Whether they're at a posh resort or a condo or camping out, families love their beach vacations. And every year, around Memorial Day, they get a list of top-notch sandy shores, courtesy of "Dr. Beach" aka Dr. Stephen Leatherman.
In the world of beaches, being picked for Dr. Leatherman's "America's Best Beaches List" is like getting an Oscar, with a flurry of publicity. Check Dr. Beach's interesting web site for the many criteria by which he "diagnoses" a shore.
Dr. Beach himself is a scientist who for over 20 years has studied shore erosion and storm impacts. He's also a scientist who'll pose on the sand with stethoscope, medical bag, and conch shell. Gotta be a good guy.
And a guy who seriously loves beaches:
- "Nothing restores the body and soul like a stay at the beach. We are naturally drawn to the rhythmic pounding of the waves as if returning to our primordial beginnings. -- Dr.Beach.Org
On the next pages, you'll find Dr. Beach's picks for 2009, plus some tips about these top beach vacation spots, from the pov of family visitors.
One thing to keep in mind: the Number one beaches from past years are excluded from future rankings.
- continue to Top Beach 2009: Hanalei Bay, Kauai
*photo courtesy of North Carolina Tourism
