“Dr. Beach” has released his list of the best beaches in the country — and it turns out that one beach in particular reigns supreme in the Sunshine State.
While better known by his nickname, “Dr. Beach” is actually Dr. Stephen Leatherman, a professor at the Laboratory for Coastal Research at Florida International University.
According to the report, he’s been evaluating and rating beaches around the world for over three decades, using 50 different criteria to figure out the best of the best.
This year, one of the top-ranked picks can be found in South Florida: Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park in Naples at No. 4.
“This barrier island beach boasts of beautiful white sand beaches and crystal-clear Gulf waters. Activities include swimming, snorkeling, paddleboarding, shelling, and fishing. Wildlife in the park includes bald eagles, ospreys, and manatees. Pine trees provide welcome shade.”
Dr. Beach, "2025 Top Ten Beaches"
According to park officials, this state park was first recorded in the late 1800s thanks to Joe Wiggins, the first homesteader and the namesake of the pass.
Wiggins reportedly ran an apiary and trading post, which is where he traded goods with Seminole tribesmen and settlers alike.
In 1970, Florida purchased the land from the county, and it officially opened as a state park roughly six years later.
But that’s not the only Florida beach to make the list.
At No. 7 is another Gulf Coast beach up in the panhandle: St. Andrews State Park in Panama City.
“St. Andrews is just east of Panama City Beach which features high-rise hotels and many built attractions like putt-putt golf courses. An inlet separates a short section of St. Andrews from the main part of the park which is only accessed by boat both ferry and private.
This strikingly white sandy beach is great for shelling and bird watching. Swimming and snorkeling are popular in both the Gulf of America and St. Andrews Bay on the other side."
Dr. Beach, "2025 Top Ten Beaches"
Meanwhile, the rest of Dr. Beach’s ranking is as follows.
| Rank | Beach | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Coopers Beach | Southampton, NY |
| 2 | Wailea Beach | Maui, HI |
| 3 | Poipu Beach | Kauai, HI |
| 4 | Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park | Naples, FL |
| 5 | Main Beach | East Hampton, NY |
| 6 | Beachwalker Park | Kiawah Island, SC |
| 7 | St. Andrews State Park | Panama City, FL |
| 8 | Kaunaoa | Big Island, HI |
| 9 | Lanikai Beach | Oahu, HI |
| 10 | Coast Guard Beach | Cape Cod, MA |
[VIDEO BELOW: How Floridians beat the heat at the beach]