Dr. Beach's Top 10 U.S. Beaches for 2021

As summer kicks off, many in the U.S. are eager to travel again after a year of pandemic disruptions. People are packing their bags to fly or drive across the country and enjoy the sun after the travel chaos of 2020.

With more people vaccinated and fewer travel restrictions in place, the dream of a beach vacation is finally within reach this summer.

If you're aiming to visit the best beach in the U.S., look no further than Hawai'i. Dr. Stephen Leatherman, known as Dr. Beach, ranks it as the top destination for 2021.

The stunning Hapuna Beach State Park in Hawai'i takes the No. 1 spot on Dr. Beach's list of the best U.S. beaches for 2021.

Dr. Stephen Leatherman is a professor and the director of the Laboratory for Coastal Research at Florida International University. He has been evaluating beaches across the U.S. since 1991.

His evaluation process involves 50 criteria, including sand quality, water temperature, sunshine hours, and wave size. Although he has visited beaches nationwide, during the pandemic, Leatherman relied on his network of beach contacts for real-time updates on beach conditions.

Soft white sands, crystal-clear waters, and a green, eco-friendly approach.

Hapuna Beach, one of Hawai'i's largest stretches of white sand, is a prime example of paradise, according to the Hawaii Tourism Authority.

“We’re thrilled that Hāpuna Beach on Hawai’i Island has been honored on Dr. Beach’s prestigious list of the best beaches for 2021. It's beloved by both locals and visitors,” said Ross Birch, executive director of the Island of Hawai’i Visitors Bureau, to Dinogo.

Hawai’i has implemented a ban on sunscreens containing oxybenzone and octinoxate to protect marine life, according to Ross Birch. He encourages everyone to use reef-safe, mineral-based sunscreens to help preserve the health of the ocean and its ecosystems.

Leatherman shared with Dinogo that Hapuna Beach earned extra credit for Hawaii's smoking ban at its beaches and the excellent safety record of its lifeguards.

“I have to give credit to the states that take the right steps,” Leatherman remarked.

Last year's top beach was Grayton Beach State Park in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida. However, Hawaii often claims the top spots on Leatherman’s list, with Kailua Beach Park on Oahu and Kapalua Bay Beach on Maui earning top honors in 2019 and 2018, respectively.

This year’s Top 10 list also includes beaches from New York, North Carolina, Florida, California, South Carolina, and Massachusetts, alongside Hawaii.