ORLANDO, Fla. — Two of Florida’s Gulf Coast beaches have been recognized among the top 10 beaches in America, according to an annual ranking from Dr. Beach.
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The Florida International University professor considers 50 factors when selecting the nation’s best beaches each year. Some of the criteria are beach material (fine sand ranks highest), air and water temperature, number of sunny days, wildlife, litter and development.
Hawaii’s beaches took four of the top 10 spots on the list, which also honored stretches of sand in South Carolina, Massachusetts and one other New York beach.
Since 2016, Florida beaches have landed at the top of the list three times including St. George Island State Park in the Panhandle in 2023. The 2020 winner was Grayton Beach State Park while Siesta Beach on Siesta Key was named number one in 2017. These top beaches were removed from contention for this year’s title after winning previously.
Caladesi Island State Park came in number four last year but was taken out of consideration for this year’s list; the beach is still closed amid ongoing recovery efforts following 2024’s tumultuous hurricane season.
Delnor-Wiggins Pass ranked number eight on last year’s list and moved up four spots for 2025.
“This barrier island beach boasts of beautiful white sand beaches and crystal-clear Gulf waters,” Leatherman writes on his website. “Activities include swimming, snorkeling, paddle boarding, shelling, and fishing. Wildlife in the park includes bald eagles, ospreys, and manatees. Pine trees provide welcome shade.”
Andrew Wardlow / Associated PressSt. Andrews State Park near Panama City Beach, is one of the coast's best snorkeling and diving destinations. (Andrew Wardlow/Associated Press)As for St. Andrews State Park, which has Leatherman notes that “This strikingly white sandy beach is great for shelling and bird watching. Swimming and snorkeling are popular in both the Gulf of America and St. Andrews Bay on the other side.”
Top 10 US beaches for 2025
Coopers Beach, Southampton, New York Wailea Beach, Maui, Hawaii Poipu Beach, Kauai, Hawaii Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park, Naples, Florida Main Beach, East Hampton, New York Beachwalker Park, Kiawah Island, South Carolina St. Andrews State Park, Panama City, Florida Kaunaoa, Big Island, Hawaii Lanikai Beach, Oahu, Hawaii Coast Guard Beach, Cape Cod, MassachusettsFind me @PConnPie on Instagram or send me an email: pconnolly@orlandosentinel.com.
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