Hawaii, Florida, and New York dominate this year’s top 10 list.
Cooper’s Beach in Southampton, New York, has been crowned the best beach in the United States for 2025 by “Dr. Beach,” the nickname of coastal scientist Stephen Leatherman. Known for its sweeping sand dunes and immaculate shoreline, Cooper’s Beach edged out competition from Hawaii and Florida to claim the top spot.
Leatherman, who has been ranking American beaches since 1991, uses a comprehensive 50-factor checklist to evaluate beaches. His criteria include sand softness, water cleanliness, wildlife presence, average temperatures, and even the visual appeal of the surrounding landscape.
“It’s a big, beautiful beach,” said Leatherman in an interview. Cooper’s Beach moved up from the No. 2 spot last year, replacing Hawaii’s Duke Kahanamoku Beach, which fell off the list for 2025.
While Cooper’s Beach offers stunning scenery, it’s not without its drawbacks. Visitors often contend with dense traffic in the Hamptons and steep parking fees. Leatherman recommends using the complimentary shuttle from downtown Southampton to avoid the hassle.
Hawaii and Florida Shine Again
Hawaii continues to be a major player in Dr. Beach’s rankings, claiming four of the top ten spots this year. Wailea Beach on Maui landed at No. 2, praised for its tropical vegetation and blooming flowers. Poipu Beach in Kauai took third, noted for its iconic crescent shape and family-friendly swimming.
Other Hawaiian beaches on the list include Kaunaoa on the Big Island (No. 8), described by Leatherman as a “hidden jewel,” and Oahu’s Lanikai Beach (No. 9), admired for its tranquil waters and postcard-perfect scenery.
Florida also placed twice, with Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park in Naples at No. 4, thanks to its white sands and clear Gulf waters, and St. Andrews State Park in Panama City coming in seventh. Both beaches are also recognized for their diverse wildlife, from manatees to ospreys.
New York’s Strong Showing
Long Island’s Atlantic coast received major recognition, with Main Beach in East Hampton ranking fifth. Together with top-ranked Cooper’s Beach, New York placed two beaches in the top five — a notable achievement typically reserved for more tropical locales.
Other Highlights
Beachwalker Park on South Carolina’s Kiawah Island secured the sixth spot, the only representative from the Palmetto State. Rounding out the list is Massachusetts’ Coast Guard Beach on Cape Cod, ranked tenth for its scenic beauty and historic charm. Perched atop a bluff, the former Coast Guard station offers sweeping views of the Nauset Spit and surrounding bay.
Why Some Beaches Didn’t Make the Cut
This year’s list saw notable absences, including California, which failed to land a single beach in the top 10. Coronado Beach in San Diego, which ranked tenth last year, was removed due to water pollution tied to runoff from the Tijuana River.
Leatherman emphasizes that clear, clean, and warm water remains a key requirement in his rankings — something that ruled out several otherwise beautiful beaches in Georgia and Maine. “Water temperature is very important,” he explained, adding that he prefers “aqua blue” waters for ideal conditions.
As for 2025, Dr. Beach’s top 10 selections reflect not just natural beauty, but a meticulous scientific evaluation of the coastal experience.
Top 10 U.S. Beaches for 2025:
- Cooper’s Beach – Southampton, New York
- Wailea Beach – Maui, Hawaii
- Poipu Beach – Kauai, Hawaii
- Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park – Naples, Florida
- Main Beach – East Hampton, New York
- Beachwalker Park – Kiawah Island, South Carolina
- St. Andrews State Park – Panama City, Florida
- Kaunaoa – Big Island, Hawaii
- Lanikai Beach – Oahu, Hawaii
- Coast Guard Beach – Cape Cod, Massachusetts