Dr. Beach Unveils Top 10 Beaches of 2008
Travel Blog • Michael Yessis • 05.23.08 | 11:57 AM ET
His ranking of U.S. beaches—annual pre-summer fodder for U.S. media—is out, and Caladesi Island State Park in Dunedin, Florida takes the top spot. Dr. Beach, aka Florida International University professor Stephen P. Leatherman, rates the beaches by 50 criteria. The rest of the Top 10 are:
2) Hanalei Beach in Kauai, Hawaii (pictured)
3) Siesta Beach in Sarasota, Florida
4) Coopers Beach in Southampton, New York
5) Coronado Beach in San Diego, California
6) Main Beach in East Hampton, New York
7) Hamoa Beach in Maui, Hawaii
8) Cape Hatteras in North Carolina
9) Cape Florida State Park in Key Biscayne, Florida
10) Kiawah Island in South Carolina
TravelChannel.com has much, much more on the best domestic and international beaches.
Photo by Fire Horse Leo, via Flickr (Creative Commons)
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Michael Yessis is the cofounder and coeditor-in-chief of World Hum.
Evan 05.23.08 | 4:57 PM ET
This list is bunk. Carova Beach in Corolla, NC, is way nicer than Hatteras in most North Carolinians opinions.
Ling 05.24.08 | 4:38 AM ET
I second that. The guy is from Florida, and he keeps listing Florida beaches at the top every year. CA has one beach, which comes in fifth. Gimme a break.
Tim 05.26.08 | 3:26 PM ET
I agree with Ling,California has one beach,c’mon man!I think Dr. Beach is on the pipe.
Talley 05.26.08 | 8:09 PM ET
It is time that Florida beaches get some recognition. The lists I have seen in the past consist of Cali beaches by Cali natives. Many beaches in Florida are more beautiful than in Cali. The sand is whiter and softer, water clearer and warmer, and the sunsets are absolutely divine. Been to both.
Mara 05.27.08 | 12:46 AM ET
I REALLY THINK YOU SHOULD COME TO MY COUNTRY, SPECIFICALLY TO FLAMENCO’S BEACH, CULEBRA, WHICH IS ONE OF THE MOST BEAUTIFUL BEACHES I’VE SEEN IN THE WORLD, I THINK YOU’D BE AMAZED AND MAYBE IT COULD BE ON THE TOP TEN BEACHES OF 2009, THAT’S MY OPINION, THANKS
Mara 05.27.08 | 12:58 AM ET
eh… those beaches in new york and in california don’t seem to be such wonders, im telling you, come to Puerto Rico, not to be a show-off but we have lots of great beaches, we’re an island in the caribbean. there are rincon’s beaches in the west coast, Playa Azul, Luquillo, in the northeast coast. you have Gilligan’s Island in the south, Cabo Rojo, Salinas, Isla Verde, Flamenco Beach in Culebra, Vieques beaches, etc etc etc. i really think you should pay a visit to my country, you will find gorgeous beaches, i promise you that.
Gary 05.27.08 | 10:40 AM ET
I think it is about time to include some ‘saltfree’ beaches!
Ale 07.23.08 | 2:33 PM ET
Seriously, this guy must be insane. He has obviously never been to Puerto Rico. Any of our beaches should be on the top 10. Especially Flamenco Beach in Culebra. This list is a joke.
meme 08.04.08 | 12:36 PM ET
Um, sorry I don’t really consider Puerto Rico part of the United states, this is a US beach list.
verderocks 09.25.08 | 6:38 AM ET
Interesting to see so many Florida beaches indeed. I’ve been to CA and Florida and would have to say that there is no big difference.
Andy 10.09.08 | 2:38 AM ET
i used to give this guy credit but any list of top beaches that include anything to do with new york must be high…and im from there!
donna 10.19.08 | 9:53 PM ET
Thanks for the comment about beaches in Puerto Rico The list says UNITED STATES Beaches. Last time I checked Puerto Rico is in..um Puerto Rico. Been there anyway..no big deal. Florida has the best! The East Coast offers sunrises and the West Coast offer outrageous Sunsets..does it get better?? Try Haulover Beacher in Miami. North end is nudist… opposite side clothing required. Awesome on the weekends. The best yet is in the Keys..Cali can’t compare. I’ve lived in New York most of my life, been to Montauk, the Hamptons..totally unimpressive compared to Florida. That’s why I moved here.
lc 10.29.08 | 2:48 PM ET
This list IS bunk if they listed East Hampton, VA. I was there on military assignment, and it doesn’t come close to even unlisted beaches. Further, beaches in Florida are nice, but the Gulf coast and white sands of the Florida panhandle are far better than some Florida beaches they continually list. This, however, is merely visual appeal and doesn’t include other criteria they obvious use to rank.
Gloria 11.02.08 | 3:58 AM ET
folks Puerto Rico is a US territory so it is “in the US”.
TB 11.17.08 | 6:32 PM ET
Puerto Rico… a US VIRGIN ISLAND. It’s part of the US.