Top 10 beaches of 2010

Dr. Beach is a gentleman who ranks beaches based on several critiria.  Each year he publishes his findings.  I found this list on Boston.com today.

Not all of these beaches are great spring break destinations, but they are definitely great locations for summer!

10. Cape Florida State Park –  

Dr. Beach says: “Cape Florida State Park, located at the south tip of Key Biscayne, provides clear, emerald-colored waters and gentle surf. This fine, white coral sand beach is great for swimming, as waves are knocked down by a large sand shoal offshore.”

9. Hamoa Beach – 

Maui, Hawaii

Dr. Beach says: “This pocket beach is rimmed by cliffs, covered by coconut palm trees and beautiful flowering vegetation. This crescent beach, which is a mixture of coral and lava sand, is the most famous of Maui’s Hana beaches.”

8. Beachwalker Park – 

Kiawah Island, S.C.

Dr. Beach says: “The water is not clear here, but it is clean and provides for fantastic seafood for low-country cooking.”

7. Coast Guard Beach – 

Cape Cod, Mass.

The Eastham treasure moved up two spots from last year’s rankings. Dr. Beach says: “Coast Guard Beach, accessible by bicycle or via shuttle bus from the Salt Pond Visitor’s Center, was formed where a sand spit attached to the eroding glacial cliffs. The sand is fairly coarse, so the beach slopes steeply into the water. The picturesque old Coast Guard station still sits atop the glacial bluffs, allowing for a spectacular view down upon the Nauset Spit barrier system and bay.”

6. Kahanamoku Beach – 

Waikiki, Oahu, Hawaii

Dr. Beach says: “A shallow offshore reef protects this beach from the big waves, making it a great swimming area for families with children.”

5. Main Beach – 

East Hampton, N.Y.

Dr. Beach says: “Main Beach provides the perfect blend of nature and built environment.”

4. Cape Hatteras – 

Outer Banks of North Carolina

Dr. Beach says: “Providing some of the best board surfing along the East Coast, as well as the most famous lighthouse in the United States, Cape Hatteras attracts beachgoers to its historic fishing villages. Nature lovers adore the excellent beachcombing and superb fishing.”

3. Coronado Beach – 

San Diego, Calif.

Dr. Beach says: “Coronado Beach is the toast of Southern California; it is a veritable oasis by the sea, measuring hundreds of yards wide. With its lush subtropical vegetation, unique Mediterranean climate, and fine sparkling sand, beach-goers flock to this beach for great ship watching and the summer’s warm and mild surf.”

2. Siesta Beach – 

Sarasota, Fla.

Dr. Beach says: “Siesta Beach has clear, warm waters that serve for ideal swimming. The beach is hundreds of yards wide in the shape of a crescent, due to anchoring of onshore rocks to the north and a unique underwater formation of coral rock and caves, providing for great snorkeling and scuba diving.”

1. Coopers Beach – 

Southampton, N.Y.

Dr. Beach says: “While the U.S. Northeast coast was pummeled by storms this past winter, Coopers Beach stood up well with no damage.”

So there is the list of the best beaches in the U.S. for summer travel.