Dr. Beach has ranked the top 10 beaches of 2022. Ocracoke Lifeguarded Beach in North Carolina is number one in the 32nd annual Top 10 Beach List. However, two popular Florida beaches also made the cut. The list is produced by coastal expert Dr. Stephen P. Leatherman, professor at Florida International University, aka “Dr. Beach.”
The top 10 beaches of 2022
Ocracoke is an idyllic island far off the North Carolina mainland with the pristine beach being part of Cape Hatteras National Seashore. Often called the pearl of the Outer Banks, the village of Ocracoke is characterized by delightful inns, the iconic 1823 lighthouse, legendary herd of once wild ponies and a serene British cemetery; it is also the destination of choice for pirate lovers, being the stomping grounds of Blackbeard.
Related: Look Out for Nesting Coastal Birds on Bay Area Beaches and Rooftops
According to Dr. Leatherman, this is his favorite getaway island, boasting of 16 miles of undeveloped beach and American beach grass covered sand dunes. The Ocracoke Express Passenger Ferry is now operating, making it a car-free way to explore the area. Families can enjoy the early summer when the waves are smaller with the surfers catching the swell waves later in the season.
Click here to see full list of beaches.
The best Florida beaches
Here are the two Florida beaches that made the list:
Caladesi Island State Park in Pinellas County (Ranked #2)
Caladesi is reached by pedestrian ferry boat, private boats or a long walk north from Clearwater Beach; the inlet is closed so Caladesi is no longer a true island, but still a great getaway. The white beach is composed of crystalline quartz sand, which is soft and cushy at the water’s edge, inviting one to take a dip in the sparkling clear waters. There are boardwalk trails as well as kayak and canoe trails through the mangroves. Here you can see the large blue herons and other birds that frequent this wonderful natural area.
St. George Island State Park in the Florida Panhandle (Ranked #4)
This long barrier island, far from urban areas, is a favorite destination for beachgoers, anglers and bird watchers as nature abounds. Besides swimming in the crystal-clear water, visitors can also enjoy beachcombing and shelling. While St. George Island suffered a big hit in 2018 by Hurricane Michael, the area has substantially recovered, especially the sugary fine, white sand beach. There is much to explore on this serene 2,023-acre park.
Who is “Dr. Beach”
As “Dr. Beach,” Leatherman has selected the annual Top 10 Beaches since 1991. Fifty criteria are used to evaluate beaches, which include water and sand quality as well as safety and management. Dr. Leatherman is an internationally known coastal scientist who has published 20 books and hundreds of scientific articles and reports about storm impacts, coastal erosion and ways to improve beach health and safety.
More stories from Modern Globe
- Code Wiz in St. Petersburg Will Introduce Young Learners to Coding and Robotics
- Join CSHP for Coffee & Careers
- CSHP to Host First Opportunity Youth Workforce Summit in October
- Florida Aviation Business Association Supports Upholding Aviation Tax Exemptions
- CareerSource Hillsborough Pinellas to Host a Veteran Hiring Event in Tampa
