| We are creatures of the sea. It is in our genetic | | | | eight spot. Sporting its own lighthouse, emerald shaded |
| makeup to seek out the bonding point of water and | | | | water and a gently sloping sandy shoal, this very |
| shore, to dance in frothy surf and leave footprints on | | | | swimmable beach is an admirable choice. |
| sands as varied as is our species. The United States is | | | | Heading northward to the shores of South Carolina, |
| blessed with thousands of miles of coastline, some of | | | | Beachwalker Park on Kiawah Island, number ten, we |
| it rocky crags meeting each wave with loud protest, | | | | find thousands of birds sharing their barrier island home |
| other parts lengths of fine white powder gently sloping | | | | with two legged visitors of the human variety. Wander |
| to water's edge. | | | | the 10 mile (16.1 kilometer) sandy shoreline or paddle a |
| Offering warm sands, swaying palms and frothy | | | | canoe or kayak through tidal inlets on this ecologically |
| waters in every shade of blue found on an artist's | | | | blessed isle. |
| palette, it is no wonder that Hanalei Beach on the island | | | | Cape Hatteras, Outer Banks, North Carolina makes the |
| of Kauai heads the list of the top ten beaches in the | | | | list at number seven. Considered one of the best |
| U.S. for 2009. The remote two mile (3.2 kilometer) | | | | surfing spots on the East Coast, this beach grass |
| crescent of white sand, flanked by 4,000 feet (1,219 | | | | blessed barrier island is also the first designated U.S. |
| meters) of sculptured emerald mountains moved up | | | | National Seashore. Serving as both a recreational |
| from the second place spot on Stephen Leatherman's | | | | outlet and an ecological preserve, it provides a multi |
| (Dr. Beach) 2008 top ten ranking. | | | | faceted beach experience. |
| Hamosa Beach, on the Hawaiian island of Maui, ranks | | | | Still farther north, Coopers Beach, Southampton, ranks |
| at number five. A favorite of Ernest Hemingway, this | | | | at number three, and Main Beach, East Hampton, |
| pride of the Valley Isle offers coral and lava sands, a | | | | number six, give dual honors to the state of New York. |
| backdrop of verdant cliffs, swaying coconut palms and | | | | Not to be outdone by its larger neighbor, Coast Guard |
| brilliantly hued flowers along its shoreline. | | | | Beach in Cape Cod Massachusetts makes the list at |
| The mainland has its gems as well. The number two | | | | number nine. This steeply sloping stretch of sand is |
| spot goes to Florida's Siesta Beach in Sarasota Florida. | | | | only accessible by bike or shuttle bus and offers |
| Considered one of the finest white sand beaches in | | | | panoramic views of the bay and barrier islands. |
| the world, its clear warm waters host a viable marine | | | | Travel west to sunny southern California to find |
| ecosystem that is quite attractive to snorkelers and | | | | Coronado Beach, winner of the number four spot. Man |
| SCUBA divers. | | | | has made his mark with the century old Hotel del |
| Green sea turtles and humans alike share a fondness | | | | Coronado, but the beach's Mediterranean like warm |
| for Florida's second nod on the top ten list. Cape | | | | sands and mild surf are complemented by the |
| Florida State Park in Key Biscayne claims the number | | | | landmark's stunning architecture. |