If you’ve visited Cooper’s Beach in Southampton on the eastern end of Long Island and concluded it’s the best beach around, you’re right. Because according to Dr. Beach, it’s the No. 1 beach in the US. The beach’s large sand dunes and pristine location put it over the top this year, according to Stephen Leatherman, a coastal scientist at Florida International University in Miami who’s gained the nickname Dr. Beach for his annual rankings. The beach, located in the swanky Hamptons, ranked No. 2 last year, behind Hawaii’s Duke Kahanamoku Beach on Oahu. “It’s a big, beautiful beach,” Leatherman told CNN in an interview. In fact, the only problem with Cooper’s Beach is the traffic that sun worshippers will likely encounter in the crowded Long Island enclave — and the high cost of parking at the beach. But Dr. Beach recommends taking a free shuttle from downtown Southampton. Leatherman, who has been evaluating beaches since 1991, has developed a 50-factor checklist for determining the most beautiful expanses of sand in the United States. Criteria include the presence of algae, the prevalence of rip tides and the cleanliness of the beach, plus air and water temperatures. As in years past, Hawaii, New York and Florida dominated the list. Hawaii snagged the next two spots on the 2025 list, with Wailea Beach on the island of Maui coming in second, and Kauai’s Poipu Beach ranking third. Kaunaoa on the island of Hawaii and Lanikai Beach on Oahu made the list farther down. Florida landed two spots on the list with the Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park in Naples at No. 4 and St. Andrews State Park in Panama City at No. 7. Leatherman points to the “white sand beaches and crystal-clear Gulf waters” at Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park. He’s also fond of the wildlife you can find there, including ospreys and manatees. Another perennial favorite that made the list again this year is Coast Guard Beach on Cape Cod in Massachusetts. In his write-up, Leatherman says, “The picturesque old Coast Guard station still sits atop the glacial bluffs, allowing for a spectacular view of the Nauset Spit barrier system and bay.” Don’t see your favorite beach on the list? Erosion, pollution or damage from hurricanes could be the reason why. For example, Coronado Beach in San Diego ranked No. 10 last year but didn’t make the list in 2025. Leatherman cited pollution in the nearby Tijuana River as the main factor. “It’s hosted kings and queens … but now Coronado is too polluted to go in the water,” he told CNN. California in fact didn’t land a single beach on the list this year. Other beaches didn’t make the cut because the water, while clean, isn’t clear, a quality that’s prized by beach aficionados. Such is the case for some of Georgia’s beaches. In fact, Leatherman seeks out beaches where the water is “aqua blue.” Meanwhile, cold water temps are to blame for some of Maine’s most beautiful beaches failing to break the top 10. “Water temperature is very important,” Leatherman said. Top 10 US beaches for 2025 1. Coopers Beach, Southampton, New York2. Wailea Beach, Maui, Hawaii3. Poipu Beach, Kauai, Hawaii4. Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park, Naples, Florida5. Main Beach, East Hampton, New York6. Beachwalker Park, Kiawah Island, South Carolina7. St. Andrews State Park, Panama City, Florida8. Kaunaoa, Big Island, Hawaii9. Lanikai Beach, Oahu, Hawaii10. Coast Guard Beach, Cape Cod, Massachusetts
The top 10 US beaches for 2025, according to ‘Dr. Beach’
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"Dr. Beach Unveils Top 10 U.S. Beaches for 2025"
CNN
7.4
TruthLens AI Summary
In the annual rankings by Stephen Leatherman, known as Dr. Beach, Cooper's Beach in Southampton, New York, has been named the best beach in the United States for 2025. This beach, located in the affluent Hamptons, is celebrated for its expansive sand dunes and stunning natural setting, which helped it rise from second place in the previous year. Dr. Beach emphasizes the beauty of this location but also notes the challenges visitors may face, such as heavy traffic and high parking fees. To mitigate these issues, he suggests utilizing the free shuttle service from downtown Southampton. Leatherman's evaluation process, which has been ongoing since 1991, involves a rigorous 50-factor checklist that assesses various aspects of beach quality, including cleanliness, water temperature, and the presence of hazards like algae and rip tides. This year, the list prominently features beaches from Hawaii, New York, and Florida, with Hawaii claiming the next two spots after Cooper's Beach, showcasing its stunning natural beauty and appeal.
Following Cooper's Beach, Wailea Beach in Maui and Poipu Beach in Kauai secured the second and third positions, respectively. Florida's Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park and St. Andrews State Park also made the list, highlighting the state's impressive coastal offerings. Notably, the rankings reflect environmental challenges faced by some beaches. For instance, Coronado Beach in San Diego, which ranked tenth last year, was omitted this year due to pollution issues stemming from the nearby Tijuana River. Leatherman pointed out that water clarity is a significant factor in his rankings, which explains why some beaches in California and Georgia did not make the cut. Cold water temperatures were cited as a drawback for some of Maine's beaches, further illustrating the varied criteria that influence the selection of the top beaches. The complete list of the top ten beaches includes iconic names and highlights the ongoing appeal of these coastal destinations for beach lovers across the country.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The article highlights the annual rankings of the top beaches in the United States, as compiled by Stephen Leatherman, known as Dr. Beach. This ranking not only serves as a guide for beachgoers but also reflects broader themes such as tourism, environmental awareness, and local economies.
Purpose of the Article
One primary intention behind the publication of this article is to promote tourism in specific locations. By ranking Cooper's Beach as the number one beach, the article aims to attract visitors to the East Coast, especially to the Hamptons, which can have significant economic implications for local businesses and tourism operators. The detailed description of each location also encourages readers to consider these beaches for their next vacation.
Public Perception
The article fosters an image of the United States as a country with diverse and beautiful beaches, which can enhance national pride and encourage outdoor activities. It promotes a positive perception of the featured beaches and indirectly encourages environmental stewardship by highlighting cleanliness and natural beauty as essential criteria.
Potential Concealments
While the article promotes these beaches, it may also downplay issues such as overcrowding, high costs, and environmental pressures that come with increased tourism. By focusing on the idyllic aspects, it avoids discussing the negative impacts that tourism can have on local communities and ecosystems.
Manipulative Aspects
The manipulation rate of this article could be considered moderate. It selectively emphasizes the positive attributes of the beaches, potentially glossing over challenges such as accessibility and environmental concerns. This selective reporting can shape public opinion in favor of tourism without addressing the possible downsides.
Trustworthiness of Information
The article appears to be reliable as it is based on a long-standing evaluation process by a recognized expert. However, the criteria used for ranking may not encompass all factors influencing beach quality, potentially leading to a skewed representation.
Community Targeting
This news targets a wide audience, including families, tourists, and beach enthusiasts. The focus on beautiful locations appeals particularly to those seeking leisure and recreational activities, and it may resonate more with affluent communities that can afford to travel to these high-ranking beaches.
Economic and Political Implications
The promotion of these beaches can boost local economies through increased tourism, which may influence local policies and infrastructure development. It can also shape broader economic trends related to travel and hospitality sectors.
Stock Market Impact
While the article does not directly influence stock markets, it can affect companies involved in tourism, hospitality, and related services. Increased interest in these beaches could lead to higher revenues for businesses in these sectors.
Geopolitical Relevance
The ranking of US beaches does not have significant geopolitical implications. However, it does reflect domestic priorities regarding tourism and environmental conservation, aligning with current discussions around sustainable travel.
Use of AI in Writing
It is possible that AI tools were employed in drafting this article to analyze trends, synthesize information, or optimize readability. However, the specific nuances and expert opinions suggest a human touch in the writing to maintain authenticity.
The overall analysis reveals that while the article serves to promote desirable tourist destinations, it also selectively presents information that could lead to an incomplete understanding of the impacts of tourism on these locations. The reliability of the information is supported by expert endorsement, yet the article may omit critical discussions around sustainability and community impacts.