The Top 10 US Beaches For 2025, According To Dr. Beach
Four Hawaii beaches are in this year's top 10 list from Dr. Beach, but it was a beach in New York that got the No. 1 ranking.
Dr. Beach is Dr. Stephen Leatherman, and he's been sharing his annual best beaches list since 1991. The coastal scientist and professor at Florida International University evaluates beaches based on 50 benchmarks, including wave breaks and beach slopes to noise and pests.
Below is the complete top 10 of 2025 from his annual list.
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Coast Guard Beach may be for those who want a little more adventure on their beach trip. Even during summer, the water is still brisk, and Dr. Beach notes that in recent years, seals have moved northward to the populated beaches, attracting great white sharks. But he reassures, "The lifeguards do a terrific job of warning if these predators are present."
This beach may bring to mind the picturesque scenes from Disney's "Moana." Dr. Beach says it's small, but "arguably the most beautiful beach in Hawaii." It's in a residential neighborhood, so it's not easy to get to, but the shallow, calm, blue waters just might be worth it.
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Dr. Beach calls this one a "hidden jewel." Also known as Mauna Kea Beach, it's tucked within the Mauna Kea Beach Resort. Limited parking means you'll want to get there early so you can enjoy turquoise waters that splash against black lava rock.
Just east of Panama City Beach, I've been to this spot and can confirm it's a great place for shelling and birdwatching. Accessible by ferry or boat, it will feel a world away from hotels and putt-putt courses of PCB.
Bring your kayak or canoe to explore the tidal inlets of this beach on the southern end of Kiawah Island. South of Charleston, this might not be the spot for you if you're looking for crystal-clear waters, but it's definitely one for nature lovers, and there's great seafood.
The beaches here have been protected by a conservation easement for more than 300 years and Main Beach is a favorite spot for celebrities. Dr. Beach's pro tip? Avoid parking and use a bike to get around.
This state park not only delivers a beautiful beach and "crystal-clear Gulf waters," but you can also take a break from the surf and explore wildlife in the park, including ospreys, bald eagles and manatees.
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Over on the Hawaiian island of Kauai is the No. 3 pick – Poipu Beach. Have you ever heard of a tombolo? It's a 'narrow sand spit' that extends from the shore to an island, and on Poipu, it creates two beaches in one. Dr. Beach says the offshore island knocks down big waves, creating a calmer area for children to play.
Wailea Beach in Maui, Hawaii, won the No. 2 spot for 2025. Dr. Beach pointed to its "series of five pocket beaches" that are great for snorkeling. A beautifully landscaped park also acts as a buffer between the beach and the luxury hotels.
Coopers Beach gained praise for its miles of 'grainy white quartz sand' and 'large sand dunes covered by American beach grass interspersed with extravagant mansions.' The one challenge noted by Dr. Beach? Parking – it can cost $50 a day, so he suggests taking the 'Hamptons Free Ride' shuttle from downtown.
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