Florida beaches consistently rank in the Top 10. This year the Sunshine State captured two places in the list of 10 — Siesta Beach in Sarasota and Cape Florida State Park in Key Biscayne. Both beaches have consistently garnered spots on Dr. Beach's coveted list.
Siesta Beach
Second only to first-placed winner Hanalei Bay in Hawaii, is Siesta Beach. Siesta Beach on Siesta Key in Sarasota is a public beach located at the south end of Beach Road. The sand is made up of white, fine-grained and mostly quartz crystals, the green waters of the Gulf invite a swim and plenty of people-pleasing amenities make you comfortable. You can't ask for too much more.Siesta Key Beach is open from 6:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. daily. Parking is free.
Cape Florida State Park
A little over a mile of wide, sandy beach front offers visitors exceptional Atlantic swimming year-round. Shoreline fishing from the seawall located along Biscayne Bay along with guided tours of the Lighthouse and Cultural Complex offer visitors a variety of activities. Covered pavilions provide shaded picnicking and overnight boat mooring is available based on availability. Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park is located on Key Biscayne in Southeast Florida near Miami. Hours of operation are year round 8 a.m. to sundown. Pets are restricted from many areas. Saltwater fishing licenses are required in Florida. Admission is $5.00 per vehicle (up to 8 occupants), single-occupant vehicle, $3.00 and walk-ins $1.00. For further information call 305-361-5811.Top 10 Beaches 2009
- Hanalei Bay, Kauai, Hawaii
- Siesta Beach, Sarasota, Florida
- Coopers Beach, Southampton, New York
- Coronado Beach, San Diego, California
- Hamoa Beach, Maui, Hawaii
- Main Beach, East Hampton, New York
- Cape Hatteras, Outer Banks, North Carolina
- Cape Florida State Park, Key Biscayne, Florida
- Coast Guard Beach, Cape Cod, Massachusetts
- Beachwalker Park, Kiawah Island, South Carolina
Dr. Beach
The way Dr. Leatherman began rating the nation's beaches and how he became affectionately named "Dr. Beach" is an interesting story that had its beginning in childhood. What is especially interesting is that in a few short years, he has turned his passion into a legend, and he has become practically an icon.Dr. Leatherman has been a coastal scientist with 30 years of international experience studying storm impacts, erosion and way to improve beach health. He is Florida International University's director of the International Hurricane Research Center and the Laboratory for Coastal Research. The center is also home to the National Healthy Beaches Campaign founded by Leatherman.
