Outer Banks makes Dr. Beach's 2023 top 10 list

With the official start of summer just around the corner, many are getting their vacation plans together.

The Outer Banks has long been a popular summer destination for Western Pennsylvania residents, and this year it made a spot on a special list.

Dr. Stephen P. Leatherman, more commonly known as Dr. Beach, ranked Lighthouse Beach of the Outer Banks as the fifth best beach in the U.S. in his annual top ten list.

“This lifeguarded beach is the number one surfing spot on the U.S. Atlantic Coast,” explained Leatherman. “It is fun to stroll down to the Cape Point where a long sand spit often exists, making one feel somewhat like Moses because the waves are coming from both directions as you walk along this narrow string of sand in the ocean.”

Lighthouse Beach wasn’t the only East Coast destination to be recognized by the geoscientist and coastal ecologist. Beaches in New York, Massachusetts, South Carolina and Florida also earned spots.

Here is a look Dr. Beach’s 2023 top ten beaches:

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In this Feb. 5, 2007, file photo, miles of empty beach and billions of sea shells await a lone beachcomber at St. George Island State Park near Apalachicola in the Florida Panhandle on Feb. 5, 2007.

1. St. George Island State Park, Florida Panhandle

Coming in as the No. 1 beach in America, Leatherman noted the extended nature to explore at this 1,962-acre destination. From birds to shells and crystal-clear water, St. George Island State Park has it all, he writes.

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Duke Kahanamoku Beach, located in the Honolulu tourist neighborhood of Waikiki, Hawaii, is pictured on May 21, 2014.

2. Duke Kahanamoku Beach, Hawaii

Deemed as “one of the most picturesque beaches in the U.S.” by Leatherman, Duke Kahanamoku is the “widest beach” on the world-famous stretch of sand in Hawaii, making it a good spot for families with children.

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Coopers Beach in Southampton, N.Y., is pictured on May 13, 2010.

3. Coopers Beach, Southampton, New York

Described as having “some of the best beach access in the Hamptons,” Coopers Beach landed the third spot on the list. Leatherman also noted that this destination was the first “Gold Coast” in the country.

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The main beach at Caladesi Island State Park, a barrier island along the Gulf of Mexico, on Florida’s West Coast in Dunedin, Fla., May 21, 2008. The main beach at Caladesi Island State Park, a barrier island along the Gulf of Mexico, on Florida’s West Coast in Dunedin, Fla., May 21, 2008.

4. Caladesi Island State Park, Dunedin/Clearwater, Florida

Although it is no longer considered a true island, Caladesi Island State Park is still described as a “great getaway” by Leatherman. In addition to the “sparkling clear waters,” this destination also offers walking and water trails to explore the area.

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In this Sept. 15, 2018, file photo, the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse sits way off the beach in Buxton, N.C.

5. Lighthouse Beach, Buxton, Outer Banks of North Carolina

This is the fourth consecutive year Lighthouse Beach has earned a spot on Leatherman’s top ten list, keeping the No. 5 ranking in 2020 and 2021 and dropping to No. 6 in 2022.

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A couple walks during the early morning on Coronado beach, Panama, Sunday, Oct. 16, 2022.

6. Coronado Beach, San Diego, California

Coronado Beach, or “the toast of Southern California,” per Leatherman, ranks No. 6 on the list because of the “subtropical vegetation, unique Mediterranean climate, and find sparkling sand.”

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The coast line of west Maui is shown near the resort town of Wailea, Feb. 5, 2006 in Wailea, Maui, Hawaii. Exclusive resorts and second home properties line the gold sand beaches of Wailea. Many of the people on the beach are tourists with few locals crowding the area. (AP Photo/Marco Garcia) The coast line of west Maui is shown near the resort town of Wailea, Feb. 5, 2006 in Wailea, Maui, Hawaii. Exclusive resorts and second home properties line the gold sand beaches of Wailea.

7. Wailea Beach, Maui, Hawaii

As a series of five pocket beaches in Maui, Wailea Beach came in at No. 7 on Leatherman’s list.

“The white coral sand beach gently slopes offshore and is great for snorkeling when the ocean is calm,” explained Leatherman. He also noted the presence of “tropical vegetation and flowering bushes and trees” at this destination.

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In this March 25, 2017, file photo, riders and owners prepare their horses before the start of the inaugural Kiawah Cup Island Beach Race at Beachwalker Park on Kiawah Island in South Carolina.

8. Beachwalker Park, Kiawah Island, South Carolina

Described as “a nature-lovers coast,” by Leatherman, Beachwalk Park on the Kiawah Island off South Carolina differs from others on this list. He added that the water is not crystal clear like others, and that visitors should take advantage of the nature by paddling through the inlets of the park.

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Poipu Beach and vacation resort hotels among the palm trees along the south shore.

9. Poipu Beach, Kauai, Hawaii

Leatherman noted this location as a “fun area for children to play,” due to the small waves that break on a sandbar found at Poipu Beach.

In addition to the sand bar, “you will find a large open area behind the beach as well as parking, snorkel rentals to explore the coral reef and surfboard rentals.”

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In this Sept. 16, 2015, file photo, beachgoers keep an eye on the seals swimming at Coast Guard Beach in North Eastham, Mass.

10. Coast Guard Beach, Cape Cod, Massachusetts

Although the water isn’t the warmest in Cape Cod, Leatherman explains the “spectacular views of the Nauset Spit barrier system and bay” at this “picturesque” location.