Each May, a coastal scientist with a knack for sun, sand and strict evaluation criteria drops the list that beach lovers wait for all year. Dr. Stephen Leatherman—a.k.a. Dr. Beach—has just named his top 10 U.S. beaches for 2025, and guess what? The Hamptons officially beat Hawaii.
RECOMMENDED: 11 secret beaches in the U.S. where you can soak up sun and solitude
Coopers Beach in Southampton, New York, took the top spot, edging out tropical heavyweights with its wide shores, soft sand and dreamy dunes. It’s not exactly a hidden gem (unless you count the free shuttle from downtown that skips the pricey parking), but it’s a stunner nonetheless.
Leatherman, who’s been ranking beaches since 1991, doesn’t rely on vibes alone. He grades each spot on 50 (!) factors, including sand quality, swimming safety, water clarity, noise levels and even the number of jellyfish. Beaches with clear aqua water, low pollution and plenty of space to stretch out rise to the top. Trash and rip currents? Automatic demotion.
This year’s list serves up a healthy dose of East Coast elegance, Gulf Coast chill and Hawaiian paradise. Wailea Beach on Maui and Poipu Beach on Kauai landed second and third, while Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park in Naples, Florida, impressed with its wildlife sightings (hello, manatees!) and Gulf shimmer.
Main Beach in East Hampton and Coast Guard Beach on Cape Cod reminded everyone that the Northeast can absolutely compete, at least when the sun’s out and the crowds are bearable.
Noticeably absent? California. Last year’s top 10 included Coronado Beach near San Diego, but it was knocked out due to water quality issues tied to the Tijuana River. Even royalty (Coronado has hosted actual kings and queens) can’t compete with pollution.
You can check out Dr. Beach's full 2025 rankings here:
- Coopers Beach, NY
- Wailea Beach, HI
- Poipu Beach, HI
- Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park, FL
- Main Beach, NY
- Beachwalker Park, SC
- St. Andrews State Park, FL
- Kaunaoa, HI
- Lanikai Beach, HI
- Coast Guard Beach, MA