America's Best Beaches, 2011 The following table lists the top ten best beaches to visit in the United States for 2011, according to Dr. Stephen P. Leatherman, author ofAmerica's Best Beaches. In addition, find a list of the previous top-rated beaches in America below. NameLocation 1.Siesta BeachSarasota, Florida 2.Coronado BeachSan Diego, California 3.Kahanamoku BeachOahu, Hawaii 4.Main BeachEast Hampton, New York 5.Cape HatterasOuter Banks, North Carolina 6.St. George Island State ParkEastpoint, Florida 7.Beachwalker ParkKiawah Island, South Carolina 8.Coast Guard BeachCape Cod, Massachusetts 9.Waimanalo Bay Beach ParkOahu, Hawaii 10.Cape Florida State ParkKey Biscayne, Florida Previous Winners of the Best American Beach Award (excluded from 2011 list) YearNameLocation 2010Coopers BeachSouthampton, New York 2009Hanalei BayKauai, Hawaii 2008Caladesi Island State ParkDunedin/Clearwater, Florida 2007Ocracoke Lifeguard BeachOuter Banks, North Carolina 2006Fleming Beach ParkMaui, Hawaii 2005Fort DeSoto ParkNorth Beach, Florida 2004Hanauma BayOahu, Hawaii 2003KaanapaliHawaii 2002St. Joseph Peninsula State ParkFlorida 2001Poipu Beach ParkHawaii 2000Mauna Kea BeachHawaii 1999Wailea BeachHawaii 1998Kailua Beach ParkHawaii 1997HulopoeHawaii 1996Lanikai BeachHawaii 1995St. Andrews SRAFlorida 1994Grayton Beach SRAFlorida 1993HapunaHawaii 1992Bahia Honda SRAFlorida 1991Kapalua Bay BeachHawaii Released since 1991, 650 major public recreational beaches in the U.S. are rated according to 50 criteria.Source:Dr. Stephen P. Leatherman (aka Dr. Beach), author ofAmerica's Best Beachesand professor of environmental studies at Florida International University.