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Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Yahoo
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. (MORE: Hacks To Avoid Summer Travel Delays) 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. (MORE: These Spots Have The Most Beautiful Sunsets) 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. (MORE: This Hidden Gem In Yosemite Park Is Worth The Detour) 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.
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Yahoo
2 Florida beaches land on Dr. Beach's top 10 list for 2025
Two of Florida's Gulf Coast beaches have been recognized among the top 10 beaches in America, according to an annual ranking from Dr. Beach. The 2025 list includes Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park in Naples at spot number four and St. Andrews State Park in Panama City at spot number seven. Coopers Beach in Southampton, New York, took the top spot in this year's annual ranking that Dr. Stephen Leatherman has been compiling since 1991. The Florida International University professor considers 50 factors when selecting the nation's best beaches each year. Some of the criteria are beach material (fine sand ranks highest), air and water temperature, number of sunny days, wildlife, litter and development. Hawaii's beaches took four of the top 10 spots on the list, which also honored stretches of sand in South Carolina, Massachusetts and one other New York beach. Since 2016, Florida beaches have landed at the top of the list three times including St. George Island State Park in the Panhandle in 2023. The 2020 winner was Grayton Beach State Park while Siesta Beach on Siesta Key was named number one in 2017. These top beaches were removed from contention for this year's title after winning previously. Caladesi Island State Park came in number four last year but was taken out of consideration for this year's list; the beach is still closed amid ongoing recovery efforts following 2024's tumultuous hurricane season. Delnor-Wiggins Pass ranked number eight on last year's list and moved up four spots for 2025. 'This barrier island beach boasts of beautiful white sand beaches and crystal-clear Gulf waters,' Leatherman writes on his website. 'Activities include swimming, snorkeling, paddle boarding, shelling, and fishing. Wildlife in the park includes bald eagles, ospreys, and manatees. Pine trees provide welcome shade.' As for St. Andrews State Park, which has Leatherman notes that 'This strikingly white sandy beach is great for shelling and bird watching. Swimming and snorkeling are popular in both the Gulf of America and St. Andrews Bay on the other side.' Coopers Beach, Southampton, New York Wailea Beach, Maui, Hawaii Poipu Beach, Kauai, Hawaii Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park, Naples, Florida Main Beach, East Hampton, New York Beachwalker Park, Kiawah Island, South Carolina St. Andrews State Park, Panama City, Florida Kaunaoa, Big Island, Hawaii Lanikai Beach, Oahu, Hawaii Coast Guard Beach, Cape Cod, Massachusetts Find me @PConnPie on Instagram or send me an email: pconnolly@ Stay up to date with our latest travel, arts and events coverage by subscribing to our newsletters at
The Hill
23-05-2025
- The Hill
‘Dr. Beach' names top 10 US beaches of 2025
(NEXSTAR) – Stephen Leatherman, the coastal scientist and professor known as 'Dr. Beach,' has revealed his picks for the top beaches of 2025. This year, a beach on Long Island in New York topped the annual list, which has often been dominated by sandy spots in Hawaii or Florida in previous years. 'Coopers Beach is located on the south shore of Long Island, New York, shielded from the cold Labrador currents in the beautiful village of Southampton,' reads a description shared to Dr. Beach's official website. 'As the first 'Gold Coast' in the country, Coopers Beach is hundreds of yards wide, made of grainy white quartz sand,' Leatherman added. 'The beach is backed by large sand dunes covered by American beach grass interspersed with extravagant mansions.' Coopers beach has also been on a steady trajectory toward the No. 1 spot, having placed third in Dr. Beach's list in 2023 and earning second place in the 2024 edition. Coopers Beach in Southampton, New York, is pictured on May 13, 2010. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens, File) As for the rest of the 2025 list, two beaches in Hawaii — Wailea Beach in Maui, and Poipu Beach in Kauai — were ranked second and third. Additional beaches in New York and Hawaii, as well as beaches in Florida, South Carolina and Massachusetts, rounded out the top 10. Leatherman, a professor and the director of the Laboratory for Coastal Research at Florida International University, has been publishing his annual list since 1991. He bases his annual rankings on evaluations of fifty different criteria, including water temperatures, sand softness, crime levels and the availability of beach amenities. Being an advocate for smoke-free beaches, Leatherman also awards 'bonus points' for beaches that prohibit such activity, according to his past news releases. Past winners, and more information on each of the beaches that made this year's list, can be found at the Dr. Beach website.
Time Out
22-05-2025
- Time Out
This is the number one beach in the U.S. for 2025, says Dr. Beach
Each May, a coastal scientist with a knack for sun, sand and strict evaluation criteria drops the list that beach lovers wait for all year. Dr. Stephen Leatherman—a.k.a. Dr. Beach —has just named his top 10 U.S. beaches for 2025, and guess what? The Hamptons officially beat Hawaii. Coopers Beach in Southampton, New York, took the top spot, edging out tropical heavyweights with its wide shores, soft sand and dreamy dunes. It's not exactly a hidden gem (unless you count the free shuttle from downtown that skips the pricey parking), but it's a stunner nonetheless. Leatherman, who's been ranking beaches since 1991, doesn't rely on vibes alone. He grades each spot on 50 (!) factors, including sand quality, swimming safety, water clarity, noise levels and even the number of jellyfish. Beaches with clear aqua water, low pollution and plenty of space to stretch out rise to the top. Trash and rip currents? Automatic demotion. This year's list serves up a healthy dose of East Coast elegance, Gulf Coast chill and Hawaiian paradise. Wailea Beach on Maui and Poipu Beach on Kauai landed second and third, while Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park in Naples, Florida, impressed with its wildlife sightings (hello, manatees!) and Gulf shimmer. Main Beach in East Hampton and Coast Guard Beach on Cape Cod reminded everyone that the Northeast can absolutely compete, at least when the sun's out and the crowds are bearable. Noticeably absent? California. Last year's top 10 included Coronado Beach near San Diego, but it was knocked out due to water quality issues tied to the Tijuana River. Even royalty (Coronado has hosted actual kings and queens) can't compete with pollution. You can check out Dr. Beach's full 2025 rankings here: Coopers Beach, NY Wailea Beach, HI Poipu Beach, HI Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park, FL Main Beach, NY Beachwalker Park, SC St. Andrews State Park, FL Kaunaoa, HI Lanikai Beach, HI Coast Guard Beach, MA
Yahoo
22-05-2025
- Yahoo
This popular Naples beach gets nod from top expert 'Dr. Beach': No. 4 in the US for 2025
Beach lovers in Southwest Florida rejoice! According to Dr. Stephen P. Leatherman, a.k.a. Dr. Beach, a professor in the Department of Earth & Environment at Florida International University, Southwest Florida, specifically Naples, is home to one of the best beaches in the United States for 2025. Leatherman, who turned hitting the beach into a vocation, has released his 35th annual rankings of the best of America's 650 public beaches. Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park in Naples is one of two Florida beaches in the Top-10. coming in at a very impressive No. 4. More: Now reopened: Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park finishes partial restoration after hurricanes The other Florida beach to make the list this year? St. Andrews State Park in Panama City at No. 7. Up from No. 8 in 2024, the Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park in Naples was highlighted for its beautiful white sand beaches and crystal-clear Gulf waters. "Activities include swimming, snorkeling, paddleboarding, shelling, and fishing. Wildlife in the park includes bald eagles, ospreys, and manatees. Pine trees provide welcome shade," Leatherman said. WHERE IS IT? 11135 Gulf Shore Dr, Naples, FL 34108 HOURS: 8 a.m. to sundown, 365 days a year FEES: $6 per vehicle. Exact change or QR code at the park WHEN DID IT OPEN? 1976 PHONE: (239) 597-6196 Finja said (May 2025): Beautiful beach , very calm and clear water. We love to come here for years. And it was not crowded on a Saturday afternoon, cause all parking slots are open again now! JackD5 said (March 2025): Such a lucky find! Gorgeous sand and dunes. Vanderbilt Beach was jam packed but this beach was beautiful with plenty of room for everyone. Only 2 of 6 parking lots were open (the rest being renovated) but still we found parking after only a 5-10 minute wait. Wherenext14 (February 2024): Such a beautiful beach! We arrived early and found a parking spot. Plenty of beautiful beach to go around! We walked from one end to the other while we were there. Lots of shells. Very clean. Port-a-potties were also clean. Caladesi Island State Park in Dunedin, a perennial contender, was not a qualifier this year since it remains closed after taking damage from Hurricane Helene, Leatherman said in an email. Delnor-Wiggins was damaged by hurricanes Helene and Milton in 2024 and re-opened in February this year. Dr. Beach uses 50 criteria to evaluate beaches, including water and sand quality, safety and environmental management practices. Beaches receive bonus points for not allowing smoking. It is Coopers Beach on Long Island, New York. Dr. Beach described Coopers Beach, which is on the south shore of Long Island, as "hundreds of yards wide, made of grainy white quartz sand" and backed by large sand dunes interspersed with extravagant mansions. 1-Coopers Beach, Southampton, New York 2-Wailea Beach, Maui, Hawaii 3-Poipu Beach, Kauai, Hawaii 4-Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park, Naples, Florida 5-Main Beach, East Hampton, New York 6-Beachwalker Park, Kiawah Island, South Carolina 7-St. Andrews State Park, Panama City, Florida 8-Kaunaoa, Big Island, Hawaii 9-Lanikai Beach, Oahu, Hawaii 10-Coast Guard Beach, Cape Cod, Massachusetts This article originally appeared on Naples Daily News: Dr. Beach picks best beaches in US, including Naples, Florida beach
