As Americans gear up for summer, coastal expert Dr. Stephen P. Leatherman—affectionately “Dr. Beach”—has once again released his annual rankings of the nation’s best shorelines. Using a rigorous fifty-point checklist covering sand quality, water safety, facilities, and environmental management, his 2025 list crowns Cooper’s Beach in Southampton, NY as the country’s finest, with Florida’s own Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park in Naples earning an impressive fourth spot. Here’s an in-depth look at this year’s winners, the science behind the rankings, what makes Delnor-Wiggins special, and what you need to know before you go.
Who Is “Dr. Beach” and What Makes His Rankings Tick?
For over three decades, Dr. Beach—a professor and director of the Laboratory for Coastal Research at Florida International University—has visited, measured, and evaluated beaches worldwide. His fifty-factor rubric emphasizes bathing safety (rip-current hazards, water clarity), sand properties (grain size, color), amenities (restrooms, lifeguards, handicap access), and environmental health (dune preservation, erosion control). Beyond his annual Top 10 list, Dr. Beach champions rip-current awareness programs and smoke-free beach policies, underscoring that beach enjoyment must go hand-in-hand with visitor safety and ecological stewardship.
The 2025 Top 10 Beaches in America
- Cooper’s Beach, Southampton, NY
- Wailea Beach, Maui, HI
- Poipu Beach, Kauai, HI
- Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park, Naples, FL
- Main Beach, East Hampton, NY
- Beachwalker Park, Kiawah Island, SC
- St. Andrews State Park, Panama City, FL
- Kaunaoa Beach, Island of Hawai‘i, HI
- Lanikai Beach, Oahu, HI
- Coast Guard Beach, Cape Cod, MA
Spotlight on Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park (No. 4)
Nestled between Naples and Vanderbilt Beach, Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park covers 250 acres of undeveloped barrier island, accessible only by a short boardwalk and seasonal shuttle. Its crystal-clear Gulf waters and wide swaths of fine, quartz sand make it a haven for swimming, snorkeling, and shell-collecting, while nearby mangrove estuaries teem with birdlife and juvenile fish. Recent upgrades include expanded picnic pavilions, ADA-compliant pathways, and an environmental-education kiosk—enhancements that boost both visitor comfort and habitat protection.
Why It Ranks High:
- Water Quality & Safety: Lifeguarded zones, minimal rip currents, and regular water-sampling tests.
- Sand & Scenery: Soft, white sand backed by dunes and native vegetation, offering a natural buffer against erosion.
- Facilities & Access: Clean restrooms, ample parking, and a seasonal trolley to reduce road congestion.
Trends and Takeaways Beyond the Sand
- Environmental Resilience: Many top beaches, including Delnor-Wiggins, employ dune-restoration projects and native plantings to combat sea-level rise and storm erosion—an aspect now factored heavily in Leatherman’s scoring.
- Health & Safety Emphasis: Clear signage about rip currents, readily available life jackets for rent, and no-smoking zones reflect a shift toward proactive visitor protection.
- Community Partnerships: Local “Adopt-A-Beach” programs and university research collaborations ensure ongoing monitoring and clean-up efforts, highlighting how public-private cooperation underpins beach excellence.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When is the best time to visit Delnor-Wiggins Pass?
A: Mid-April through early June or September–October balances mild weather, lower crowds, and warm Gulf waters.
Q: Do I need a reservation to enter?
A: No reservation is required, but parking fills quickly on summer weekends; consider arriving early or taking the seasonal beach trolley.
Q: What amenities are available?
A: Restrooms, outdoor showers, picnic pavilions, lifeguards (seasonal), and a shaded shuttle stop.
Q: Are pets allowed?
A: No—Delnor-Wiggins is a protected wildlife habitat; service animals only with proper documentation.
Q: Is the beach family-friendly?
A: Absolutely—gentle slopes into the water and clear visibility make it ideal for young children and novice snorkelers.
Q: How does Dr. Beach measure water safety?
A: Through on-site rip-current mapping, municipal water-quality data, and beach-safety training programs.
Q: Can I camp on Delnor-Wiggins Pass?
A: No—day-use only. Nearby state parks offer camping facilities for multi-day beach adventures.
Q: What’s the nearest airport?
A: Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) in Fort Myers, about a 45-minute drive north; Naples Airport (APF) offers limited regional service.
Q: Are there guided tours?
A: Yes—eco-kayak and bird-watching tours launch from nearby Naples harbors; bookings recommended in advance.
Q: How can I support beach conservation?
A: Participate in local clean-ups, donate to park-foundation partners, and practice “Leave No Trace” ethics on every visit.
Sources Naples Daily News
