Americas top ten beaches for 2007.  Courtesy of Dr Beach himself  Dr Stephen Leatherman

1. Ocracoke Lifeguarded Beach, Outer Banks, North Carolina - National Winner
2. Caladesi Island State Park, Dunedin/Clearwater, Florida
3. Coopers Beach, Southampton, New York
4. Hanalei Bay, Kauai, Hawaii
5. Coast Guard Beach, Cape Cod, Massachusetts
6. Hamoa Beach, Maui, Hawaii
7. Main Beach, East Hampton, New York
8. Coronado Beach, San Diego, California
9. Lighthouse Point Park, Daytona Beach, Florida
10. Siesta Beach, Sarasota, Florida

Click here to see the photos.www.drbeach.org/drbeach/top_ten_beaches/beach_list.htm

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1. Poipu Beach, Kaui, Hawaii: Kauai is the most lush — and least developed — of Hawaii's four major islands, with a richly fertile interior and rugged cliffs in the northwest offsetting pristine white beaches along the north and south coasts. Also called the Garden Isle, Kauai is the place Hollywood heads when it needs a suitably tropical and remote locale.

2. Coronado Beach, California: Just over the bridge from San Diego is a small, tree-lined beach haven known as Coronado. The "island,” as many locals call it, is really a peninsula connected to the mainland by a neck of land named the Silver Strand. Coronado is about a mile from downtown San Diego and is linked to the city by the Coronado-San Diego Bridge.

3. Culebra Island, Puerto Rico: Many people fail to associate a Caribbean paradise with historic significance, assuming instead that it has always been a sandy, sun-drenched beach swathed in sunbathers and snorkelers. That's part of the beauty of Puerto Rico's Culebra Island. Yes, this island, situated 20 miles (30 kilometers) off the northeast coast, has beautiful beaches and plenty of sun, but it's also an old pirate hideout loaded with virtually undisturbed treasures.

4.Nantucket Island, Massachusetts: Long before Nantucket became known as a vacation destination, it was primarily a quiet whaling community off the coast of Massachusetts. These days, folks aren't flocking to this Atlantic isle seeking fortune from the sea, but are coming for the sheer beauty and peaceful nature of the island.

5.South Beach, Miami, Florida: The American Riviera, Hollywood of the East, Sobe, or the Art Deco District — whatever you call it, Miami's South Beach is hot year-round. The embodiment of excess, South Beach is an international playground offering non-stop nightlife, sandy shores, unique architecture and plenty of eye candy.

6.Duck, North Carolina: Stretching for 130 miles along the Atlantic coast, North Carolina's Outer Banks are a skinny strip of barrier islands whose hallmark high, sandy dunes front frothy surf on one side and a gentle sound on the other.

7.Southampton, New York: The praise heaped on Long Island's tony Hamptons seems ceaseless — their pervasive beauty, wealth and extravagance are constantly in the spotlight. Yet, there is one Hampton, the "original" Hampton, as locals will remind you, which shines just a bit brighter than the rest. Unspoiled beaches, a charming village center, exclusive shops and exquisite dining have made Southampton the Hampton du jour.

8.Palm Beach, Florida: It may have more than 47 miles of pristine beaches, but the crown jewel of Palm Beach County, Fla., is, without a doubt, exclusive Palm Beach — a 14-mile long, half-mile-wide island of wealth and extravagance.

9.Kiawah Island, South Carolina: Many people are familiar with the coastal islands off North Carolina, but fewer are privy to the coastal islands of South Carolina. Kiawah Island is one of these hidden gems, loaded with 10 miles of pristine beaches and approximately 10,000 acres of natural woodlands.

10.New Port Beach, California: Trendsetters, jetsetters, and beach lovers in the know have been taking advantage of Newport Beach's Southern California coastal charms — both vintage and nouveau riche — for decades. There's the ritzy harbor most folks will only dream of parking a yacht in; beachside "bungalows" worth many, many millions; a shopping district so chic, Rodeo Drive looks discounted; and, oh yes, an utterly magnificent stretch of beach. This wide bed of sand, silky and blonde, rolls south from Newport Pier to Balboa Pier, and plays host to diehard surfers, serious sunbathers, trendy twenty-somethings.

Or

1. Bahia Honda State Park, Florida - First, on our best beach list is Bahia Honda. This park has several white sandy beaches for you to enjoy. Calusa is the smallest beach; it is located on the northwest side of the island. There are several small pavilions in this area and a bathhouse with outdoor, fresh water showers. Loggerhead is the shallowest beach and is located on the south side of the island. It is known for the large shallow sand bar just a few feet offshore. It shares the same bathhouse with the Calusa beach. Sandspur is the largest beach; it is located on the southeast end of the island. There are three large pavilions in the Sandspur area and a bathhouse with outdoor, fresh water showers.

2. Hapuna Beach, Hawaii - Next on our best beaches is Hapuna Beach in Hawaii. This is another wonderful sandy beach, 1/2 mile long and almost 200 feet wide during the summer months. Swimming conditions here are usually excellent. There is easy access to the water, full facilities, crystal clear water and beautiful scenery. Snorkeling is great at the south end of the beach where the fish are varied and there is a coral reef.

3. Fort Desoto Park, Florida - is located in the southwest corner of Mullet Key, at the entrance to Tampa Bay. The entire island is now Fort De Soto Park, a Pinellas county park which offers fine beaches, fishing, nature trails, camping, boating, and much more.

4. Hulopo'e Beach, Lanai, Hawaii - This protected beach is the safest place on the island to swim. It's beautiful white sand beach and underwater coral formations makes it the central recrational area on Lanai. The Manele Bay Hotel sits on the bluff overlooking this perfect site. The beach is located in a protected Marine Life Conservation Area so there are numerous and colorful fish as well as unique coral formations found here. To the left of the beach is Pu'u Pehe Rock, also known as Sweetheart Rock.

5. St Joseph Peninsula State Park, FL (Cape San Blas) - has miles of white sand beaches, striking dune formations, a heavily-forested interior and a favorable climate for year-round outdoor recreation characterize this peninsular state park. The 2,516-acre park is bounded on three sides by the waters of St. Joe Bay and the Gulf of Mexico.

6. Ocracoke Island, North Carolina - is accessible only by water or air, and is part of Hyde County. It is one of the barrier islands of the Outer Banks of North Carolina where the pirate Blackbeard is known to have once roamed. The Cape Hatteras National Seashore, with the Pamlico Sound on one side and the Atlantic Ocean on the other, its 16 miles of sun-swept wilderness beaches offer something for everyone.

7. Kailua Beach , Hawaii - often rated as the "Best Beach in the World," is a generally wonderful place to enjoy swimming and beach recreational activities. It has a very nice, fine sandy beach. There are generally no significantly hazardous ocean or beach conditions.Kailua Beach is a world-class wind surfing destination for pros and amateurs alike. There are several shops in Kailua town which offer rental gear and that can arrange for lessons.

8. Caladesi Island State Park, Florida - This Florida state park has 3 miles of nature trail and 108-slip marina. Caladesi Island has something for everyone. Picnic pavilions, bathhouses, and a park concession all make the visit more comfortable. Fishing, shelling, and nature studies are all ways to enjoy a visit.

9. Hamoa Beach, Hawaii - Located just outside of Hana, this beautiful public beach shares some facilities with the Hotel Hana Maui. Sea cliffs surround the bay and the vegetation is lush. This beach has been voted one of Hawaii's favorite beaches. Offshore is the little coconut-topped island of Alau.

10. Cumberland Island, Georgia - Our final top ten beach is Cumberland Island. This island is 17.5 miles long and totals 36,415 acres of which 16,850 are marsh, mud flats, and tidal creeks. It is well known for its sea turtles, wild turkeys, wild horses, armadillos, abundant shore birds, dune fields, maritime forests, salt marshes, and historic structures. Visit Cumberland Island National Seashore for a natural experience: sun and sand, beautiful vistas and relaxing atmosphere.

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