Top 10 beaches in the country

J. Amanda Ferry, Boston.com, 06/13/03

		Dr. Leatherman named Kaanapali beach the best in the country this year. (Globe file photo)  Mass. beaches  Maine beaches  N.H. beaches  Conn. beaches  R.I. beaches

Dr. Stephen P. Leatherman, known to beach aficionados around the world as "Dr. Beach," releases a list of the top ten beaches in the country each year. The list, based on 50 different criteria, excludes previous winners of the award.

1. Kaanapali, Hawaii-the National Winner
2. Fort DeSoto Park, Florida
3. Ocracoke Island, North Carolina
4. Hanalei Bay, Hawaii
5. Caladesi Island State Park, Florida
6. Main Beach, East Hampton, New York
7. Makalawena Beach, Hawaii
8. Hanauma Bay, Hawaii
9. Cape Florida State Recreational Area, Florida
10. Cape Hatteras, North Carolina

• 2002 St. Joseph Peninsula State Park, Florida
• 2001 Poipu Beach Park, Hawaii
• 2000 Mauna Kea Beach, Hawaii
• 1999 Wailea Beach, Hawaii
• 1998 Kailua Beach Park, Hawaii
• 1997 Hulopoe, Hawaii
• 1996 Lanikai Beach, Hawaii
• 1995 St. Andrews SRA, Florida
• 1994 Grayton Beach SRA, Florida
• 1993 Hapuna, Hawaii
• 1992 Bahia Honda SRA, Florida
• 1991 Kapalua Bay Beach, Hawaii

You can find more information at DrBeach.org. Dr. Leatherman, a professor and director of coastal research at the Florida International University, has been offering his list every year since 1991. He's also written a book, America's Best Beaches, that details beaches across the country.