Latest news with #StephenLeatherman
Forbes
4 days ago
- Forbes
America's Best Beaches, Top Kids' Club Resorts And More Travel News
. Since 1991, Dr. Beach—aka Stephen Leatherman, a professor in the department of Earth & Environment at Florida International University—has released his annual list of the Best Beaches in America. This year's top spot is, amazingly, not in Hawaii. Coopers Beach in Southampton, New York was ranked No. 1, ahead of two Aloha State beaches, Wailea Beach in Maui and Poipu Beach in Kauai. . For those who appreciate the journey more than the destination, an increasing number of luxury train operators are offering culinary-themed itineraries that cater to travelers who long for the golden age of rail travel. Longtime Forbes travel writer Everett Potter explores a smorgasbord of culinary rail tours in his forthcoming book National Geographic's 100 Train Journeys of a Lifetime: The World's Ultimate Rides, and offers up five unforgettable train trips with a food and wine theme. . When planning a luxury family vacation, it's not enough to spread out on a pristine beach with a few coloring books and a shovel. Today's discerning little travelers—and their (presumably) exhausted parents—demand more. Fortunately, many of Forbes Travel Guide's Star-Rated resorts in Florida are raising their game with imaginative programming, immersive experiences and innovative play spaces that engage, educate and entertain. Here are six resorts in Florida that elevate the kids' club experience. This is the published version of Forbes' Passport newsletter, which offers a first-class guide to luxury travel. Click here to get it delivered to your inbox every Friday. . Heading to Europe this summer? Veteran travel writer Laura Begley Bloom warns that visitors should 'think twice before lighting a cigarette on the beach or strolling shirtless down a boardwalk.' With tourism numbers predicted to surge to record levels in 2025, many European destinations have implemented new bans, fines and restrictions that could cost travelers hundreds (if not thousands) of euros. Here's what you need to know before traveling to Europe. 'In America there are two classes of travel—first class and with children.' . Plenty of travelers have been known to bring back a bottle of gin from a trip to London—or any duty-free shop, for that matter. But one innovative hotel in the Azores has guests packing a bottle when they leave for their trip. 'The rules are if they bring one I already have—I get to keep it,' says Ali Bullock, owner of the Solar Branco Eco Estate on the island of São Miguel. 'But if it's a new one they get to swap it for one of my gins. We're getting incredible gins that you will never see anywhere else in the world all in one place.' Bullock recently secured his 2,000th bottle and claims the largest gin collection of any hotel in the world. 'We started with my own personal stash of 300 and now we have bottles from 72 countries and every continent except Antarctica,' he says. 'We'll have someone visit from a small town in Tasmania and say, 'You don't have my local gin' and I'll say 'Here it is.''
Forbes
25-05-2025
- Forbes
The 10 Best Beaches In America, According To A New Report
An entrance to Cooper's Beach in Southampton, New York—which was named the best beach in the U.S. in a new report. What are the best beaches in the U.S.? Just in time for the kickoff to summer—Memorial Day Weekend—Stephen Leatherman, a.k.a. Dr. Beach, has released his annual list of the top 10 beaches in America. Leatherman, a professor in the department of Earth & Environment at Florida International University, has been ranking America's best beaches since 1991. He got his nickname when he was teaching a course on waves and beaches at the University of Maryland, and his students called him 'Dr. Beach.' Each year, Leatherman evaluates beaches across the country using 50 criteria, including sand softness, water quality, safety, amenities, environmental management and more. 'I give extra credit to beaches that have no smoking policies,' Leatherman told me in an interview. This year's winner is Coopers Beach in Southampton, New York. What makes this spot at the east end of Long Island the top beach in America? 'It's got clean air out there. It's got clean water. It's safe. It just seems like another world—it's such a dreamy place,' says Leatherman. Another factor that helped Coopers Beach grab the top spot: 'It is warm enough to swim in the summer, particularly starting July because it's shielded from the Labrador current,' says Leatherman. 'Another thing I like about the Hamptons in summertime—it doesn't get so bloody hot.' But don't count on seeing Coopers Beach on the list next year. Each year, Leatherman retires the winning beach and adds it to a hall of fame list to make room for new beaches. Past winners include Duke Kahanamoku Beach in Oahu, Hawaii (which won in 2024), St. George Island State Park in the Florida Panhandle (the 2023 winner), Ocracoke Lifeguarded Beach in the Outer Banks of North Carolina (2022) and Hawaii's Hapuna Beach State Park (2021). Florida's St. Andrews State Park, a newcomer to the best beaches list. While some of the beaches on this year's list have appeared in past reports, Leatherman has stringent standards and doesn't let a beach rest on its laurels. Three beaches from last year's list were dropped due to erosion and environmental issues, including Coronado Beach in California (which is suffering from pollution from the Tijuana River), Caladesi Island in Florida (which had storm damage), and Lighthouse Beach in North Carolina (where erosion has uncovered hazardous infrastructure). In their place are three new entries—each offering something different, from secluded wildlife-rich shores to postcard-perfect tropical escapes. And while they're newcomers to the top 10, Leatherman says all three have long been contenders in his broader rankings. The three new entries are St. Andrews State Park in Florida, Hawaii's Kaunaoa Beach and Lanikai Beach on Oahu. So what are the best beaches in America? Read on for Dr. Beach's picks, from New York to Hawaii to Florida. A view of Coopers Beach in Southampton, New York with mansions in the distance. Why it made the list: 'It's a big white beach—hundreds of yards wide—and backed by large sand dunes covered by American beach grass interspersed with extravagant mansions,' says Leatherman. A tip: 'Parking is expensive so the best deal is the 'Hamptons Free Ride,'' says Leatherman. Another way to get there: 'I ride on my bike,' he says. Wailea Beach on the south shore of Maui, Hawaii. Why it made the list: 'Wailea actually is five beaches—pocket beaches. You've got all this beautiful tropical vegetation and flowers and everything,' says Leatherman. 'People often rate Maui as the most wonderful vacation island in the world. And it's true—I can't think of a single thing negative about Wailea beaches.' A tip: The Wailea beaches are public, and though there are hotels lining the beaches, don't be afraid to park. 'They have to allow you to park there,' says Leatherman. 'If somebody doesn't know the rules and tries to stop you, you have the rights to park at that beach.' Poipu Beach on Kauai. Why it made the list: 'Poipu is on the dry side of the island. It is what's called a 'tombolo'—it traps the sand but also makes a place where you don't get big waves,' says Leatherman. 'So if you got children, you've got a nice place where it's protected.' A tip: 'It's got something for everybody. Just depends on what you want. You want big waves and surfing? You want no waves? You want moderate size waves? You,' says Leatherman. 'I think it's pretty unique.' Boardwalk across the white sand beach of Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park in Naples, Florida. Why it made the list: 'This beach is crystal quartz sand, so it's even whiter than coral sand. It's a very big beach and there's plenty of room for everybody,' says Leatherman. 'You also find a good number of seashells there, plus great warm water. But don't bring your surfboard. There's no surf there—it's perfect for swimming.' A tip: 'Shuffle your feet in the water to make sure there's no stingrays out there. It'll scare them away,' says Leatherman. The deck of the public pavilion at Main Beach in East Hampton, Long Island. Why it made the list: 'The sand is a little more grainy than Coopers Beach, but it's still a great beach,' says Leatherman. 'It feels wild and natural in some ways, yet it's got facilities and a place to get food and drinks.' A tip: 'Main Beach is a great place for star-spotting—many actors and actresses frequently visit this beach,' says Leatherman. Kiawah Island, South Carolina. Why it made the list: 'This island south of Charleston has become a new Gold Coast. A lot of it is private, but the south end, before you get to the gate, is a really large public beach. You've got good parking, trees, shade and everything. This is also where I've seen the most birds of my life.' A tip: 'I would suggest you bring a bicycle because the sand is so fine you can ride a regular bicycle the whole 10 miles.' Walking at sunset along the pristine shore of St. Andrew State Park in Panama City Beach, Florida. Why it made the list: 'I like to take the ferry across the inlet to Shell Island. You're going to find lots of shells, lots of birds and beautiful water. You feel like you've really gotten away from it all,' says Leatherman. 'St. Andrews also has camping if you want to stay overnight.' A tip: 'If you want, you can go on the bay side. The water's not as clear there, but there's good fishing and shelling and birding. And they've got lots of trails.' Kaunaoa beach on the island of Hawaii. Why it made the list: 'This island has active volcanoes, but they're not active in this area. Kaunaoa is a beautiful little pocket beach—about a thousand feet wide. It's peaceful and has beautiful 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. A view of the twin islands of Na Mokulua from Hawaii's Lanikai Beach. Why it made the list: 'This is a little getaway beach that's tranquil and has very shallow water, so it's very safe,' says Leatherman. 'You don't have any restaurants, you don't have any hotels, you don't have any bathrooms, but it couldn't be any better from a scenery point of view, and the water quality is amazing.' A tip: 'There's not good parking here. It's a neighborhood beach, basically. You can park on the streets, if there's room, but what I usually do is I park in Kailua and walk,' says Leatherman. A sandy path leading to Coast Guard Beach on Cape Cod. Why it made the list: 'This is where the high cliffs meet the barrier beaches. It's named after the famous former Coast Guard station—a big white station that sits up on the hill,' says Leatherman. 'It's an idyllic spot.' A tip: 'They've got a free shuttle that takes you there. Or what I like to do is park at the Salt Pond Visitor Center and take a trail down to the beach with a bicycle.'
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.
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
CNN
22-05-2025
- CNN
The top 10 US beaches for 2025, according to ‘Dr. Beach'
If you've visited Cooper's Beach in Southampton on the eastern end of Long Island and concluded it's the best beach around, you're right. Because according to Dr. Beach, it's the No. 1 beach in the US. The beach's large sand dunes and pristine location put it over the top this year, according to Stephen Leatherman, a coastal scientist at Florida International University in Miami who's gained the nickname Dr. Beach for his annual rankings. The beach, located in the swanky Hamptons, ranked No. 2 last year, behind Hawaii's Duke Kahanamoku Beach on Oahu. 'It's a big, beautiful beach,' Leatherman told CNN in an interview. In fact, the only problem with Cooper's Beach is the traffic that sun worshippers will likely encounter in the crowded Long Island enclave — and the high cost of parking at the beach. But Dr. Beach recommends taking a free shuttle from downtown Southampton. Leatherman, who has been evaluating beaches since 1991, has developed a 50-factor checklist for determining the most beautiful expanses of sand in the United States. Criteria include the presence of algae, the prevalence of rip tides and the cleanliness of the beach, plus air and water temperatures. As in years past, Hawaii, New York and Florida dominated the list. Hawaii snagged the next two spots on the 2025 list, with Wailea Beach on the island of Maui coming in second, and Kauai's Poipu Beach ranking third. Kaunaoa on the island of Hawaii and Lanikai Beach on Oahu made the list farther down. Florida landed two spots on the list with the Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park in Naples at No. 4 and St. Andrews State Park in Panama City at No. 7. Leatherman points to the 'white sand beaches and crystal-clear Gulf waters' at Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park. He's also fond of the wildlife you can find there, including ospreys and manatees. Another perennial favorite that made the list again this year is Coast Guard Beach on Cape Cod in Massachusetts. In his write-up, Leatherman says, 'The picturesque old Coast Guard station still sits atop the glacial bluffs, allowing for a spectacular view of the Nauset Spit barrier system and bay.' Don't see your favorite beach on the list? Erosion, pollution or damage from hurricanes could be the reason why. For example, Coronado Beach in San Diego ranked No. 10 last year but didn't make the list in 2025. Leatherman cited pollution in the nearby Tijuana River as the main factor. 'It's hosted kings and queens … but now Coronado is too polluted to go in the water,' he told CNN. California in fact didn't land a single beach on the list this year. Other beaches didn't make the cut because the water, while clean, isn't clear, a quality that's prized by beach aficionados. Such is the case for some of Georgia's beaches. In fact, Leatherman seeks out beaches where the water is 'aqua blue.' Meanwhile, cold water temps are to blame for some of Maine's most beautiful beaches failing to break the top 10. 'Water temperature is very important,' Leatherman said. 1. Coopers Beach, Southampton, New York2. Wailea Beach, Maui, Hawaii3. Poipu Beach, Kauai, Hawaii4. Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park, Naples, Florida5. Main Beach, East Hampton, New York6. Beachwalker Park, Kiawah Island, South Carolina7. St. Andrews State Park, Panama City, Florida8. Kaunaoa, Big Island, Hawaii9. Lanikai Beach, Oahu, Hawaii10. Coast Guard Beach, Cape Cod, Massachusetts
