The ranking of the best beaches in the United States, curated by Dr. Stephen P. Leatherman, known as Dr. Beach, features three Florida beaches among the nation's finest in 2024. This geoscientist and coastal ecologist, nicknamed Dr. Beach by his students at the University of Maryland, has dedicated his life to discovering the best beaches in the U.S. and advocating for coastal ecosystems.
The scientist's website annually publishes a list of the best beaches, using a scale based on 50 criteria, including the quality of the sand, the number of sunny days, and water cleanliness, among other factors.
Top Florida Beaches in 2024
The three Florida beaches that stand out in Dr. Beach's top 10 U.S. beaches for 2024 are:
Caladesi Island State Park, Dunedin Clearwater, Florida: Ranked number 4 on Dr. Beach's list. It is renowned for its white, soft sands and crystal-clear waters, perfect for swimming and kayaking.
Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park, Naples, Florida: This beach is ranked number 8. Known for its natural, tranquil setting, it is ideal for those looking to relax in a serene environment surrounded by diverse flora and fauna.
Ft. De Soto Park, St. Petersburg, Florida: Positioned at number 10, this beach offers expansive white sands perfect for a family day of sun and sea, along with numerous recreational activities such as hiking and biking.
Complete List of the Best U.S. Beaches by Dr. Beach
Here is the full list of Dr. Beach's top 10 best beaches in the United States for 2024:
Duke Kahanamoku Beach, Oahu, Hawaii
Coopers Beach, Southampton, New York
Wailea Beach, Maui, Hawaii
Caladesi Island State Park, Dunedin Clearwater, Florida
Beachwalker Park, Kiawah Island, South Carolina
Main Beach, East Hampton, New York
Poipu Beach, Kauai, Hawaii
Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park, Naples, Florida
Coast Guard Beach, Cape Cod, Massachusetts
Ft. De Soto Park, St. Petersburg, Florida
These beaches are celebrated for their beauty and quality, making them must-visit destinations this summer.
FAQs About Dr. Beach's Best Beaches in the U.S. for 2024
Here are some frequently asked questions and answers about the top-ranked beaches in the United States according to Dr. Beach. These will help you understand what makes these beaches stand out and why they are considered among the best.
Who is Dr. Beach?
Dr. Stephen P. Leatherman, known as Dr. Beach, is a geoscientist and coastal ecologist who ranks the best beaches in the United States based on 50 different criteria.
What criteria does Dr. Beach use to rank beaches?
Dr. Beach uses a scale based on 50 criteria, including sand quality, water cleanliness, and the number of sunny days, among other factors.
Which Florida beaches are in the top 10 for 2024?
The Florida beaches in Dr. Beach's top 10 for 2024 are Caladesi Island State Park, Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park, and Ft. De Soto Park.
Why is Caladesi Island State Park highly ranked?
Caladesi Island State Park is highly ranked for its white, soft sands and crystal-clear waters, making it perfect for swimming and kayaking.