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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.'
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
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
Times
18-05-2025
- Times
8 of the best beaches in Europe for summer 2025
It's difficult to pinpoint something quite so subjective as 'best beach'. Would your ideal iteration be sandy, pebbly, built-up, child-friendly or almost entirely footprint-free? Are shade or snorkelling key requirements, or do you need a soundtrack and cocktails? The conundrum gets trickier still when your options span an entire continent — and Europe is hardly short of brilliant beaches. I've certainly spread my towel on some memorable shores in my 20-odd years as a travel writer, from the pebbles in my hometown of Brighton to the sands of Laganas Bay in Greece, where turtles come ashore to lay their eggs. These are just two favourites I've had to leave aside in the interests of limiting this list to the headliners. My selection is by no means exhaustive, but I've done my best to include options that might appeal to every taste. And if I've missed your favourite? Share it in the comments below. This article contains affiliate links, which may earn us revenue Best for family holidays Sandy beaches are commonplace on Portugal's south coast, but Martinhal is a standout among them. Located near the seaside village of Sagres (which, before the Age of Discovery, was considered to be at the edge of the world), this blue-flag beauty fills a sheltered bay within the unspoiled acres of Costa Vicentina Natural Park. Atlantic breezes keep things cool on even the hottest summer days, as well as providing propulsion for blokarting (think sail-powered go-karting), windsurfing and other seaside sports. Day trips, available to book through local companies or platforms such as GetYourGuide, might take you dolphin-spotting or to Cape St Vincent's wave-beaten cliffs, or you can venture out along miles of well-marked coastal hiking and biking trails. Faro airport is less than a 90-minute drive away, and although you probably wouldn't be so keen on sea swimming in winter, it's pleasantly balmy here outside the main beach season, too. Loos and café nearby, lifeguards. Water quality: blue flag status Martinhal Sagres Family Beach Resort has stylish rooms and family-friendly villas, beach access, and excellent facilities. • Read our full guide to Portugal Best for seaside chic (and surfing) In 1854 Napoleon III built a summer residence for his wife Empress Eugénie beside La Grande Plage, the most famous of Biarritz's six beaches. The imperial palace still crowns the promenade, although the parasols and crinolines sported by strollers in Eugénie's day have long since been usurped by surfboards and wetsuits. What have survived are the rows of brightly striped 'beach tents' that stylishly provide shelter from the elements. Nearby, watch surfers at play on Côte des Basques' rolling waves, then return for sunset cocktails at the Casino Municipal. Like any European beach resort, it's at its very best in summer, when there are direct flights from the UK to Biarritz too. Loos, café, lifeguards. Water quality: excellent The former palace is now the five-star Hotel du Palais, a grand Hyatt property providing lodgings fit for an emperor,with a spa and an outdoor pool. Best for year-round sunshine One of Gran Canaria's most popular spots has a staggering 400 hectares of sand dunes and a beach that stretches for several kilometres between the resorts of Maspalomas and Playa del Ingles. Parts of it feel wild, others have rows of loungers, and there are clothing-optional and LGBT-friendly areas too. Portions of the beach have lifeguards, making it a good family-friendly option. And the other perk? A climate that's summery all year round. Loos, café, lifeguards. Water quality: blue flag status Stay at the (prettier) Maspalomas end of the beach, basing yourself at Seaside Palm Beach, a retro-chic, five-star hideaway situated in a palm grove. • Read our full guide to the Canary Islands Best for city slickers Rhodes Town doesn't just have 2,000 years of history up its sleeve. A 10-minute walk beyond the walls of this medieval marvel lies sand-and-pebble Elli, one of Europe's loveliest urban beaches. Whether you choose to stretch out on the sand, relax on a lounger, have lunch at loud-and-lively Ronda Beach Bar or leap into the generally calm sea from the diving platform, you'll enjoy the cool, clear waters and smashing views towards Turkish mountains. If you're visiting on a ferry or cruise, Elli is walkable from the Water quality: excellent Marella Cruises features Rhodes in both its Aegean Gems and Grecian Discovery itineraries, among others. • Read our full guide to Greece Best for coolcationers If you're not a fan of searing summers, a northerly beach might be more your thing. Like a Teutonic take on the Hamptons, Sylt (a North Frisian island near the border with Denmark) has long been a favourite for cashed-up Germans. Aim for Hörnum, the island's southernmost town, and its marvellously sandy Hauptstrand beach. Facing the North Sea, it has acres of space and excellent water sports. Hörnum's east-facing shore offers busier beaches; don't miss the seal who hangs out near the harbour in the hope of being thrown the odd fish. You, meanwhile, can dine out on local oysters at one of the many seafood restaurants in the town. Get there by train across a scenic causeway; Hamburg has direct connections to Sylt, taking around three café, lifeguards. Water quality: excellent The beachfront Budersand Hotel features golf, a spa and Michelin-starred dining. • Read our full guide to Germany Best for kiss-me-quick kitsch The advent of foreign holidays was bad news for Britain's Victorian beach resorts, many of which fell into steep decline from around the 1960s. Of the few resorts that kept themselves current (Brighton and Blackpool spring to mind), Bournemouth shines the brightest thanks to its magnificent main beach: a generous drift of apricot sand backed by cliffs, a promenade and colourful beach huts. There are car parks and on-street parking nearby, but you may want to travel by train to avoid spending half your day searching for a space. Tick off its seaside essentials (ice cream, fish and chips, deckchairs and the pier's arcades and attractions), then seek out classier finds like the excellent Russell-Cotes gallery and museum, an opulent Victorian villa crammed with the original owner's art and treasures. Nearby WestBeach restaurant, right by the pier, has some of the best seafood in town. Loos, café, lifeguards. Water quality: variable, check local conditions With its luxury spa and chic pool deck, the Nici brings an unexpected touch of Miami-meets-the-French-Riviera to Bournemouth's waterfront. • Read our full review of the Nici Best for adventure-seekers As the name of its Costa Smeralda (Emerald Coast) suggests, jewel-toned shores are a thing in Sardinia, but head to the La Maddalena isles (by ferry or on a day-trip)and the colours get crazier still. This archipelago — with seven main islands near Sardinia's northern tip — is known for unspoiled shores and turquoise seas, but its most unique spot is Spiaggia Rosa (Pink Beach). This rose-coloured bay on Budelli is utterly extraordinary. Being part of a National Park, it's undeveloped and unspoiled, so the best way to experience this magical place is on an excursion, whether you're staying on neighbouring La Maddalena or over on mainland Sardinia (where there's a greater choice of hotels). Water quality: excellent GetYourGuide provides island-hopping excursions by tour boat and catamaran from the north coast resort of Palau. • Read our full guide to Italy Best for party people There's a genuine sense of escapism at this pale-sand Ibizan on the south coast, less than half an hour by bus from Ibiza Town, it'shidden among pine-clad dunes and salt pans where wild flamingos reside, but this immersion in nature is balanced by lively, credible beach bars. Jockey Club is the most upbeat, Sa Trinxa feels more bohemian, and Chiringay (around the headland) is an LGBT favourite. Whichever you choose, expect to end up dancing barefoot in the sand to Balearic beats (although the beach is still family-friendly). At sunset, relocate to Experimental Beach for memorable cocktails and views. Loos (within café), café, lifeguards. Water quality: excellent, although there can be deposits of sea grass on the shore Save yourself from schlepping into town by staying at Boutique Hostal la Curandera de Salinas, where the modest but stylish rooms are within walking distance of the shore. • Read our full guide to Ibiza
