kahanamoku Beach on Oahu and Hapuna Beach State Park on the Big Island.

Even if you can’t make it to Florida or Hawaii, Dr. Beach’s metrics can help you decide what’s important to you when it comes to choosing the best beach closer to home. Maybe you’re not bothered by online reviews warning of giant waves at a particular beach, but you’re unwilling to budge on overcrowding.

This list of criteria isn’t the only way Dr. Beach helps beachgoers plan the best, safest summer vacation — he’s also compiled a few criteria Useful tips To head to the beach during Corona virus pandemic. First and foremost, you should check the beach rules before going there; Some places are only open for exercise, while others are designated for that masks Mandatory (even if yours does not require a mask, however, you must still wear a mask). Dr. Beach also recommends having a backup plan, just in case your ideal beach reaches capacity before you get there.

See the full list of top 10 beaches below, and find out more about them here.