Hawaii and Florida Beaches Dominate 2026 'Dr. Beach' Rankings
Coastal scientist Stephen P. Leatherman, known as 'Dr. Beach,' has released his annual list of the top 10 beaches in the United States for 2026. Poipu Beach in Kauai, Hawaii, claimed the top spot, praised for its crescent shape, greenery, and warm waters. Florida and Hawaii dominate the rankings, with beaches like St. Andrews State Park in Panama City, Florida, and Wailea Beach in Maui, Hawaii, also making the list. The rankings are based on 50 criteria, including water and sand quality, wave size, and cleanliness. Notably, Main Beach in East Hampton, New York, secured the fifth position, offering a peaceful countryside setting and towering sand dunes. However, some beaches were excluded this year due to issues like pollution and erosion, including Coronado Beach in San Diego and Lighthouse Beach in North Carolina. 
