Once again, Florida has proven its status as a top destination for beach lovers, with three of its stunning shores making it into the Top 10 beaches in the United States, according to the 2026 annual ranking by Dr. Beach, released this past weekend just ahead of Memorial Day.
The selected beaches from Florida include St. Andrews State Park (ranked second), Caladesi Island State Park (ranked third), and Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park (ranked sixth).
Leading the list is Poipu Beach in Kauai, Hawaii, described by the ranking's author as "a family-friendly beach known for its golden coral sands and crystal-clear waters."
The ranking is compiled by Stephen Leatherman, a professor of Earth and Environment at Florida International University (FIU), who is fondly known as "Dr. Beach."
Leatherman has been publishing this list annually since 1991, typically before the Memorial Day weekend, which unofficially kicks off the beach season in the U.S. His evaluation method involves 50 criteria, including water quality, sand softness, wave action, safety, management, and environmental conditions.
Exploring Florida's Top Beaches
St. Andrews State Park, located in Panama City Beach in northwestern Florida, offers ferry access to Shell Island, along with natural trails, kayaking, snorkeling, and camping areas.
Caladesi Island State Park, situated near Dunedin and Clearwater, has returned to the ranking after being removed the previous year due to damage from Hurricane Helene in 2024. Most restoration work is complete, and the beach has reopened to the public, though there are still some limitations: marina access is restricted to ten boats, there is no electricity available, and no overnight accommodations are provided.
Located in Naples, in the southwestern part of the state, Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park is renowned for its quartz white sands, the clear waters of the Gulf of Mexico, and its role as a habitat for sea turtles. This park also endured damage from Hurricanes Helene and Milton in 2024 but reopened in early 2025 following recovery efforts.
National Competition and Notable Omissions
The Top 10 for 2026 also features four beaches from Hawaii, one from New York, one from South Carolina, and one from Massachusetts. Historically, Hawaii and Florida have been the most represented states in this ranking, annually competing for the most beaches on the list.
Additionally, the ranking highlights some notable absences. Coronado Beach in San Diego was excluded for the second consecutive year due to sewage contamination from the Tijuana River in Mexico. Meanwhile, Lighthouse Beach in Cape Hatteras, North Carolina, remains off the list because coastal erosion has exposed remains of an old U.S. Navy spy station along with oily substance residues.
Florida's Consistent Beach Rankings
Florida's strong performance in national beach rankings isn't limited to Dr. Beach's list. In February, Tripadvisor's Travelers' Choice Best of the Best ranking, based on millions of verified reviews, placed four Florida beaches in the national Top 10 — Clearwater Beach, Siesta Beach, St. Andrews State Park, and Honeymoon Island State Park — tying Hawaii for the most beaches in that list.
In Dr. Beach's 2024 ranking, Florida also had three beaches in the nation's top ten, reaffirming the state's coastal excellence with the 2026 results.
Frequently Asked Questions about Dr. Beach's 2026 Beach Rankings
Who is Dr. Beach?
Dr. Beach is Stephen Leatherman, a professor at Florida International University known for his annual ranking of the best beaches in the United States.
What criteria are used in Dr. Beach's rankings?
The rankings are based on 50 criteria, including water quality, sand softness, wave action, safety, management, and environmental conditions.
Which Florida beaches made the 2026 Top 10 list?
The Florida beaches in the 2026 Top 10 list are St. Andrews State Park, Caladesi Island State Park, and Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park.