If you’re dreaming of perfect sand between your toes this summer, head to New York’s Coopers Beach. It was just crowned America’s best beach for 2025 by coastal scientist Stephen Leatherman, also known as Dr. Beach.
For over three decades, Leatherman has evaluated America’s shores. The Earth and environment department professor at Florida International University uses 50 different criteria in his rankings, examining everything from water clarity and sand quality to safety protocols and beach management.
Leatherman’s focus on environmental integrity makes the annual announcement a trusted resource for planning summer getaways.
Coopers Beach, located on Long Island’s south shore, offers wide stretches of sand, impressive dunes and a backdrop of extravagant mansions.
The beach’s no-smoking policy helped clinch its top ranking, although visitors should prepare for steep parking fees of $50 daily. Budget-conscious beachgoers can save by hopping on Hamptons Free Ride, which offers electric bubble cart service from village parking lots.
The 10 beaches that made Leatherman’s 2025 list are:
- Coopers Beach – Southampton, New York
- Wailea Beach – Maui, Hawaii
- Poipu Beach – Kauai, Hawaii
- Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park – Naples, Florida
- Main Beach – East Hampton, New York
- Beachwalker Park – Kiawah Island, South Carolina
- St. Andrews State Park – Panama City, Florida
- Kaunaoa – Big Island, Hawaii
- Lanikai Beach – Oahu, Hawaii
- Coast Guard Beach – Cape Cod, Massachusetts
Three beaches that previously made the cut fell off this year’s list due to environmental challenges. They are:
- Coronado Beach in Coronado, California
- Caladesi Island State Park in Dunedin, Florida
- Lighthouse Beach at Cape Hatteras National Seashore in Manteo, North Carolina
Coronado Beach faces ongoing contamination as Mexico’s failing wastewater infrastructure sends millions of gallons of untreated sewage through the Tijuana River into the Pacific Ocean.
“Coronado is one of my favorite beaches of all time, and this all seems so unreal. It’s very frustrating,” Leatherman says in a summary of his findings.
Hurricane Helene’s September 2024 assault damaged Caladesi Island State Park, which is still rebuilding.
Lighthouse Beach at Cape Hatteras National Seashore dropped from the rankings for a second consecutive year after coastal erosion exposed an old U.S. Navy submarine spy station that is leaking oily substances.
“I think Caladesi and Lighthouse Beach can come back fairly quickly, though it’s going to take some work,” Leatherman noted. “To solve the Coronado problem, it’s going to be expensive and a longer timeline.”
For more highly rated options, check out “The Top 10 Beaches in America, Ranked by Travelers.”
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