A college professor known as “Dr. Beach” has released his list of the top beaches in the nation, and Florida has seven of the top 20.
Poipu Beach Park on the Hawaiian island of Kauai ranks No. 1 in the annual survey of America's best beaches, according to the 11th annual list compiled by Stephen Leatherman of Florida International University in Miami.
Poipu, renown for its golden coral sand, crystal-clear blue water and pulsating surf, is one of six Hawaiian beaches to rank in the top 20, according to an Associated Press report.
"Hawaii is America's paradise. It's where the mountains meet the sea," said Leatherman, a coastal geologist.
Florida scored seven beaches in the top 20, sharing one with Alabama, while the rest of the best are found in North Carolina, New York, California, New Jersey and Massachusetts.
St. Joseph Peninsula State Park along Florida's Panhandle southwest of Tallahassee was second in this year’s survey. Leatherman said the combination of its pure quartz crystal sand, emerald green water and availability of small cottages helps make it a memorable outing.
Here are the nation's best beaches for 2001, according to Leatherman:
1. Poipu Beach Park on the Hawaiian island of Kauai.
2. St. Joseph Peninsula State Park, Florida.
3. Kaanapali Beach, Hawaii.
4. Hanalei Beach, Hawaii.
5. Caladesi Island State Park, Florida.
6. Fort DeSoto Park, Florida.
7. Hamoa Beach, Hawaii.
8. Ocracoke Island, North Carolina.
9. Cape Florida, Florida.
10. East Hampton Beach, New York's Long Island.
11. Westhampton Beach, New York's Long Island.
12. Makena State Park, Hawaii.
13. Siesta Beach, Florida.
14. Coast Guard Beach, Cape Cod, Massachusetts.
15. Hanauma Bay, Hawaii.
16. St. George Island State Park, Florida.
17. Perdido Key, Florida and Alabama.
18. Cape Hatteras, North Carolina.
19. Carpinteria City Beach, California.
20. Long Beach Island, New Jersey.
For more information on Dr. Beach, check out www.topbeaches.com.
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