Hanalei Bay takes the number one spot in the 19th annual Top 10 Beaches list from Dr. Beach aka Dr. Stephen P. Leatherman, Director of Florida International University’s Laboratory for Coastal Research.

Here’s Dr. Beach’s full list of the top 10 U.S. beaches for 2009 -

1. Hanalei Bay - Kauai, Hawaii
2. Siesta Beach - Sarasota, Florida
3. Coopers Beach - Southampton, New York
4. Coronado Beach - San Diego, California
5. Hamoa Beach - Maui, Hawaii
6. Main Beach - East Hampton, New York
7. Cape Hatteras - Outer Banks of North Carolina
8. Cape Florida State Park - Key Biscayne, Florida
9. Coast Guard Beach - Cape Cod, Massachusetts
10. Beachwalker Park - Kiawah Island, South Carolina

In a press statement, Dr. Leatherman said that “Hanalei Bay on the garden island of Kauai is my favorite getaway beach in Hawaii. The clear emerald waters are perfect for swimming during the tranquil summer months, but only swim at the lifeguarded areas when the surf picks up during the wintertime as powerful rip currents are sometimes present. The laid-back little village of Hanalei is a good place for refreshments and casual dining, but accommodations are scarce so plan ahead.”

You can read more about the history and methodology of the top 10 US beaches listings and Dr. Beach’s background here - http://drbeach.org/; Photo by B Mully via flickr (creative commons).

Related Links:-
Dr. Beach Lists America’s Best Beaches 2008
Got Beach? Where’s your Rank?

Posted on May 22nd, 2009 by PLing
Filed under: Travel News