ST. GEORGE ISLAND, Fla. – The Southern U.S. is well represented on an annual list of the best beaches in the country.
The list, now in its 33rd year, is curated by Dr. Stephen P. Leatherman, a professor from the Department of Earth & Environment at Florida International University in Miami. Beaches are selected based on 50 criteria including water quality, cleanliness, pests, currents, and wind speeds.
According to his website, drbeach.org, Leatherman is a coastal scientist who has authored or edited 16 books and written more than 200 journal articles and technical reports, including articles in Science and Nature magazines.
Topping this year’s list was St. George Island State Park in Florida, which offers nine miles of undeveloped white sand beaches. The park also offers opportunities for swimming, sunbathing, canoeing, kayaking, fishing, hiking, and nature study. There are also 60 family campsites with water, electricity, and restroom and shower facilities.
Other Southern beaches on the list include Caladesi Island State Park in Dunedin/Clearwater, Fla.; Lighthouse Beach in Buxton, N.C.; and Beachwalker Par, in Kiawah Island, S.C.
