"Dr. Beach," also known as Stephen Leatherman, is director of Florida International University's Laboratory for Coastal Research. He uses 50 criteria in selecting the best beaches — including water and sand quality, facilities and environmental management — and his picks always attract nationwide notice. (We think he has an East Coast bias, but at least one California beach always shows up on the list.)

No. 1: Caladesi Island State Park in Clearwater/Dunedin, Fla.

Dr. Beach describes Caladesi Island State Park as a "well-kept secret. Surrounded by a lush state park, few people in Tampa seem to know its whereabouts." In picking this as the No. 1 beach, he cites its "powder white sand, warm, crystal-clear water and beautiful nature."

Fyi, last year's No. 1 beach was Ocracoke Lifeguard Beach-Outer Banks, N.C.
(Craig Litten / Associated Press)

No. 2: Hanalei Beach, Kauai, Hawaii

Last year's No. 2 beach was Caladesi Island State Park, Clearwater/Dunedin, Fla., which moved up to the top spot this year.
(Starwood Resorts)

No. 3: Siesta Beach, Sarasota, Fla.

Last year's No. 3 beach was Coopers Beach, Southampton, N.Y., which dropped to No. 4 this year.
(Sarasota Convention and Visitors Bureau)

No 4. Coopers Beach, Southampton, N.Y.

Last year's No. 4 was Hanalei Beach, Kauai, Hawaii, which moved up to No. 2 this year.
(KKMPhotos / Long Island CVB)

No. 5: Coronado Beach, San Diego

Last year's No. 5 was Coast Guard Beach, Cape Cod, Mass.
(Hotel del Coronado)

No. 6. Main Beach, East Hampton, N.Y.

In 2007, Hamoa Beach, Maui, Hawaii, was No. 6.
(Gordon M. Grant / Bloomberg News)

No. 7: Hamoa Beach, Maui, Hawaii

2007 No. 7 beach: Main Beach, East Hampton, N.Y.

No. 8: Cape Hatteras, Outer Banks, N.C.

Last year's No. 8 was Coronado Beach, San Diego, which moved up to No. 5 this year.
(Chuck Liddy / Associated Press)

No. 9: Cape Florida State Park, Key Biscayne, Fla.

Last year's No. 9 beach was Lighthouse Point Park, Daytona Beach, Fla.
(Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau)

No. 10: Beachwalker Park, Kiawah Island, S.C.

Last year's No. 10 was Siesta Beach, Sarasota, Fla., which is No. 3 this year.
(Charleston County Park & Recreation Commission)

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