America's Best Beaches, 2013 The following table lists the top ten best beaches to visit in the United States for 2013, 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.Main BeachEast Hampton, New York 2.Kahanamoku BeachOahu, Hawaii 3.St. George Island State ParkEastpoint, Florida 4.Hamoa BeachMaui, Hawaii 5.Waimanalo Bay Beach ParkOahu, Hawaii 6.Barefoot BeachBonita Springs, Florida 7.Cape Florida State ParkKey Biscayne, Florida 8.Cape HatterasOuter Banks, North Carolina 9.Coast Guard BeachCape Cod, Massachusetts 10.Beachwalker ParkKiawah Island, South Carolina Previous Winners of the Best American Beach Award (excluded from 2013 list) YearNameLocation 2012Coronado BeachSan Diego, California 2011Siesta BeachSarasota, Florida 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.