Florida beaches make 2017's Top 10 Beaches list

A Florida beach is number 1 on Dr. Beach's 2017 Top 10 Beaches list.

Siesta Beach, located in Siesta Key, ranks first and is one of three Florida beaches that made the list.

The list is created by coastal expert and Florida International University professor Dr. Stephen P. Leatherman, also known as Dr. Beach.

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Leatherman said Siesta Beach boasts having the finest and whitest sand that attracts sand collectors and beach lovers from all over. He said its clear waters make it ideal for swimming.

Grayton Beach State Park and Caladesi Island State Park, both located in Florida, also made the list.

Leatherman has selected top beaches every year since 1991. He uses fifty criteria to evaluate beaches, including water, sand quality, safety and management.

His list ranks the following beaches:

1. Siesta Beach Sarasota, Florida
2. Kapalua Bay Beach Maui, Hawaii
3. Ocracoke Lifeguarded Beach, Outer Banks of North Carolina
4. Grayton Beach State Park, Florida panhandle
5. Coopers Beach Southampton, New York
6. Coast Guard Beach Cape Cod, Massachusetts
7. Caladesi Island State Park Dunedin/Clearwater, Florida
8. Hapuna Beach State Park Big Island, Hawaii
9. Coronado Beach San Diego, California
10. Beachwalker Park Kiawah Island, South Carolina

Cox Media Group