You’ve seen lots of list for the year’s best airports. But here’s a list of the world’s best beaches – according to beach expert and coastal expert Dr. Stephen Leatherman, a professor at Florida International University.

#1: Kailua Beach Park, Oahu, Hawaii

Leatherman’s top pick this year is this “windward” shore beach.

“Because of the steady onshore winds and shallow waters, Kailua is a great place to learn to windsurf.  The beach gradually slopes offshore, and there are generally no hazardous water conditions—and lifeguards are on duty. 

#2: Ocracoke Lifeguarded Beach, Outer Banks of North Carolina

Ocracoke, once the home of Blackbeard the pirate, is still a special place—and is #2 on Leatherman’s list this yerar.  

“Here you will find some of the wildest beaches in the country.  Big surf dominates in late summer so families with children may want to come earlier in the year.?

#3: Grayton Beach State Park, Florida panhandle

“This beach boasts of its sugar-white sand and emerald green water where development has been restrained so big sand dunes still dominate the landscape,” says Leatherman, “At the same time, all the amenities of great restaurants and accommodations are close by in the old town of Grayton Beach or Seaside. 

Here are the rest of this year’s Best Beaches:

# 4: Coopers Beach, Southampton, New York

#5: Duke Kahanamoku Beach, Oahu, Hawaii

#6: Coast Guard Beach, Cape Cod, Massachusetts

#7: Caladesi Island State Park, Dunedin/Clearwater, Florida

#8: Hapuna Beach, Big Island, Hawaii

#9: Coronado Beach, San Diego, California

#10: Beachwalker Park, Kiawah Island, South Carolina

Have a favorite beach of your own to suggest? Please share it here.

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