Here are the 10 best beaches in America ranked by an expert
, but he emphasizes that going to a beach is inherently one of the safer things that you can do. “It’s a shame they shut down the beaches because that's where I think people should have been,” he says. “But still, social distancing make sense. And hopefully everybody's getting vaccinated who can and staying safe.”The 10 Best Beaches in America1. Hapuna Beach State Park - Big Island, Hawaii
Why it made the list: “As the first “Gold Coast” in the country, Coopers Beach is hundreds of yards wide, made of grainy white quartz sand,” says Leatherman. “The beach is backed by large sand dunes covered by American beach grass interspersed with extravagant mansions.”gettyWhy it made the list: “Ocracoke, once the home of Blackbeard the pirate, is still a special place—it is my favorite getaway beach,” says Leatherman.
A tip: “Besides swimming in the crystal-clear water, I enjoy beachcombing and shelling,” says Leatherman.5. Lighthouse Beach - Buxton, Outer Banks of North Carolina A tip: Head to the nearby Duke Kahanamoku Lagoon—“a favorite bathing and swimming spot,” says Leatherman.7. Caladesi Island State Park - Florida
A tip: Check out the Hotel del Coronado, a local landmark that was built over a hundred years ago. “Kings, sheiks, actors, and actresses have stayed at this iconic hotel,” says Leatherman.Why it made the list:“This is a nature-lovers coast so visitors can bring their canoes and kayaks to paddle through the tidal inlets,” says Leatherman.