For anyone who has forgotten it’s summer, get the sun tan lotion out because Dr. Beach has rolled out his famous yearly list of the US’s best beaches.
The winner is Siesta Key.
Dr. Beach, otherwise known as Dr. Stephen P. Leatherman, named Siesta Key in Sarasota, as No. 1.
Siesta Key Beach is an eight-mile-long, crescent-shaped barrier island in the Gulf of Mexico.
“It’s known for its powdery white sand, which is comprised of 99 percent pure quartz and stays relatively cool, no matter how high the temperature rises, “ according to the CVB.
Leatherman, Director of Florida International University’s Laboratory for Coastal Research, has selected the Top 10 Beaches annually since 1991. He uses fifty criteria to evaluate beaches, which include water and sand quality as well as safety and environmental management.
According to his website, "His annual list of America’s Top 10 Beaches is to the travel and tourism industry what the Oscar is to the movie industry."
Siesta Key Beach was #2 on the top 10 list in 2010 and 2009.
Coronado Beach in San Diego was the runner-up this year.
Others in the top beaches:
Kahanamoku Beach in Oahu, Hawaii’ Main Beach in East Hampton, New York; Cape Hatteras in the Outer Banks of North Carolina; St. George Island State Park in the Florida panhandle; Beachwalker Park Kiawah Island, South Carolina; Coast Guard Beach in Cape Cod, Massachusetts; Waimanalo Bay Beach Park in Oahu, Hawaii; and Cape Florida State Park in Key Biscayne, Florida.
By David Wilkening
