USA is well known for beautiful beaches. Where are the best ones though? Environmental scientist Stephen Leatherman, known as "Dr. Beach” has been ranking the most beautiful beaches in the USA every year since 1991. Fifty criteria are used to evaluate all the beaches. These include water and sand quality, environmental noise, public safety, and the beach's environmental protection and waste disposal management practices. Half of the top ten beaches in the U.S. are in Florida and Hawaii. Tourism Review presents the winners.
TOP 10 MOST BEAUTIFUL BEACHES IN THE USA
Laura Loss
- May 29, 2023
10. Coast Guard Beach, Cape Cod, Massachusetts
Accessible by bike from the Salt Pond Visitor Center or by shuttle bus, Coast Guard Beach is where a tongue of sand stretches south. Seals have recently migrated north from the Monomoy Island Wildlife Refuge to the populated beaches, attracting great white sharks. Observing the red flags with shark pictures and following the lifeguards' advice is necessary.
9. Poipu Beach, Kauai, Hawaii
Poipu Beach is two beaches in one - separated by a tongue of sand. The west side of the beach is popular with beginner bodyboarders. A shallow swimming area protected by lava rocks is on the sandbar's left side. This is usually the play area for families with young children.
8. Beachwalker Park, Kiawah Island, South Carolina
South of Charleston, Beachwalker Park is a public beach on the southern end of the island of Kiawah. The coast is predestined for nature lovers. Many bring their canoes and kayaks to paddle the tidal bays. The water isn't clear here, but it's clean and provides fantastic seafood for the kitchen.
7. Wailea Beach, Maui, Hawaii
Wailea Beach is located between the Four Seasons Resort and the Grand Wailea Resort. It is excellently equipped and popular with bathers, snorkeling fans, and bodyboarders.
6. Coronado Beach, San Diego, California
Coronado Beach is a true oasis by the sea. Due to the Mediterranean climate and the fine sand, the beach has become a hotspot. The local landmark, the Hotel del Coronado, was built over a hundred years ago; Kings, sheiks, and many more celebrities have stayed at this iconic hotel.
5. Lighthouse Beach, Buxton, Outer Banks of North Carolina
North Carolina's Lighthouse Beach is popular with surfers and sunbathers alike. The beach is very attractive, among other things, for people with reduced mobility since the associated parking lot is just a few meters from the sea. Lighthouse Beach is also known for the many shells found here.
4. Caladesi Island State Park, Dunedin/Clearwater, Florida
Caladesi is accessible by ferry, private boat, or a long walk north of Clearwater Beach. The white beach consists of crystalline quartz sand, inviting you to dip in the clear water. The kayak and canoe trails offer an excellent option for active relaxation.
3. Cooper's Beach, Southampton, New York
Coopers Beach is located on the south shore of Long Island, New York, shielded from the cold Labrador currents in the village of Southampton. The beach is several hundred meters wide and has granular white quartz sand. Coopers Beach is lined with large sand dunes; large and extravagant villas are in between.
2. Duke Kahanamoku Beach, Oahu, Hawaii
Second place goes to Duke Kahanamoku Beach on the Hawaiian island of Oahu. It is located at the western end of the famous Waikiki Beach. The advantage: Unlike other beach sections in this region, it is not (yet) overcrowded. In the distance, the Diamond Head volcano makes for a unique backdrop. In addition, the beach is well suited to families with children thanks to a protective coral reef off the coast.
1. St George Island State Park, Florida
With nature trails for biking and hiking, as well as opportunities for fishing, boating, and camping, the beach in St. George Island State Park on the Gulf of Mexico offers more than just swimming and sunbathing in beautiful surroundings, according to experts. St. George Island State Park is also a prime spot for stargazing. The sand is among the whitest and finest in the world; the water is crystal clear.
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