Top Beaches in the United States: Dr. Beach's 2026 Rankings Revealed
The latest ranking of the top beaches in the United States has been released, with Florida's beaches once again taking the spotlight. Poipu Beach in Hawaii claimed the top spot for 2026, while St. Andrews State Park in Panama City, Caladesi Island State Park in Dunedin, and Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park also made the prestigious list. Dr. Beach, also known as Stephen Leatherman, a coastal scientist and professor at Florida International University, has been compiling this list for 36 years, evaluating beaches based on 50 different criteria.
The criteria used by Dr. Beach to assess beaches include factors such as sand quality, wave conditions, presence of lifeguards, wildlife, level of development, and crowd density. Beaches that prohibit smoking receive extra credit due to the importance of preventing littered cigarette butts. Hawaii boasts four beaches on this year's top 10 list, while New York, South Carolina, and Massachusetts each have one beach represented.
The complete list of Dr. Beach's top 10 beaches for 2026 includes Poipu Beach in Hawaii, St. Andrews State Park in Panama City, Caladesi Island State Park in Dunedin, Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park, and others. These beaches have been recognized for their pristine beauty, environmental conservation efforts, and overall visitor experience. Whether you're looking for a relaxing day by the ocean or an adventure-filled beach getaway, these top beaches offer something for everyone.