Dr. Beach, a.k.a. Dr. Stephen P. Leatherman, has been researching beaches for the past 20 years, studying beach erosion and storm impacts. In 1989, he developed 50 criteria to rate each beach, and it took him two years to complete the survey of the 650 major public recreational beaches in the United States. His first "Best Beaches" list was released on Memorial Day weekend in 1991.
Since 1991, Dr. Leatherman has released the list of America's Best Beaches on Memorial Day weekend, marking the beginning of beach season. His ratings have become a regular feature of the morning TV shows as well as newspaper and magazine articles. You can also order his latest book, "America's Best Beaches."
2004 Best Beaches
1. Hanauma Bay, Oahu, HI - National Winner
2. Fort De Soto Park, FL
3. Ocracoke Island, NC
4. Caladesi Island State Park, FL
5. Main Beach, East Hampton, NY
6. Hanalei Bay, Kauai, HI
7. Crescent Beach, Siesta Key, FL
8. Coast Guard Beach, Cape Cod, MA
9. Cape Florida State Park, FL
10. Coronado Beach, CA
Previous National Winners, which are excluded from the survey, are:
• 2003 Kaanapali, Hawaii
• 2002 St. Joseph Peninsula State Park, Florida
• 2001 Poipu Beach Park, Hawaii
• 2000 Mauna Kea Beach, Hawaii
• 1999 Wailea Beach, Hawaii
• 1998 Kailua Beach Park, Hawaii
• 1997 Hulopoe, Hawaii
• 1996 Lanikai Beach, Hawaii
• 1995 St. Andrews SRA, Florida
• 1994 Grayton Beach SRA, Florida
• 1993 Hapuna, Hawaii
• 1992 Bahia Honda SRA, Florida
• 1991 Kapalua Bay Beach, Hawaii
© 2004 DrBeach.Org. All rights reserved.
