Memorial Day weekend marks the (well, unofficial) start of summer, and along with it comes the annual list of best beaches in America from Dr. Beach, a.k.a. Professor Stephen P. Leatherman of Florida International University. This year marks the 27th year for Dr. Beach’s list of beaches all across the country.
Last year’s top 10 beaches included beaches in Florida (of course), the Outer Banks of North Carolina, Cape Cod, California and Hawaii. Three of the top ten are found in Florida’s Gulf Coast, two are in shore line of Hawaii and the rest are along the Atlantic coast from Cape Cod down to South Carolina water line. Meanwhile West Coast has only one entry.
This annual survey covers some 650 U.S. beaches in America. The survey was highly based on 50 criteria, top of which are “water temperature, cleanliness, sand grade quality, weather, facilities nearby and along the beach, whether the beach is shared with fishers, boaters and water-skiers, and if the beach area allows smoking”.
FORBES listed Top 10 Beaches of 2017 in the U.S.
10 – Beachwalker Park, Kiawah Island, South Carolina
9 – Coronado State Beach, Coronado, California
8 – Hapuna Beach, Big Island, Hawaii
7 – Caladesi Island State Park, Dunedin/Clearwater, Florida
6 – Coast Guard Beach, Eastham, Massachusetts
5 – Coopers Beach, Southampton, New York
4 – Grayton Beach State Park, Florida
3 – Okracoke Lifeguarded Beach, North Carolina
2 – Kapalua Bay Beach, Maui, Hawaii
1 – Siesta Beach, Sarasota, Florida
What makes Florida Beaches set apart among on the Top 10 Lists?
[7th] Caladesi Island State Park, Dunedin/Clearwater, Florida 
This State Park Beach ranked 7th due to its white crystal sand, emerald waters and sand dunes. While there are accommodations in nearby towns, camping is also popular in this state park with both tidal lakes and freshwater ponds.
[4th] Grayton Beach State Park, Florida
Up in the Florida Panhandle, Grayton is known for white sand, emerald waters and sand dunes. While there are accommodations in nearby towns, camping is also popular in this state park with both tidal lakes and freshwater ponds.
[1st] Siesta Beach, Sarasota, Florida
Dr. Beach says that this year’s No. 1, on Florida’s Gulf Coast, boasts “some of the finest, whitest sand in the world” and “clear, warm waters ideal for swimming,” while also being “great for volleyball and other types of recreational fitness.” He also cites recent upgrades including expanded parking and free shuttle service, which improves access while maintaining the natural environment.
Beach Life is one of the biggest attractions to Florida’s coast. The fine, white sand for you to sink your feet into can be found at virtually every beach in the South west Florida area. Although Siesta Beach was ranked #1, we find it hard to choose. If you’re dreaming to live nearby or within proximity of these top rated beaches, you can contact us at medwayrealty.com or give us a call at 941-375-2456.
