May 22, 2009


Buxton Beach at Cape Hatteras has moved up a notch on Dr. Beach’s Top Ten list of America’s best beaches for 2009.

This year the lifeguarded beach near the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse ranks No. 7 on the list – up from No. 8 last year.

Coastal expert Dr. Stephen Leatherman, director of the Florida International University’s Laboratory for Coastal Research, has chosen America’s Top 10 beaches since 1991.  His rankings are based on 50 criteria, including water and sand quality, as well as facilities and environmental management. More than 650 beaches in the country are included in his judging.

In 2007, the No. 1 beach was the Ocracoke Lifeguarded Beach. 

Leatherman said then that one of his criteria is visitor safety, and the Buxton Beach, like the beach he chose on Ocracoke, has National Park Service lifeguards for most of the summer.

The Buxton Beach is located in the shadow of the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse on the largely undeveloped Cape Hatteras National Seashore.  Being undeveloped and natural is another thing that Leatherman likes.

Being named to Dr. Beach’s list is always a cause for celebration for the beaches he chooses, since a lot of publicity comes with the announcement of his new list. 

This year’s top No. 1 beach is Hanalei Bay on the Hawaiian island of Kauai.

“Hanalei Bay is a spectacular white crescent-shaped sand beach that is considered by many residents and visitors alike to be the most beautiful beach setting in Hawaii,” according to Dr. Beach’s media release on his 2009 list. “The two-mile long strand is lined by palm trees with a backdrop of waterfalls and mountain peaks that range up to 4,000 feet high.”

“Hanalei Bay on the garden island of Kauai is my favorite getaway beach in Hawaii,” noted Leatherman, an international expert on beaches and coastal processes. “The clear emerald waters are perfect for swimming during the tranquil summer months, but only swim at the lifeguarded areas when the surf picks up during the wintertime as powerful rip currents are sometimes present. The laid-back little village of Hanalei is a good place for refreshments and casual dining, but accommodations are scarce so plan ahead.”

Once a beach is named No. 1, as Ocracoke was, it is “retired” from competition. 

There’s still hope for the beach at Buxton Beach to get to the No. 1 spot.  Ocracoke was on the Top Ten list for several years before it was crowned the best beach in America.

For more information, go to www.DrBeach.org

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