June 5, 2024, 4:43 am | Read time: 8 minutes

And the winner is… Duke Kahanamoku Beach in Hawaii! The western section of the world-famous Waikiki Beach on the Hawaiian island of Oahu not only climbs another spot but also reaches the top of this year’s ranking of the most beautiful beaches in the U.S. This honor was awarded to the beach named after Duke Paoa Kahanamoku, the “father of modern surfing,” thanks to an intricate evaluation system by the iconic university professor “Dr. Beach.” This pushes Hawaii not only to dethrone the state of Florida but also to completely remove its St. George Island State Park from the ranking. Other beaches, however, have simply swapped places or held their positions this year.

50 Criteria for Beach Selection

Dr. Stephen Leatherman, aka “Dr. Beach,” is considered the beach authority in the U.S. Even as a child, he was fascinated by sand and aspired to be a scientist. Today, he is a professor at Florida International University and, under the name “Dr. Beach,” is perhaps the toughest critic when it comes to U.S. beaches. He has written or edited 16 books and more than 200 articles. Since 1991, he has published the annual top ten list of the best beaches in the United States.

For his ranking, Dr. Beach developed his own evaluation system: He systematically categorized 50 different criteria and assigned them a point value from one to five. Geological and geographical factors play a role, such as weather conditions, material, and color of the sand. Additionally, the safety, cleanliness, and family-friendliness of the beach are assessed. Quiet beaches with smoking and pet bans score well accordingly.

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As in previous years, only a relatively few of the 22 U.S. coastal states are represented in the top ten of the most beautiful beaches in the U.S. While there were seven last year, in 2024, there are only six states: Hawaii, California, New York, Florida, South Carolina, and Massachusetts. As in 2023, the U.S. East Coast is again overrepresented in 2024: only four of the most beautiful beaches in the U.S. are on the West Coast, while six are on the East Coast. At the same time, Hawaii alone claims three of the most beautiful beaches in the U.S., including the winning beach.

The Most Beautiful Beaches in the U.S. at a Glance

1. Duke Kahanamoku Beach, Oahu, Hawaii

For several years, Hawaii’s Duke Kahanamoku Beach has been climbing higher on the list of the most beautiful beaches in the U.S. Now at number one, Dr. Beach praises the family-friendly beach, protected by an offshore coral reef at the western and less crowded end of Waikiki Beach, of which it is the widest part. Additionally, the Duke Kahanamoku Lagoon (pictured) is nearby, a popular spot for swimming and bathing. Furthermore, according to Dr. Beach, the beach on the Hawaiian island of Oahu is one of the “most picturesque beaches in the U.S. with the famous Diamond Head volcano in the distance.”

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2. Coopers Beach, Southampton, New York

Previously in third place, Coopers Beach in Southampton, New York, has climbed one spot this year. It is located on the south coast of Long Island, right next to the charming town of Southampton. With its wide sandy beach lined with sand dunes, it is particularly popular with many New Yorkers who have their extravagant beach villas here. On-site, you can rent umbrellas and chairs, and lifeguards are on duty during the swimming season.

3. Wailea Beach, Maui, Hawaii

This beach not only remains in the ranking of the most beautiful beaches in the U.S., but it has also climbed four spots: Wailea Beach on the Hawaiian island of Maui. According to the beach expert, the white coral sand beach is ideal for snorkeling as long as the sea is calm. Further back on the beach are chic hotels with a beautifully landscaped park.

4. Caladesi Island State Park, Dunedin/Clearwater, Florida

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Caladesi Island State Park holds steady at fourth place. The soft sandy beach in Dunedin/Clearwater, Florida, is located on the offshore island chain in the southeastern U.S. state and is a paradise for surfers. It is also suitable for swimmers who love clear water, as well as kayaking and canoeing.

5. Beachwalker Park, Kiawah Island, South Carolina

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Previously in eighth place, Beachwalker Park rises to fifth place this year in the ranking of the most beautiful beaches in the U.S. It is located at the southern end of Kiawah Island in South Carolina. According to Dr. Beach, this is a “coast for nature lovers.” Those who wish can bring their canoe or kayak and paddle through the tidal bay. Birdwatchers will also find plenty to enjoy here. The water at this beach is not clear, but it is clean.

6. Main Beach, East Hampton, New York

The first new beach in this year’s ranking (at least compared to last year) is Main Beach in East Hampton, New York. For Dr. Beach, this beach represents “the perfect blend of nature and built environment.” It is also an ideal spot for star-watching, as not only do wealthy summer residents flock here in droves during the summer months, but particularly actors and actresses are drawn to the wide sandy beach with its clear blue water.

7. Poipu Beach, Kauai, Hawaii

Hawaii’s Poipu Beach on Kauai is a familiar name from last year’s ranking and has since climbed two spots. It lands at seventh place in the top ten U.S. beaches for 2024. Located on the sunny, dry side of the island, the beach is essentially two in one, separated only by a narrow sand spit. According to Dr. Beach, Poipu Beach is suitable for children thanks to its small waves. Behind the beach, there are parking spaces, as well as snorkeling and surfboard rentals.

8. Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park, Naples, Florida

Another new beach in this year’s race for the most beautiful beaches in the U.S. is Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park in Naples, Florida. The offshore island beach offers, according to Dr. Beach, “beautiful white sandy beaches and crystal-clear Gulf waters” as well as shade-providing pines. Wildlife observations can also be undertaken here, and visitors can swim, snorkel, fish, and paddle. However, according to the beach tester, the park is still recovering from Hurricane Ian in 2022, so some areas remain closed to visitors.

9. Coast Guard Beach, Cape Cod, Massachusetts

Unlike last year, Coast Guard Beach on Cape Cod does not close this year’s list but climbs one spot to rank nine. According to Dr. Beach, the water here is so cool that it often only suffices for a quick dip. And although it is a picturesque beach, visitors must be particularly cautious: According to Dr. Beach, seals from the Monomoy Island Wildlife Refuge have moved north to the populated beaches, which in turn attracted great white sharks. “Pay attention to the red flags with shark images on days when these predators are nearby, and follow the advice of lifeguards,” advises the beach tester.

10. Coronado Beach, San Diego, California

Four spots down and thus at the end of the list is California’s Coronado Beach. It boasts a unique Mediterranean climate and fine sparkling sand and stands at the site of the town’s landmark, the Hotel del Coronado, built over a hundred years ago, where countless stars, royalty, and sheikhs have stayed.