<strong>1. Lifeguarded Beach, Ocracoke Island, North Carolina: </strong>This year's No. 1 US beach, according to an annual list from coastal scientist "Dr. Beach," is a wild stretch on North Carolina's Outer Banks.
1. Lifeguarded Beach, Ocracoke Island, North Carolina: This year's No. 1 US beach, according to an annual list from coastal scientist "Dr. Beach," is a wild stretch on North Carolina's Outer Banks.
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<strong>2. Caladesi Island State Park, Dunedin/Clearwater, Florida: </strong>The powdery white beach here is composed of crystalline quartz sand, and the water is invitingly clear.
2. Caladesi Island State Park, Dunedin/Clearwater, Florida: The powdery white beach here is composed of crystalline quartz sand, and the water is invitingly clear.
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<strong>3. Coopers Beach, Southampton, New York: </strong>Located on the south shore of Long Island, this stretch of sand is hundreds of yards wide and backed by dunes dotted with lavish mansions.
3. Coopers Beach, Southampton, New York: Located on the south shore of Long Island, this stretch of sand is hundreds of yards wide and backed by dunes dotted with lavish mansions.
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<strong>4. St. George Island State Park, Florida Panhandle: </strong>This long barrier island was hit by Hurricane Michael in 2018 but has substantially recovered, according to Stephen Leatherman, aka Dr. Beach.
4. St. George Island State Park, Florida Panhandle: This long barrier island was hit by Hurricane Michael in 2018 but has substantially recovered, according to Stephen Leatherman, aka Dr. Beach.
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<strong>5. Duke Kahanamoku Beach, Oahu, Hawaii: </strong>Located on the west end of Waikiki in Honolulu, this area is removed from the crowds and protected by an offshore coral reef.
5. Duke Kahanamoku Beach, Oahu, Hawaii: Located on the west end of Waikiki in Honolulu, this area is removed from the crowds and protected by an offshore coral reef.
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<strong>6. Lighthouse Beach, Buxton, North Carolina:</strong> Cape Hatteras Lighthouse is the namesake of this Outer Banks beach. The lighthouse was moved back in 1999 due to erosion. It's a top surfing spot.
6. Lighthouse Beach, Buxton, North Carolina: Cape Hatteras Lighthouse is the namesake of this Outer Banks beach. The lighthouse was moved back in 1999 due to erosion. It's a top surfing spot.
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<strong>7. Coronado Beach, San Diego, California: </strong>Dr. Beach calls this "a veritable oasis by the sea." The area draws the rich and famous to the Hotel del Coronado.
7. Coronado Beach, San Diego, California: Dr. Beach calls this "a veritable oasis by the sea." The area draws the rich and famous to the Hotel del Coronado.
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<strong>8. Wailea Beach, Maui, Hawaii: </strong>A series of five pocket beaches, Wailea Beach is lined with resorts. It's a great snorkeling beach when the water is calm, Dr. Beach says.
8. Wailea Beach, Maui, Hawaii: A series of five pocket beaches, Wailea Beach is lined with resorts. It's a great snorkeling beach when the water is calm, Dr. Beach says.
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<strong>9. Beachwalker Park, Kiawah Island, South Carolina:</strong> A public beach on the southern end of Kiawah Island, this park draws paddlers and cyclists in addition to swimmers.
9. Beachwalker Park, Kiawah Island, South Carolina: A public beach on the southern end of Kiawah Island, this park draws paddlers and cyclists in addition to swimmers.
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<strong>10. Coast Guard Beach, Cape Cod, Massachusetts: </strong>The old Coast Guard station offers spectacular views over the brisk waters. Pay attention to red flags warning of sharks and follow lifeguard guidance, Dr. Beach cautions.
10. Coast Guard Beach, Cape Cod, Massachusetts: The old Coast Guard station offers spectacular views over the brisk waters. Pay attention to red flags warning of sharks and follow lifeguard guidance, Dr. Beach cautions.
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