Dr. Beach Names America's 10 Best Beaches for 2026

For more than three decades, travelers have looked to one coastal scientist's annual rankings when planning their summer getaways. Dr. Stephen Leatherman, better known as "Dr. Beach," has spent his career studying America's shorelines, evaluating everything from beach erosion and water quality to public safety and coastal conservation.

Since 1991, Leatherman has released his annual ranking of America's Best Beaches. Each year, he evaluates roughly 650 public beaches across the country using a scientific scoring system based on 50 criteria, but only 10 make the list.

Once a beach earns the No. 1 ranking, it is retired to the Dr. Beach Hall of Fame, giving other exceptional shorelines the opportunity to claim the top spot in the future.

Leatherman, a professor of coastal science at Florida International University, doesn't just pick his favorite vacation spots. His evaluation considers factors such as water and sand quality, wave action, safety, cleanliness, wildlife, environmental management, scenic beauty and amenities.

Beaches receive higher scores for features such as smoke-free policies and clean, well-managed shorelines. Heavy development, pollution, and other environmental issues can hurt their rankings. Beaches are evaluated each year, so storms, erosion, water quality, and changes in development can all influence where they land on the list.

Poipu Beach, Kauai, Hawaii

Taking the No. 1 spot for 2026 is Poipu Beach on Kauai's sunny south shore. Leatherman said the beach stands out because of its unique tombolo, a narrow sandbar that creates two distinct beaches with different wave conditions. The combination of golden sand, excellent water quality, and two distinct swimming areas helped earn Poipu the top ranking.

He also cited the beach's strong environmental management, abundant wildlife, and no-smoking policy. Hawaiian monk seals and green sea turtles are also frequently spotted along the shoreline, reflecting the healthy coastal habitat that helped Poipu earn the top ranking.

St. Andrews State Park, Panama City, Florida

St. Andrews State Park ranked second for its white sand, clear Gulf water, and largely undeveloped shoreline. Leatherman said the protected park offers visitors a chance to experience Florida's Gulf Coast in a more natural setting than many neighboring beaches.

The park sits between the Gulf of Mexico and St. Andrews Bay, creating two distinct coastal environments within the same park. Leatherman said that the combination of protected habitat and relatively untouched shoreline helped separate it from many Florida beaches.

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Caladesi Island State Park, Dunedin, Florida

Caladesi Island State Park claimed the No. 3 spot this year after recovering from Hurricane Helene. Leatherman said the barrier island's white quartz sand, clear Gulf waters, and protected natural shoreline continue to make it one of the country's standout beaches.

Limited development has helped preserve the island's natural character, while protected mangroves and coastal habitat continue to support a wide variety of birds and other wildlife.

Wailea Beach, Maui, Hawaii

Wailea Beach on Maui ranked fourth this year. Rather than a single stretch of sand, it's a series of five pocket beaches connected along the Wailea coastline. Leatherman noted that the resort area was designed to preserve public access to the shoreline, while hotels are set back from the beach instead of crowding the waterfront.

He also pointed to the gently sloping white coral sand and landscaped shoreline, saying the thoughtful design helps preserve the beach's natural character.

Main Beach, East Hampton, New York

The only Northeast beach to crack the top five, Main Beach in East Hampton, ranked fifth this year. Leatherman has said beaches in the Northeast rarely rank as high because cooler water temperatures are one of the factors he considers, making Main Beach's finish especially notable.

He credited the beach's wide stretch of quartz sand, towering dunes, and a conservation easement that has helped protect the shoreline for more than 300 years. Those protections have helped preserve the beach's natural character for generations.

The complete top 10 beaches for 2026

1. Poipu Beach, Kauai, Hawaii

2. St. Andrews State Park, Panama City, Florida

3. Caladesi Island State Park, Dunedin/Clearwater, Florida

4. Wailea Beach, Maui, Hawaii

5. Main Beach, East Hampton, New York

6. Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park, Naples, Florida

7. Beachwalker Park, Kiawah Island, South Carolina

8. Kaunaoa Beach, Hawaii Island, Hawaii

9. Lanikai Beach, Oahu, Hawaii

10. Coast Guard Beach, Cape Cod, Massachusetts

While many travelers choose beaches based on convenience or popularity, Leatherman's annual rankings take a different approach. By focusing on science, environmental quality, and long-term management, the list highlights beaches that have remained among the country's best-protected and most naturally beautiful shorelines.