Dr. Beach’s Top 10 US Beaches List Has Surprises

It’s probably no surprise that beaches in Florida and Hawaii dominate Dr. Beach’s top 10 list of U.S. beaches for 2026, but there are a few other states that cracked the top 10 this year that are worth adding to your beach bucket list.

Dr. Beach, also known as Dr. Stephen P. Leatherman, is a professor and director of the Laboratory for Coastal Research at Florida International University. His best beaches list evaluates about 650 beaches across the U.S., ranking them based on 50 criteria, including how many sunny days a beach gets, the size of the waves, the softness and color of the sand and the safety of the location.

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THE 2026 LIST 

• 10 - Coast Guard Beach, Massachusetts

This beach in Cape Cod cracked the top 10 this year.  While the water can stay chilly even during summer, this beach was chosen for its spectacular views.

• 9  - Lanikai Beach, Oahu, Hawaii

Dr. Beach calls this “arguably the most beautiful beach in Hawaii,” but its small size and location in a residential neighborhood make accessibility a challenge.

• 8 - Kaunaoa, Big Island, Hawaii

This beach with white coral sand and black lava rock is part of the Mauna Kea Beach Resort, and it also has limited parking.

• 7 - Beachwalker Park, Kiawah Island, South Carolina

This one is for adventuring nature lovers ready to hop into a kayak to explore the tidal inlets. This public beach is about an hour south of Charleston

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

Bird watchers will love this barrier island spot, which claims to have one of the most pristine stretches of beach in the world. 

• 5 - Main Beach, East Hampton, New York

You can soak up the sun and maybe spot some celebrities at this popular beach. Parking will cost you $20 a day, but it may be worth it to enjoy this beach that’s been preserved and protected for more than 300 years.

• 4 - Wailea Beach, Maui, Hawaii

This beach, which stays on top 10 lists, is actually a series of five smaller beaches that are part of the Wailea Beach resort complex. The downside? The white sands and clear waters draw in a lot of people, so expect crowds.

• 3 - Caladesi Island State Park, Dunedin, Florida

Be prepared to take a boat or a long walk to reach this beach. Dr. Beach says, “There are boardwalk trails, but my favorite is the kayak and canoe trails through the mangroves to see the large blue herons and other birds that frequent this wonderful natural area.”

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

If you’re a shell collector (like me), you’ll probably love this beach just east of the well-known Panama City Beach. There’s a ferry that takes you to Shell Island, where you can scour the shore or go snorkeling.

• 1 - Poipu Beach, Kauai, Hawaii

Dr. Beach says this crescent-shaped oasis is two beaches in one, separated by a tombolo — a narrow, long stretch of sand from the shore to an island. That geography breaks big waves, creating gentle, family-friendly wading areas. 

Did any of your favorite beaches make the top 10 list? Share your favorites in the comments!