1. Siesta Beach
Siesta
Beach in Sarasota, Fla., rates as the top beach in the United States,
Siesta Beach, with its fine, white sand and clear, warm waters, often
makes the cut on Dr. Beach’s annual top beaches list, but this is its
first year in the No. 1 spot. For 2011 here is the list of top ten best
beaches of America according to coastal expert Stephen P. Leatherman.
“Dr. Beach,” as Leatherman is known, is the director of Florida
International University’s Laboratory for Coastal Research.
2. Coronado Beach
San
Diego’s Coronado Beach makes the top 10 list for its lush subtropical
vegetation, Mediterranean climate and fine, sparkling sand.
3. Kahanamoku Beach
A
shallow reef off Kahanamoku Beach in Oahu, Hawaii, protects this beach
from big waves, making it ideal for families with children.
4. Main Beach
Main
Beach in East Hampton, N.Y., attracts wealthy summertime residents
because a centuries-old conservation easement protects the wide beach
and tall dunes.
5. Cape Hatteras
Cape
Hatteras in the Outer Banks of North Carolina offers some of the best
board surfing on the East Coast. Other draws include a lighthouse,
fishing villages, beachcombing and excellent fishing.
6. St. George Island State Park
Winter
tourists from up north tend to like St. George Island on Florida’s
panhandle because sunny days in the 50s and 60s can seem like spring —
but without the crowds. The area is known as the Forgotten Coast because
Florida’s winter tourists tend to flock to the warmer beaches of south
Florida.
7. Beachwalker Park
It’s
a nature lover’s oasis on Beachwalker Park, on the south end of Kiawah
Island, S.C., just south of Charleston. The sand is compact enough to
ride bikes along the 10-mile long barrier island. The water isn’t clear,
but it is clean and provides for great seafood for low-country cooking.
8. Coast Guard Beach
Coast
Guard Beach in Cape Cod, Mass., slopes steeply into the water. Swimmers
tend to take quick, cooling dips in the ocean since summertime water
temperatures reach only 60 to 70 degrees.
9. Waimanalo Bay Beach Park
The
long, white beach at Waimanalo Beach Park on Hawaii’s Oahu island
slopes gently into the water, offering lots of opportunity for water
recreation.
10. Cape Florida State Park
Cape Florida State Park in Key Biscayne, Fla., offers clear water, gentle surf and fine, white coral sand.