The 10 Best Beaches in America

Just in time for the long Memorial Day weekend, Dr. Stephen Leatherman, also knowns as “Dr. Beach,” has released a listing of the best beaches in the country.

While none of Florida’s beaches earned number one honors, the state has the most entries on the 2015 list.

For more than 25 years, Leatherman “has reviewed, evaluated and ranked beaches and coastal areas throughout the world,” his website explains. “In addition to his annual ranking of America’s best beaches, he works tirelessly to increase awareness about the dangers of rip currents.”

Rankings are based on such factors as beach size, sand softness, water temperature, amount of rain, underwater beach close, rip currents and safety records.

This year’s Top 10 list of America’s best beaches is as follows:

1. Waimanalo Bay Beach Park, Hawaii
2. Barefoot Beach, Florida
3. St. George Island State Park, Florida
4. Hamoa Beach, Hawaii
5. Cape Hatteras, North Carolina
6. Cape Florida State Park, Florida
7. Coast Guard Beach, Massachusetts
8. Beachwalker Park, South Carolina
9. Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park, Florida
10. East Beach, California

Florida is also well represented in the list of past national winners. Some of the Bay area beaches called out in past years include:

• Caladesi Island State Park
• Fort DeSoto Park
• Siesta Beach

For more information about Dr. Beach’s rankings, visit his website.

What’s your favorite beach? Share your thoughts by commenting below!

Image via Shutterstock

See Also:

• Bay Area Beaches Up for Florida’s Best Honors
• ‘Sex on the Beach’ Couple Found Guilty

Keep up with what’s happening around town and the state by signing up for your favorite Patch daily newsletter: Bloomingdale-Riverview, Bradenton, Brandon, Carrollwood-Northdale, Clearwater, Dunedin, East Lake, Gulfport, Land O’ Lakes, Largo, Lutz, New Port Richey, New Tampa, Palm Harbor, Pinellas Beaches, Safety Harbor, Sarasota, Seminole Heights, South Tampa-Hyde Park, St. Pete, Tarpon Springs, Temple Terrace, Westchase.