An entrance to Cooper’s Beach in Southampton, New York, which was named one of the best beach within the United States in a brand new report.
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What are one of the best beaches within the USA? Just in time for summer, Stephen Leatherman, also referred to as Dr. Dr. Beach, his annual list of Top 10 beaches in America.
Leatherman, professor on the Department of Earth & Environment from Florida International University, has evaluated one of the best beaches of America since 1991. He got his nickname when he taught a course on waves and beaches on the University of Maryland, where his students called him “Dr. Beach”.
Every yr Leatherman evaluates beaches across the country 50 criteriaIncluding sand softening, water quality, security, amenities, environmental management and more. “I give beaches that have no smoke policies,” said Leatherman in an interview.
The best beach within the USA
This yr’s winner is Coopers Beach in Southampton, New York. What makes this place a top beach in America on the eastern end of Long Island? “It has clean air out there. It has clean water. It is safe. It only seems to be another world – it is such a dreamy place,” says Leatherman.
Another factor that Coopers Beach took first place: “It is warm enough to swim in summer, especially from July, because it is shielded before the Labrador stream,” says Leatherman. “Another thing that I like at the Hamptons in summer – it doesn’t get so damn hot.”
But don’t count on seeing Coopers Beach on the list next yr. Every yr Leatherman retires the winning beach and adds it to a Hall of Fame list to make room for brand spanking new beaches.
The former winners include Duke Kahanamoku Beach in Oahu, Hawaii (who won in 2024), St. George Island State Park im Florida Panhandle (winner 2023), Ocracoke rescue swimmer beach within the outskirts of North Carolina (2022) and Hawaiis Hapuna Beach State Park (2021).
Floridas St. Andrews State Park, a newcomer to one of the best beach list.
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Best beaches: What’s in there, what’s outside
While among the beaches appeared on this yr’s list in previous reports, Leatherman has strict standards and doesn’t let a beach rest on its laurels. Three beaches from last yr’s list were dropped on account of erosion and environmental problems, including Coronado Beach in California (which suffers from the Tijuana flow), Caladesi Island in Florida (which had storm damage) and lighthouse beach in North Carolina (where erosion was discovered).
In their place, three latest entries are something else, from distant wildlife ponds to tropical refugees in accordance with cards. And while they’re latest arrivals of the highest 10, Leatherman has long been a competitor in his wider rating.
The three latest entries are St. Andrews State Park in Florida, Hawaiis Kaunaoa Beach and Lanikai Beach on the Oahu.
What are one of the best beaches in America? Read on for Dr. Beach’s picks, from New York to Hawaii to Florida.
A have a look at Coopers Beach in Southampton, New York with villas in the gap.
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1. Coopers Beach – Southampton, New York
Why did it make the list: “It is a large white beach – hundreds of meters – and is supported by large sand dunes covered by American beach grass that is interspersed with extravagant villas,” says Leatherman.
A tip: “Parking is expensive, so the best offer is the ‘Hamptons Free Ride’,” says Leatherman. Another approach to get there: “I ride on my bike,” he says.
Wilea Beach on the south bank of Maui, Hawaii.
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2. Wailea Beach – Maui, Hawaii
Why did it make the list: “Wilea are actually five beaches – shock beaches. You have all this beautiful tropical vegetation and flowers and everything,” says Leatherman. “People often rate Maui as the most beautiful holiday island in the world. And it is true – I can’t imagine anything negative about Wailea beaches.”
A tip: The Wailea beaches are public, and although there are hotels that line the beaches, they are usually not afraid to park. “You have to allow you to park there,” says Leatherman. “If someone does not know the rules and tries to stop them, they have the rights to park on this beach.”
Pooki on Kauai.
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3. Point Beach – Hawaii
Why did it make the list: “Poipu is on the dry side of the island. It is what a raffle is called – it catches the sand, but also a place where you don’t get big waves,” says Leatherman. “If you have children, you have a nice place where it is protected.”
A tip: “It has something for everyone. It only depends on what you want. You want big waves and surfing? You don’t want waves? You want medium -heavy waves,” says Leatherman. “I find it pretty unique.”
Boardwalk over the white sandy beach of Delnor-Wiggins. State Park in Naples, Florida.
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4. Delnor -wiggins Pass State Park – Naples, Florida
Why did it make the list: “This beach is crystal quartz sand, so it is even white than coral sand. It is a very large beach and there is plenty of space for everyone,” says Leatherman. “You will also find a good number of mussels and a large warm water there. But don’t bring your surfboard with you. There is no surf there – it’s perfect for swimming.”
A tip: “Mix your feet in the water to ensure that there are no stinging out there. They will be deterred,” says Leatherman.
The deck of the general public pavilion on the Main Beach in East Hampton, Long Island.
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5. Hauptstrand – East Hampton, New York
Why did it make the list: “The sand is a bit granular than Coopers Beach, but it’s still a great beach,” says Leatherman. “It feels wild and of course in a way, but there are facilities and a place where you can get food and drinks.”
A tip: “Main Beach is a great place for star spoting many actors and actresses often visit this beach,” says Leatherman.
Kiawah Island, South Carolina.
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6. Beachwalker Park – Kiawah Island, South Carolina
Why did it make the list: “This island south of Charleston has become a new gold coast. A lot of it is private, but the southern end before they come to the goal is a really large public beach. They have good parking spaces, trees, shadows and everything. I also saw most of my life here.”
A tip: “I would suggest that you bring a bike with you because the sand is so fine that you can ride the entire 10 miles regularly.”
Walk at sunset on the untouched bank of St. Andrew State Park in Panama City Beach, Florida.
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7. St. Andrews State Park – Panama City, Florida
Why did it make the list: “I like to take the ferry over the entrance to Shellinsel.” St. Andrews also has camping in the event that they need to stay overnight. “
A tip: “If you want, you can go on the book side. The water is not so clear there, but there is a good fishing, shelling and bird watching. And they have many ways.”
Kaunaoa Beach on the island of Hawaii.
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8. Wind – the Rio
Why did it make the list: “This island has active volcanoes, but they are not active in this area. Kaunaoa is a beautiful little pocket beach – over a thousand foot wide. It is peaceful and has a nice tropical vegetation,” says Leatherman. “It’s an oasis.”
A tip: “You have to pay for parking, so some people take Uber or Lyft to get there,” says Leatherman.
Lew of the Uwallen Beauty Islands is the earth above earth.
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9. Lokali Beach at – Redtretce PL
Why did it make the list: “This is a small escape beach that is calm and has a very flat water, so it’s very safe,” says Leatherman. “You have no restaurants, you have no hotels, you don’t have a bathroom, but from the landscape’s point of view, it couldn’t be better and the water quality is amazing.”
A tip: “There are no good parking spaces here. It is basically a beach in the neighborhood. You can park on the streets when there is room, but I usually have and go for a walk in Kailua,” says Leatherman.
A sandy path to the beach of the coast guard at Cape Cod.
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10. Coast Guard Beach – Cape Cod, Massachusetts
Why did it make the list: “The barrier fires meet here. After the famous former coast guard station, it is named – a large white station sitting on the hill,” says Leatherman. “It’s an idyllic place.”
A tip: “You have a free shuttle that takes you there. Or I like to make it in the Salt pond visitor center and take a path to the beach by bike.”
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