The most beautiful beaches in the United States – that’s what everyone is looking for now that summer has finally arrived. The Recipe Man: Dr. Beach, also known as Dr. Stephen P. Leatherguy, professor and director of the Coastal Research Laboratory at Florida International University and who earned his nickname when he was a professor at the University of Maryland, where he taught a course on waves and beach.
Leatherman has been rating America’s most beautiful beaches for over 30 years, sharing Florida’s most beautiful beaches, California’s most beautiful beaches, and much more. Every year, the renowned geoscientist and coastal ecologist ranks the 10 most beautiful beaches in the world. The United States in 50 criteria, adding safety, sand quality, cleanliness and, one of Leatherman’s points of interest, no smoking. “I give extra credits to non-smoking beaches,” he says.
This year, Dr. Beach crowned North Carolina’s Ocracoke Lifeguarded Beach as the most productive beach in the U. S. The U. S. Beaches are presented as part of its annual Best Beaches awards, delivered just in time for Memorial Day weekend. Ocracoke, known as the pearl of the Outer Banks, is an idyllic island located 26 miles off the North Carolina mainland and the beach is part of the Cape Hatteras National Seashore. “Here you have it all: white sand, white water, and beach safety, plus there are 16 miles of beautiful, expansive beach,” says Leatherman.
Leatherman says Ocracoke is his favorite beach for his getaways and that he’s been here several times over the years for the holidays. “They don’t have big hotels or big chains, they’re just small hostels,” Leatherman says. His favorite position to stay is a small hotel called Blackbeard’s Lodge, named after the mythical pirate. “It’s Blackbeard’s favorite beach, his favorite terrain,” Leatherman says. “He’s a real party animal and he brought his loot here and threw big parties and the other people here enjoyed it. People say that even though he is no longer there, his spirit still lives on this island.
Ocracoke Supervised Beach is also known for its iconic 1823 lighthouse, the second-oldest lighthouse in the country, as well as its herd of once-wild ponies believed to be descended from Spanish colonial mustangs. A great eco-friendly option for exploring the domain is to come here aboard the Ocracoke Express passenger ferry. “I like riding a motorcycle or renting a golf cart,” Leatherman says.
Another North Carolina beach that’s also on Dr. Beach’s list: The Old Lighthouse Beach in Buxton, which is farther north on the Outer Banks. “These two beaches are on the national coast and smoking is prohibited. I give extra credits to non-smoking beaches,” Leatherman says. “And for me they also have lifeguards. Safety on the beach is very important. Rip currents are the most damaging thing on beaches.
So, what is someone looking for when they opt for a beach for their summer vacation?We have many wonderful beaches in this country and it depends on what you are interested in. If you need to overlook surfing, Old Lighthouse Beach in North Carolina would be the ideal position. If you need to walk, stop by to Cape Cod Coast Guard Beach,” Leatherman says.
In addition to the 10 most sensible beaches, Leatherman’s website, DrBeach. org, lists beaches grouped by category (from sporty to wild), as well as a Hall of Fame list of winners beyond nationals. of the list, Leatherman did it to make room elsewhere. )
From North Carolina to Florida, here are the top 10 Dr. Beach beaches for 2022.
1. Ocracoke Lifeguard Beach – North Carolina’s Outer Banks
Why it’s on the list: “Ocracoke, once the home of the pirate Blackbeard, is a special place — it’s my favorite beach for a getaway,” Leatherman says. “”Here you will find some of the wildest beaches in the country.
A word of advice: “In late summer, big waves predominate, so families with children should probably come earlier in the year,” says Leatherman. “My favorite time to come here is in the fall, when there are fewer friendly people and there is still hot water until the end of September. In fact, it is a beach for all seasons.
Aerial view of Caladesi Island National Park in Florida.
2. Caladesi Island State Park – Dunedin/Clearwater, Florida
Why it’s on the list: “White is made up of crystalline quartz sand, soft and fluffy at the water’s edge,” says Leatherman. “
A tip: “Caladesi can be reached via foot ferry, boat, or a long hike north of Clearwater Beach; the cove is closed, so Caladesi is no longer a genuine island, but it’s still a wonderful getaway,” says Leatherman.
Coopers Beach in Southampton, New York, in summer.
3. Coopers Beach – Southampton, New York
Why it’s on the list: “Coopers Beach is located on the south shore of Long Island, New York, protected from the cold currents of the Labrador, in the charming town of Southampton,” says Leatherman. “”Some of the most productive beaches in the Hamptons exist at Coopers Beach. “
Tip: “You’ll find a snack bar here that serves lunch and drinks,” says Leatherman. “
Image taken at St George Peninsula State Park in Florida.
4. St. George Island State Park – Florida Panhandle
Why it’s on the list: “While the island of St. George was hit hard in 2018 by Hurricane Michael, dominance has recovered significantly, especially the white sand beach,” says Leatherman.
A word of advice: “There’s so much to explore in this serene 2023-acre park,” says Leatherman. “
Duke Kahanamoku Beach is the widest beach in Waikiki and a protective offshore reef makes it a family-friendly beach.
5. Duke Kahanamoku Beach – Oahu, Hawaii
Why it’s on the list: “Kahanamoku Beach is on the west end of Waikiki Beach, away from the big crowds of other places,” Leatherman says. “
A word of advice: “This is the widest beach on this world-famous stretch of sand and runs through an offshore coral reef, making it a smart beach for families with kids,” says Leatherman.
Lighthouse Beach in Buxton, North Carolina.
6. Lighthouse Beach – Buxton, North Carolina’s Outer Banks
Why it’s on the list: “Lighthouse Beach is where the old Cape Hatteras spiral striped lighthouse once stood until it was moved ashore in 1999 due to beach erosion,” Leatherman says. “
A word of advice: “This supervised spot is the premier surf spot on America’s Atlantic coast,” Leatherman says. “
People walk along Coronado Beach in California.
7. Coronado Beach – San Diego, California
Why it’s on the list: “Coronado Beach is Southern California paradise; it is a true oasis in the sea many meters wide,” says Leatherman.
A tip: “The Hotel del Coronado, a local landmark, built more than a hundred years ago; kings, sheikhs, actors and actresses have stayed at this iconic hotel,” says Leatherman.
Wailea Beach, on the southwest coast of Maui, Hawaii
8. Wailea Beach – Maui, Hawaii
Why it’s on the list: “The white coral sand beach slopes gently off the coast and is great for snorkeling when the ocean is calm,” says Leatherman. “
A word of advice: “Luxury hotels are set back from the beach and offer a gorgeously landscaped park, adorned with tropical plants and flowering trees,” says Leatherman. “
A sunset on Kiawah Island in South Carolina.
9. Beachwalker Park – Kiawah Island, South Carolina
Why it’s on the list: “South of Charleston, Beachwalker Park is the public beach at the southern tip of Kiawah Island,” says Leatherman. “
A word of advice: “The water is rarely very clear, but it’s clean and provides seafood for lowland cuisine,” Leatherman says. “
A view of the 1936 Coast Guard construction overlooking Coast Guard Beach in Eastham, Cape Cod.
10. Coast Guard Beach – Cape Cod, Massachusetts
Why it’s on the list: “The picturesque old Coast Guard station still sits atop the glacial cliffs, allowing for stunning perspectives of the barrier and Nauset Spit Bay,” says Leatherman. “
A tip: “During the summer, bathers take refreshing baths in the ocean because the water is cold. In recent years, seals have moved north from the Monomoy Island Wildlife Reserve to populated beaches, which has attracted wonderful great white sharks,” says Leatherman. .