It's that time of the year again, when families pack up their beach towels, swimming suits, and SPF 30 sunscreen in preparation for a long-awaited beach trip. After an overlong and frigid winter, a dip in the ocean is a much deserved respite from the hibernation-inducing weather of the past several months. One question lingers though: which beach most deserves your attention? Well, coastal expert Stephen P. Leatherman, otherwise known as Dr. Beach, claims to have the answer.
In Leatherman's annual Top 10 Beaches publication, which has run since 1991, East Hampton's Main Beach comes out on top, beating out a handful of Hawaii and Florida coasts. Dr. Beach's site explains that a total of fifty factors were considered to determine ranking order, such as sand and water quality, environmental management, and safety.
The Main Beach website unsurprisingly echoes Leatherman's claim and states, "Village beaches are among the most renowned and beautiful in the world. Beach users are required to keep the part of the beach they use clean. Litter must be deposited in baskets provided in convenient locations. Violators are subject to substantial fines. Encourage your neighbors on the beach to keep the beach clean."
Speaking with The Associated Press, Leatherman acknowledged that, "The thing about the Hamptons is that people are so proud of their beaches out there. People pick up their litter there, the bathrooms are clean; they provide good services."
Check out the full list of the world's best beaches below.
1. Main Beach (East Hampton, New York)
2. Kahanamoku Beach (Waikiki, Oahu, Hawaii)
3. St. George Island State Park (Florida panhandle)
4. Hamoa Beach (Maui, Hawaii)
5. Waimanalo Bay Beach Park (Oahu, Hawaii)
6. Barefoot Beach (Bonita Springs, Florida)
7. Cape Florida State Park (Key Biscayne, Florida)
8. Cape Hatteras (Outer Banks of North Carolina)
9. Coast Guard Beach (Cape Cod, Massachusetts)
10. Beachwalker Park (Kiawah Island, South Carolina)
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