Every year for 34 years, the famous Dr. Beach, or if you prefer Dr. Stephen P. Leatherman, professor and director of the Coastal Research Laboratory at Florida International University in Miami, has published his list of accomplishments a few days before Memorial Day The 10 Most Beautiful Beaches in the United States. In 2023, a beach in Florida took first place, but this time a beach in Hawaii won the award. However, Florida still stands out, with two of its beaches appearing in the rankings.
Thus, of the 650 U.S. public beaches the world evaluated, the big winner for 2024 is Duke Kahanamoku Beach on Oahu, Hawaii. Named after a Hawaiian Olympic swimmer, this beach is located at the western end of Waikiki Beach, away from the large crowds. “The largest beach on this world-famous stretch of sand, it is protected by an offshore coral reef, making it the perfect setting,” Stephen P. Leatherman, Ph.D., of the University of Virginia, explained in his press release. The beach is for families with children. The nearby Duke Kahanamoku Lagoon is also a popular swimming spot, he adds. Its view of the famous Diamondhead Volcano from afar makes Duke Kahanamoku one of the most picturesque beaches in the United States.
For more than 30 years, Stephen P. Leatherman (Dr. Beach) has examined, evaluated, and evaluated beaches and coastal areas around the world.
Photo courtesy of Stephen B. Leatherman
Hawaii really stands out this year with three of its beaches making the shortlist, with Wailea Beach on Maui coming in third and Poipu Beach on Kauai coming in seventh.
Last year, Julian G Beach topped the list. Bruce at St. George Island State Park in the Northwest Florida Panhandle World Rankings. It was not included this year, but Caladesi Island State Park Beach, a 14-kilometre-long beach in Dunedin, still in Florida, came in fourth place, the same as last year.
Coronado Beach, San Diego, California.
Photo courtesy of Stephen B. Leatherman
The beach at Caladesi Island State Park
Dr. Beach explains that Caladesi Island State Park is one of the most beautiful beaches in the United States because of the particularly fine white quartz sand at the water's edge. It also highlights the quality of its particularly clear waters, without forgetting the wooden pedestrian bridges from which you can admire the surroundings. But his favorite part of this place is taking a kayak or canoe through the mangroves to observe great blue herons and other birds in this idyllic setting. Caladesi can be reached by ferry from Honeymoon Island (the neighboring island is also worth a visit), by private boat or by a long walk north from Clearwater Beach.
Main Beach, East Hampton, New York.
Photo courtesy of Stephen B. Leatherman
Naples also takes top honors
In eighth place is Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park Beach in Naples. The world says he loves this Gulf of Mexico beach for its white sand and clear water. It is possible to practice many activities there: – swimming, – snorkeling, canoeing, oyster picking, or simply fishing. Wildlife in the park includes eagles, osprey, and manatees. In addition, visitors especially like the refreshing shade of the tall pine trees. Note that the park has not yet fully recovered from the hurricane Ian For 2022 and some areas are still banned!
Wailea Beach, Maui, Hawaii.
Photo courtesy of Stephen B. Leatherman
Comparison standards
Stephen B. uses Leatherman uses about fifty criteria to determine its classification, including the fineness and color of the sand, the color and temperature of the water, the number of days of sunlight, the frequency of rainfall and wind speed.
It also takes into account the presence of algae, waste, and rip currents (Rip currents) which can take you outside and the presence or absence of lifeguards.
It also takes into account smell, noise, animals, plants, safety record, crime rate, number of deaths if applicable, and finally traffic and development.
Extra points are awarded for beaches that prohibit smoking, due to pollution caused by discarded cigarette butts.
Ranking for 2024
1 Duke Kahanamoku Beach Oahu, Hawaii
2 Coopers Beach Southampton, New York
3 Wailea Beach Maui, Hawaii
4 Caladesi Island State Park (Dunedin Clearwater, Florida).
5 Beachwalker Park (Kiawah Island, South Carolina).
6 Main beach East Hampton, New York
7 Poipu Beach Kauai, Hawaii
8 Delnor Wiggins Pass State ParkNaples, Florida
9 Coast Guard Beach (Cape Cod, Massachusetts).
10 Coronado Beach San Diego, California
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