Top 10 Beaches in America - do you agree?

[todobigo]

We are interested to hear some first hand response to the 2009 "Top 10 Beaches" beaches selected by "Dr. Beach" -- actually Stephen P. Leatherman, the director of Florida International University's Laboratory for Coastal Research.

The Florida-based sun, sand and water purity authority makes his annual selection after judging 50 criteria, including water quality and temperature, cleanliness, weather, sand quality and appearance, safety and facilities at the beaches he and his team visit.

Keep in mind that Dr. Beach does not repeat past winners in his annual list, so he has to roam far and wide to compile it. However, he does return to beaches that he has rejected in past years when improvements have been made.

Here is the 2009 list -- let me know what you think, especially if you've taken the kids here.
1. Hanalei Bay, 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. Kiawah Island, South Carolina

We are curious about the type of waves and surf, and if any of these are suitable for young kids or poor swimmers, who may prefer gentle surf.
Thanks!

[taylor]

I take huge issues with this list!

How can there be only one west coast beach on the entire list! That is ridiculous. And six on the east coast, including two in New York?! Sounds to me like the maker of the list hasn't spent any time on the west coast, but just in the east and in Hawaii.

Sure Coronado Beach is fine but there are so many others that are better! Zuma, Pismo, Santa Cruz, Mendocino, -- the list goes on and on and we're not even out of California yet.

[OCMomActivities]

I agree, there are so many California Beaches that are better than Coronado...

[CarolWeaver]

Outer Banks is nice, and any beach in Maui I agree with!! Haven't been to the rest, but I have to dispute the list simply because my absolute favorite beach--Gulf Shores, Alabama--is not on the list

[sand2snow]

Originally Posted by OCMomActivities

I agree, there are so many California Beaches that are better than Coronado...

I can't believe Coronado even made that list.

[TravelinJon]

Destin Beach Florida is ranked as the most beautiful beach in Florida. It should definitely be on that list!!!

[lauras]

I know they don't like to repeat themselves, but honestly, one west coast beach makes the process seem a bit east-coast centered! Seems kind of ridiculous to me - surely they could have found any number of beaches along the hundreds of miles of beaches on the Pacific Ocean. Among my favorites are Santa Cruz, Mendocino and Santa Barbara in California, Seaside and Cannon Beaches in Oregon, and Long Beach and the beaches of Olympic National Park in Washington -- but there are many many more.

[johnnymac]

I agree but I was hoping Big Sur to make it? IMO its great for the family because you can also spend a somehow romantic vacation with your other half? go hiking and camping with kids.. isn't that great

[TropicCat]

95% of Florida would be updet with this list.

[Fantasy]

Hi Every One,
I am Fantasy how are you .Travel is a fantasy to me when ever i travel new places and new people fascinates me and increase my curisoity of traveling more around the globe.I am new to this forum and much eager and keen to know everything
about traveling ,tourism and others.I have travel to many places around america and have seen many beautiful beaches and
islands the dream destination for every one.My family and kids like Kiawah Island it is the dream destination for the whole family.
I truly agree all ten are wnderful beaches and exciting places to visit.


Thanks...

[Ivonka]

I like Santa Monica

[vacations]

The beach on Cape Cod MA isn't that great, just an average nice beach.

[Zika]

Pensacola Beach, Florida is my favorite

[NicSIV]

I haven't been to all of those, but I do have to agree that Kiawah Island is pretty unique for an East Coast beach. The beach there is very wide and has hard-packed sand which allows you to bike on it and makes it easier for toddlers to walk on it. It's also one of the few beachs on the East Coast that faces south, so the surf is almost always very gentle. It's a great beach for relaxing and for families with young children.

[katprice]

I really like Coronado beach, spent many days there as a kid. Colonial Beach received an honorable mention on America's Top 10 Beaches list, so that's pretty cool. Especially since that's where I live now. Yes, I moved cross country from a large Navy & resort town to a small Navy & resort town.