Who couldn’t resist a “white coral sand beach...in a landscape dominated by black lava flows.” That’s how Dr. Beach (real name Dr. Stephen P. Leatherman) describes Hapuna Beach State Park on the Big Island, Hawaii, which he just named number 1 in the United States in his annual Best Beaches awards, which is published just in time for Memorial Day Weekend. In fact, this is a big year for the hallowed list, which is celebrating its 30th anniversary in 2021.
Leatherman—a geoscientist and coastal ecologist—got his nickname back when he was a professor at the University of Maryland, teaching a course on waves and beaches. His students nicknamed him “Dr. Beach.” The list itself was born after a former student went to work for a national magazine and suggested him for a story. The rest is history.
Every year, Leatherman ranks the best U.S. beaches based on 50 criteria scored on a five-point scale, including safety, sand quality, cleanliness and more. Five years ago, he adjusted the criteria to give extra credit for beaches that have good safety records and no smoking. “All the beaches in Hawaii are now no smoking—I’m really happy about that,” says Leatherman.
Hapuna Beach on the Big Island of Hawaii—the best beach in America in 2021.
In fact, Leatherman says that smoking on beaches and the litter of cigarettes is one of the big issues he is fighting against this year. “People think that the sand is a giant ashtray,” he says. “Cigarettes last for decades and are disgusting, with kids digging them out of the sand and eating them; animals and birds and sea turtles, too.”
In normal times, Leatherman checks out as many beaches as possible, but he wasn’t able to stick his toes in the sand as much in 2021. So this year, he relied on his network of beach managers to provide relevant data. “They keep me informed and are experts themselves,” he says.
In a year when Covid safety is still paramount, Leatherman also issued tips for social distancing on the sand, but he emphasizes that going to a beach is inherently one of the safer things that you can do. “It’s a shame they shut down the beaches because that's where I think people should have been,” he says. “But still, social distancing make sense. And hopefully everybody's getting vaccinated who can and staying safe.”
From Hawaii to Massachusetts, here are Dr. Beach’s 10 best beaches for 2021
The 10 Best Beaches in America
A view of Hapuna Beach State Park in Big Island, Hawaii.
1. Hapuna Beach State Park - Big Island, Hawaii
Why it made the list: “During the summer months, Hapuna is a perfect place to swim, snorkel or scuba dive in the crystal clear and clean waters,” says Leatherman.
A tip: In winter, watch out for powerful rip currents. “Fortunately, there are well-trained lifeguards at this state park,” says Leatherman.
Dunes and sand on Coopers Beach in Southampton, New York.
2. Coopers Beach - Southampton, New York
Why it made the list: “As the first “Gold Coast” in the country, Coopers Beach is hundreds of yards wide, made of grainy white quartz sand,” says Leatherman. “The beach is backed by large sand dunes covered by American beach grass interspersed with extravagant mansions.”
A tip: Check out the snack bar serving lunch and drinks.
A view to Outer Banks in Ocracoke Beach.
3. Ocracoke Lifeguarded Beach - Outer Banks of North Carolina
Why it made the list: “Ocracoke, once the home of Blackbeard the pirate, is still a special place—it is my favorite getaway beach,” says Leatherman.
A tip: “Don’t expect to play golf or stay at the Ritz; the main pursuits are swimming and beachcombing,” says Leatherman.
Sand dunes at St. George Island State Park in Florida.
4. St. George Island State Park - Florida panhandle
Why it made the list: “This long barrier island, far from urban areas, is a favorite destination for beachgoers, anglers and bird watchers as nature abounds,” says Leatherman.
A tip: “Besides swimming in the crystal-clear water, I enjoy beachcombing and shelling,” says Leatherman.
Lighthouse Beach in Buxton on the Outer Banks of North Carolina
5. Lighthouse Beach - Buxton, Outer Banks of North Carolina
Why it made the list: “This lifeguarded beach is the number one surfing spot on the U. S. Atlantic Coast as the large offshore sand banks, known as Diamond Shoals, cause wave refraction focusing wave energy on this beach,” says Leatherman.
A tip: “It is fun to stroll down to the Cape Point where a long sand spit often exists, making one feel somewhat like Moses because the waves are coming from both directions as you walk along this narrow string of sand in the ocean,” says Leatherman.
A view overlooking Duke Kahanamoku Beach and Diamond Head Volcano on the Hawaiian island of Oahu.
6. Duke Kahanamoku Beach - Oahu, Hawaii
Why it made the list: “This is one of the most picturesque beaches in the USA with the iconic Diamond Head volcano in the distance,” says Leatherman.
A tip: Head to the nearby Duke Kahanamoku Lagoon—“a favorite bathing and swimming spot,” says Leatherman.
Walking on pathway to Caladesi Island State Park in Florida.
7. Caladesi Island State Park - Florida
Why it made the list: “The white beach is composed of crystalline quartz sand which is soft and cushy at the water’s edge, inviting one to take a dip in the sparkling clear waters,” says Leatherman.
A tip: “There are boardwalk trails, but my favorite is the kayak and canoe trails through the mangroves to see the large blue herons and other birds that frequent this wonderful natural area,” says Leatherman.
Coronado Beach in California.
8. Coronado Beach - San Diego, California
Why it made the list: “With its subtropical vegetation, unique Mediterranean climate, and fine sparkling sand, beach-goers flock to this beach for great ship-watching and the summer’s warm and mild surf,” says Leatherman.
A tip: Check out the Hotel del Coronado, a local landmark that was built over a hundred years ago. “Kings, sheiks, actors, and actresses have stayed at this iconic hotel,” says Leatherman.
The sun sets on Kiawah Island.
9. Beachwalker Park - Kiawah Island, South Carolina
Why it made the list:“This is a nature-lovers coast so visitors can bring their canoes and kayaks to paddle through the tidal inlets,” says Leatherman.
A tip: “It is also fun to walk or bicycle down the fine-grained sand beach to Captain Sam’s Inlet to see thousands of birds,” says Leatherman.
Relaxing on Coast Guard Beach in Eastham, Massachusetts.
10. Coast Guard Beach - Cape Cod, Massachusetts
Why it made the list: “Coast Guard Beach, accessible by bicycle from the Salt Pond Visitor’s Center or shuttle bus, is located where a sand spit extends southward from the glacial sea cliffs,” says Leatherman.
A tip: “Note the red flags with shark images on days when these predators are around and follow the advice of lifeguards,” says Leatherman.
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