Poipu Beach on the Hawaiian island of Kauai has been named the best beach in the United States for 2026 by coastal scientist Stephen P. Leatherman, widely known as “Dr. Beach.” The annual ranking once again highlighted Hawaii and Florida as America’s leading beach destinations, with warm-water beaches dominating the top 10 list.
Leatherman, a professor and coastal expert who has produced the influential rankings since 1991, evaluates around 650 public recreational beaches across the US using 50 criteria. These include sand softness, water clarity, safety, cleanliness, wave conditions, environmental management and scenic beauty. Smoking restrictions, accessibility and beach maintenance are also considered in the final scores.
Poipu Beach earned the top position thanks to its calm swimming conditions, golden sand and family-friendly environment. Located on Kauai’s sunny south shore, the beach is famous for its crescent-shaped shoreline and a narrow sandbar that naturally divides the area into calmer and more active swimming sections. The offshore tombolo formation also helps reduce strong surf, creating safer conditions for families and children.
Leatherman has long favored what he calls “swimming beaches,” where warm water encourages visitors to enter the sea rather than simply admire the scenery. That preference often benefits Hawaii and Florida beaches, while colder destinations in northern California, Oregon and Washington struggle to rank highly despite their dramatic coastlines.
Poipu Beach is also known for its wildlife. Hawaiian monk seals and green sea turtles are regularly seen resting on the sand, while snorkelers often spot tropical fish near the reef areas. Lifeguards, showers, picnic facilities and nearby walking paths have helped make the beach especially popular with families and international visitors.
Florida secured several positions in the 2026 ranking. St. Andrews State Park in Panama City placed second, while Caladesi Island State Park near Clearwater and Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park in Naples also appeared in the top 10. Leatherman praised Florida’s Gulf Coast beaches for their soft white sand, warm water and broad shorelines.
Main Beach in East Hampton, New York, was the only Northeastern beach to reach the top five. Leatherman described it as having a peaceful village atmosphere backed by large dunes and attractive natural scenery. Coast Guard Beach on Cape Cod, Massachusetts, also made the list, known for its protected environment and growing seal population.
Some beaches were notably absent from the ranking due to environmental concerns. Coronado Beach in San Diego was excluded again because of pollution linked to sewage flowing from the Tijuana River into coastal waters. Officials in San Diego County have repeatedly issued water quality advisories related to bacteria contamination.
Other beaches removed from consideration included Lighthouse Beach in North Carolina’s Outer Banks because of severe erosion and Cape Florida State Park in Miami due to large amounts of sargassum seaweed washing ashore.
Leatherman also rotates beaches out of the top rankings periodically to allow other destinations to gain recognition. Last year’s top-ranked beach, Coopers Beach in Southampton, New York, no longer holds the number one spot but remains one of the country’s highest-rated beaches.
The ranking arrives as beach tourism continues to grow across the United States. Travel industry analysts say warm-weather coastal destinations remain among the strongest-performing leisure travel sectors, particularly in Hawaii and Florida where international and domestic demand has remained high.
Top 10 US Beaches for 2026:
1. Poipu Beach, Kauai, Hawaii
2. St. Andrews State Park, Panama City, Florida
3. Caladesi Island State Park, Florida
4. Wailea Beach, Maui, Hawaii
5. Main Beach, East Hampton, New York
6. Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park, Naples, Florida
7. Beachwalker Park, Kiawah Island, South Carolina
8. Kaunaoa Beach, Big Island, Hawaii
9. Lanikai Beach, Oahu, Hawaii
10. Coast Guard Beach, Cape Cod, Massachusetts
Leatherman said he has personally visited every major public recreational beach included in his research, helping make the annual ranking one of the most closely watched beach lists in the US travel industry.
Top Poipu Beach Photo Credit: Claudine Van Massenhove / Shutterstock.com
