The coastal scientist known as Dr. Beach is out with his annual list of America's best beaches
ahead of Memorial Day, and one on the Florida Panhandle takes top honors. This particular
ranking gets more attention than most because Stephen Leatherman of Florida
International University has been putting it out for 33 years. Leatherman bases his ranking
on 50 criteria, including everything from sand and waves to crowding and wildlife.
This year's top 10, per the AP:
1. St. George Island State Park, Florida Panhandle
2. 2. Duke Kahanamoku Beach, Oahu, Hawaii
3. Coopers Beach, Southampton, New York
4. Caladesi Island State Park, Dunedin/Clearwater, Florida
5. Lighthouse Beach, Buxton, Outer Banks of North Carolina
6. 6. Coronado Beach, San Diego
7. Wailea Beach, Maui, Hawaii
8. Beachwalker Park, Kiawah Island, South Carolina
9. Poipu Beach, Kauai, Hawaii
10. Coast Guard Beach, Cape Cod, Massachusetts
The St. George Island park often shows up high in the rankings, but why the No. 1
designation this year? It offers "miles and miles of unspoiled beaches" for one thing, says
Leatheman, "It's an idyllic space." Another bonus: He saw not a single cigarette butt on his
inspection. "I had to give them more credit for that!" Leatherman said.