Not Hawaii, The United States' Best Beach In 2025 Is In New York

Instead of the famous coast in Hawaii as one of the world's tourist destinations, this beach in NewIA is the best in the United States in 2025 according to "Dr. Beach".

Cooper Beach, located in Southampton, east tip of Long Island, New York, was selected as the best beach in Uncle Sam's country this year.

Stephen Leotherman, a coastal scientist at Florida International University, Miami who earned the nickname Dr. Beach for his annual ranking, explains that the large mound and beautiful location make Cooper Beach the best beach this year.

The beach, which is located in the magnificentaturation, last year was ranked No. 2, behind Duke Kahanamoku Beach in Oahu, Hawaii.

"It's a big and beautiful beach," Leatherman told CNN, as quoted July 3.

In fact, the only problem with Cooper Beach is the traffic that the sun champions will likely face in the dense Long Island enclave and high parking fees on the beach.

However, Dr. Beach recommends using a free shuttle from downtown Southampton.

Leotherman, which has been evaluating the coast since 1991, has developed a checklist of 50 factors to determine the most beautiful stretch of sand in the United States. The criteria include the presence of alga, tidal prevalence and beach cleanliness, plus air and water temperatures.

Like previous years, Hawaii, New York, and Florida dominated the list.

Hawaii occupies the next two places on the list of 2025, with Wailea Beach on Maui Island in second place, and Poipu Beach in Kauai in third. While Kaunaoa on the island of Hawaii and Lanikai Beach on Oahu is at the bottom.

Florida occupies two positions on the list, with Delnor-Wehmad Pass State Park in Naples in No. 4 and St. Andrews State Park in Panama City in No. 7.

Leotherman points to "white sandy beaches and crystallined Gulf waters" at Delnor-Wehmad Pass State Park. He also likes wild animals that you can find there, including eagles and manatees.

Another eternal favorite that is back on this year's list is Coast Guard Beach on Cape Cod in Massachusetts. In his writing, Leotherman said, "The beautiful old Coast Guard Station is still on the glacier cliffs, allowing spectacular views of the Nauset Spit barrier system and bays."

Not seeing your favorite beach on the list? Erosion, pollution, or storm damage could be the reason.

For example, Coronado Beach in San Diego was ranked 10th last year but was not included in the list in 2025. Leotherman calls pollution in nearbyrikslands a major factor.

"This beach once hosted kings and queens, but now Coronado is too polluted to get into the water," he told CNN.

California doesn't actually put a single beach on the list this year.

Other beaches are not on the list because the water, although clean, is not clear, is the quality favored by beach lovers. That's what happened to several beaches in Georgia. In fact, Leatherman is looking for beaches where the water is "blue aqua".

Meanwhile, the cold water temperature is the cause of some of the most beautiful beaches in Maine not being included in the top 10.

"The water temperature is very important," said Leotherman.