The Top 10 Beaches in the U.S.A.

July 04, 2009, 08:00 PM Post Comments

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Where is paradise on Earth? It's in the sand and surf of Hanalei Bay, a spectacular white crescent-shaped sand beach that is considered by many residents and visitors alike to be the most beautiful beach setting in Hawaii. That's the word from Dr. Beach, a.k.a. Florida International University professor Stephen P. Leatherman, who has arguably the most enviable job on Earth: coming up with an annual top 10 list of the country's best beaches.

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The two-mile long strand of Hanalei Bay is lined by palm trees with a backdrop of waterfalls and mountain peaks that range up to 4,000 feet high. One of the best views of the beach is from the Princeville Hotel, located on the high bluff to the east. The other end of this wide coral sand beach is anchored by a high lava point that extends into the ocean. This panorama has been the inspiration for many paintings and photo shoots.

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"Hanalei Bay on the garden island of Kauai is my favorite get-away beach in Hawaii," said Leatherman. "The clear emerald waters are perfect for swimming during the tranquil summer months, but only swim at the lifeguarded areas when the surf picks up during the wintertime as powerful rip currents are sometimes present. The laid-back little village of Hanalei is a good place for refreshments and casual dining, but accommodations are scarce so plan ahead."

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Leatherman uses 50 criteria to evaluate swimming beaches in the United States, including quality tests on water, sand and amenities. Once a beach hits the No. 1 spot, it is retired for consideration on future lists so this is the last time Hanalei Bay will be part of this annual ranking. It was the No. 2 beach in 2008's rankings.

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The best beaches in the U.S.A., 2009:
1. Hanalei Beach, Kauai, Hawaii
2. Siesta Beach, Sarasota, Florida
3. Coopers Beach, Southampton, New York
4. Coronado Beach, San Diego, California
5. Hamoa Beach, Maui, Hawaii
6. Main Beach, East Hampton, New York
7. Cape Hatteras, Outer Banks, North Carolina
8. Cape Florida State Park, Key Biscayne, Florida
9. Coast Guard Beach, Cape Cod, Massachusetts
10. Beachwalker Park, Kiawah Island, South Carolina

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Previous years' winners, which are excluded from all future surveys:
2008: Caladesi Island State Park, Dunedin/Clearwater, Florida
2007: Ocracoke Lifeguard Beach- Outer Banks, North Carolina
2006: Fleming Beach Park- Maui, Hawaii
2005: Fort DeSoto Park - North Beach, St. Petersburg, Florida
2004: Hanauma Bay, Oahu, Hawaii
2003: Kaanapali, Hawaii
2002: St. Joseph Peninsula State Park, Florida
2001: Poipu Beach Park, Hawaii
2000: Mauna Kea Beach, Hawaii
1999: Wailea Beach, Hawaii
1998: Kailua Beach Park, Hawaii
1997: Hulopoe, Hawaii
1996: Lanikai Beach, Hawaii
1995: St. Andrews SRA, Florida
1994: Grayton Beach SRA, Florida
1993: Hapuna, Hawaii
1992: Bahia Honda SRA, Florida
1991: Kapalua Bay Beach, Hawaii