THE BEST U.S. BEACHES

A university professor known as “Dr. Beach” has come out with his annual list of America’s best beaches for 2023. Stephen Leatherman, professor in the Department of Earth & Environment at Florida International University finds the best of America’s 650 public beaches. Leatherman uses 50 criteria to evaluate beaches including sand type, wave action, whether lifeguards are present, presence of wildlife, the level of development and crowding, and many other factors. This year’s winner: St. George Island just off the Florida Panhandle. It wins for natural beauty, lack of development, abundant activities including fishing, swimming, kayaking, cycling, camping and an unparalleled view of the night sky for stargazers. Here are his Top Ten Beaches:
1. St. George Island State Park, Florida Panhandle
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. 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
* It must be nice to have tenure.
* Kansas is going, “Who do I have to sleep with to get on this list?”
* The best beach is the one it takes you the least amount of gas to get to.
* He’s smart to get this out there early before Shark Week hits.