As "Dr. Beach," Stephen P. Leatherman has selected an annual Top 10 Beaches since 1991. Fifty criteria are used to evaluate beaches, which include water and sand quality as well as facilities and management.

What makes Leatherman's selections unique is his knowledge as a Ph.D. coastal scientist with 30 years of scientific experience studying storm impacts, erosion and ways to improve beach health. He is Director of Florida International University's Laboratory for Coastal Research.

1. Caladesi Island State Park, Clearwater/Dunedin, Florida
2. Hanalei Bay, Kauai, Hawaii
3. Siesta Beach, Sarasota, Florida
4. Coopers Beach, Southampton, New York
5. Coronado Beach, San Diego, California
6. Main Beach, East Hampton, New York
7. Hamoa Beach, Maui, Hawaii
8. Cape Hatteras, Outer Banks, North Carolina
9. Cape Florida State Park, Key Biscayne, Florida
10. Beachwalker Park, Kiawah Island, South Carolina