The Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve took the top spot on the list, which has been released by costal expert Dr. Stephen P. Leatherman for 26 years.
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Every year, Leatherman releases his list based on 50 criteria, including water and sand quality.
Back in 2007, Dr. Beach ranked Ocacoke as the top beach in America. “Coopers Beach is located on the south shore of Long Island, New York, shielded from the cold Labrador currents, in the attractive village of Southampton”, Dr. Beach noted on his website.
Lately, he’s putting more emphasis on environmental management and beach safety.
Sarasota County has long pushed for smoke-free beaches, but Florida is one of a handful of states with a law that prevents local governments from enacting smoke-banning regulations.
“With some of the finest, whitest sand in the world, this beach attracts sand collectors from all over”, Leatherman writes on his site. 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.. In 2007 and 2006, Dr. Beach ranked it as No. 2. (Dr Beach) 4. Ocracoke Lifeguarded Beach, Outer Banks of North Carolina.
For more information, visit https://www.floridastateparks.org/park/Caladesi-Island.
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Caladesi Island State Park in Clearwater, Florida; and Beachwalker Park on Kiawah Island, near Charleston, South Carolina, came in after Coopers Beach.
