Dr. Stephen P. Leatherman (aka Dr. Beach), Director of Florida International University’s Laboratory for Coastal Research released his list of Top 10 Beaches for 2009. He uses a multitude of criteria to evaluate beaches, which includes water and sand quality as well as safety, facilities and environmental management.
I have to admit that I love Hawaii, but I’m also a big fan of beaches. Period. I’m a mom who loves to take the kids to the beach, but here’s a secret: I like going without the kids after school starts because the crowds have disappeared and I find the experience much more relaxing. Here’s Dr. Beach’s official list. Some are great for families, others are perfect for that romantic escape, but all are perfect for relaxing and getting some sand between your toes.
1. Hanalei Bay Kauai, Hawaii
2. Siesta Beach Sarasota, Florida (Check out Sarasota’s Hotel Indigo or Holiday Inn Sarasota-LIDO Beach)
3. Coopers Beach Southampton, New York
4. Coronado Beach San Diego, California (Holiday Inn San Diego Bayside is just across the bay from this beach)
5. Hamoa Beach Maui, Hawaii
6. Main Beach East Hampton, New York
7. Cape Hatteras Outer Banks of North Carolina (A good base while visiting the Outer Banks is HI Express Kitty Hawk)
8. Cape Florida State Park Key Biscayne, Florida (There are numerous IHG Properties in Miami)
9. Coast Guard Beach Cape Cod, Massachusetts
10. Beachwalker Park Kiawah Island, South Carolina (a close alternative is Holiday Inn Folley Beach Oceanfront)
Do you disagree with Dr. Beach’s list? Have you stayed at any IHG properties near any of these beaches? Keep in mind that past list leaders are ineligible for inclusion. The annual top beach pick by Dr. Beach has always been in either Florida or Hawaii, with the exception of 2007, which was in the Outer Banks of North Carolina.
My personal pick for top beach of 2009 would have to be Nannygoat Beach on Sapelo Island, a Georgia barrier island. You can only get there by boat or the residents’ ferry and the closet city is Darian, GA. There aren’t any hotels on the island. It is undeveloped, pristine, fantastic for shelling, and the first time I’ve ever actually seen the beach shimmer with gold flecks. Simply breathtaking.
