Dr. Beach has announced his list of the top 10 American beaches just in time for Memorial Day weekend.
This list may be one of the most scientific lists of top 10 beaches. Dr. Beach is actually Dr. Stephen P. Leatherman a coastal scientist and a professor at Florida International University. He has a passion for sun, sand and surf and carefully researches his selections.
This year, the top beach on the list is Siesta Beach in Sarasota County, Fla. Siesta Beach won the top honor in 2011 as well and was honored to once again accept the accolade.
"It is an honor for Siesta Beach to receive this recognition for a second time," says Virginia J. Haley, CDME, president of Visit Sarasota County in a statement.
"The investments by Sarasota County to improve the amenities offered at the beach have paid off with this #1 ranking. Since holding the number one spot in 2011, Sarasota County invested more than $21 million to renovate the amenities offered at the beach. These include additional free parking spaces, a playground, extended picnic areas and more. These investments only add to the pristine beauty Siesta Beach," added Haley.
Fifty criteria are taken into consideration when choosing the best beaches and they include water and sand quality as well as safety.
The list also includes beaches in Hawaii, California, South Carolina, North Carolina, Massachusetts and New York. Notably missing from this year's list is last year's top selection: Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve on Oahu in Hawaii.
Siesta Beach Sarasota, Fla.
Siesta Beach is known for its perfect white sand, some of the finest in the world.
"Siesta Beach boasts that it has the finest, whitest sand in the world, which attracts sand collectors and beach lovers from all over," said Leatherman in a statement.
Kapalua Bay Beach, Maui, Hawaii
Kapalua Bay is anchored by two rocky headlands formed from lava and creating a perfect crescent of beach and a pristine bay.
Ocracoke Lifeguarded Beach, Outer Banks, N.C.
Ocracoke is home to Blackbeard, the famous pirate and has a wild feel but is still a hotspot for swimming and beach combing.
Grayton Beach State Park, Fla.
This beach likely makes the list for its stunning emerald waters abutting large sand dunes with tidal lakes and freshwater ponds adding to its allure.
Coopers Beach, Southampton, N.Y.
This beach offers some of the finest seaside access in the Hamptons and entices visitors with soft white sand, grass-covered dunes and extravagant mansions that line the shore.
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Coast Guard Beach, Cape Cod, Mass.
Picturesque and good for surfing. These are the attributes that drive visitors to she shores of Coast Guard Beach.
Caladesi Island State Park Dunedin/Clearwater, Fla.
Adventure enthusiasts are sure to love this beach with boardwalk trails through the mangroves, waterways ideal for kayaking and canoeing and exotic birds for birdwatchers.
Hapuna Beach State Park, Big Island, Hawaii
The only beach not on last year's list, it's not hard to see why it has been honored. The beach is located next to the Hapuna Beach Prince Hotel and offers a wide sandy beach with warm, turquoise waters.
Coronado Beach, San Diego, Calif.
Coronado is the only California beach on the list but represents the state's coastal culture well with sparkling sand and mild surf.
Beachwalker Park Kiawah Island, S.C.
This is another beach with tidal inlets that make it an explorer's paradise. Also, it's great for walking, cycling and birdwatching.
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