The annual list of the best beaches in the U.S. is out, and it’s no surprise that the Sunshine State’s shorelines continue to dominate the annual ranking by the world’s foremost “beachologist.”
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While Hawaii’s Poipu Beach was named the country’s best beach for 2026, St. Andrews State Park in Panama City, Caladesi Island State Park in Dunedin and Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park all made the list.
Stephen Leatherman, aka “Dr. Beach,” is a coastal scientist and professor at Florida International University. It marks the 36rd year he has rated the best of America’s 650 public beaches.
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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. Extra credit is given to beaches that forbid cigarette smoking, mainly because of the need to prevent discarded butts.
Hawaii has four beaches on this year’s list, while New York, South Carolina and Massachusetts each claim one spot.
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Here is Dr. Beach’s complete 2026 top 10: