Coastal scientist Stephen P. Leatherman, popularly known as “Dr. Beach,” has released his annual ranking of the United States’ finest beaches for 2026. Leatherman evaluates 650 public beaches using 50 criteria, including water temperature, sand quality, wave size, cleanliness and tidal conditions.
Top spots: Hawaii and Florida lead the pack
Poipu Beach on Kauai, Hawaii earned the top spot. The crescent‑shaped shoreline, framed by lush greenery and a nearby island, offers warm, inviting waters ideal for swimming. Florida’s St. Andrews State Park in Panama City claimed the No. 2 position, reinforcing the Gulf Coast’s strong showing.
Four other Florida beaches made the top ten, among them Caladesi Island State Park near Dunedin/Clearwater and Wailea Beach on Maui, Hawaii. The only Northeast entry was Main Beach in East Hampton, New York, which placed at No. 5.
Why the Gulf and Hawaiian coasts dominate
Leatherman explains that his rankings favor “swimming beaches,” meaning the water must be warm enough for a comfortable dip. Many beaches in Maine, Connecticut and other Northeastern states are often too chilly to score highly. The list also includes Cape Cod’s Coast Guard Beach in Massachusetts, which rounds out the top ten.
Private‑resort beaches such as Kaunaoa (also known as Mauna Kea Beach) on the island of Hawaii are accessible to the public via a public right‑of‑way, according to Leatherman, who teaches at Florida International University.
Beaches left off the list
Three beaches were excluded this year. Coronado Beach in San Diego was omitted for the second consecutive year due to sewage contamination from the Tijuana River, which has prompted repeated health advisories. Lighthouse Beach on the Outer Banks of North Carolina was left out because of severe erosion, and Cape Florida State Park in Miami was removed due to massive sargassum seaweed wash‑ups that diminish its natural beauty.
Leatherman also notes that strong tidal movements can cloud water, reducing visibility for swimmers who want to see their toes.
What’s next?
Leatherman has been publishing his rankings since 1991 and says he has visited every major public beach in the United States. While he “retires” beaches each year to give other locations a chance, he stresses that a removal from the list does not imply a decline in quality, merely that other criteria took precedence.
For families and travelers seeking warm, clean, and family‑friendly shorelines, the 2026 list highlights the continued appeal of Hawaii and Florida’s coastal gems.
Original reporting: KRDO (Colorado Springs metro) — read the source article.
