Whether it comes with a windswept rocky shore, a shell-strewn coast, or an expanse of finely grained powder-white sand, the beach is one of the most popular vacation destinations in the world. Beach getaways can range from packing the kids into the car for the day to luxuriating for two weeks on the Mediterranean, but no matter what, the goals are the same; sun, sand surf and relaxation.
Beach Vacation Destinations
A beach vacation means many things and favorite beach destinations are often determined by fond memories of childhood trips with the family. Depending on their locations, beaches can be year-round vacation destinations. Families can take a traditional summer vacation with the kids, singles can party on spring break, or couples can enjoy a romantic winter vacation or a second honeymoon.
These days, girlfriend beach getaways that include great shopping and dining are popular, as are beach venues for weddings, family reunions, and even corporate outings. However, no matter what the visitors’ reasons are for going to the beach, travel professionals who want theirs to be the top beach look to Dr. Beach for the answer.
About Dr. Beach and the Annual Top 10 Beaches List
Dr. Beach in real life is Dr. Stephen P. Leatherman, Professor and Director of the Laboratory for Coastal Research at Florida International University. As a coastal environmental scientist, Dr. Leatherman studies the dynamics of beaches and the coastline and has authored 16 books and over 200 professional journal articles and technical reports on a variety of topics including sea level changes and coastal erosion.
Dr. Leatherman researches beaches all over the country and has become an expert in identifying the top beaches for various events. Since 1991, with a sense of humor and a scientist’s eye, Dr. Beach has rated the 650 public access beaches in the United States based on 50 criteria on a scale of 1 to 5, and each year travel professionals around the country await the good doctor’s top 10 beaches list with great anticipation.
The year 2010 marks the 20th year for the Dr. Beach top 10 beaches list. Assessing everything from the quality of the sand and water to safety and environmental management, Dr. Beach carefully selects his list each year and over the years, travel professionals have based their marketing plans on where the top beaches are located. For visitors, the list is a great way to choose the top beach that meets their vacation needs.
Top Beach Destinations List for 2010 from Dr. Beach
- Coopers Beach in Southampton, New York
- Siesta Beach in Sarasota, Florida
- Coronado Beach in San Diego, California
- Cape Hatteras in the Outer Banks of North Carolina
- Main Beach in East Hampton, New York
- Kahanamoku Beach in Waikiki, Oahu, Hawaii
- Coast Guard Beach in Cape Cod, Massachusetts
- Beachwalker Park in Kiawah Island, South Carolina
- Hamoa Beach in Maui, Hawaii
- Cape Florida State Park in Key Biscayne, Florida
For more information about beaches and the Top 10 Beaches list see Dr. Beach, America’s Foremost Beach Expert.
Pamela Watson - I first hit the road at the tender age of three weeks when my career-Army dad packed up my mom and me and moved us from Indiana to New ...
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