Memorial Day weekend marked the (well, unofficial) start of summer, and along with it came the annual list of best beaches in America from Dr. Beach, a.k.a. Professor Stephen P. Leatherman of Florida International University. This year marks the 27th year for Dr. Beach’s list of beaches from sea to shining sea.
This annual survey covers some 650 U.S. beaches, based on 50 criteria including water temperature, cleanliness, sand quality, weather, facilities, whether the swimming beach is shared with fishers, boaters and water-skiers, and whether smoking is allowed.