Laboratory for Coastal Research
Florida International University, Miami, FL
Contact: Marla Brock
Email: marla@drbeach.org
Phone: 305-965-0071
Website: www.DrBeach.org
“Dr. Beach” Names East Hampton’s
Main Beach America’s Best
TOP 10 BEACHES 2013
Miami, FL—Embargoed for release at 9 PM EST on Thursday,
May 23, 2013. Main Beach is the number one beach in the
23th annual Top 10 Beach List, produced by coastal expert
Dr. Stephen P. Leatherman, a professor at Florida International
University.
Main Beach is located in East Hampton on eastern Long Island,
New York. This idyllic beach is frequented by the rich and
famous who so highly regard their beach that Leatherman has
seen even super models picking up litter washed ashore from
the sea. This beach was heavily eroded by Super Storm Sandy
and subsequent winter storms, yet it has largely recovered. The
proud pavilion at Main Beach was little affected because it was
set back several hundred feet from the water’s edge. A great
team of lifeguards stands watch, making this a very safe beach
for bathing and swimming.
East Hampton is a quaint, small village that offers sophisticated
luxury. The most enjoyable way to get around town is
bicycling, which also avoids paying the pricy parking fee.
1. Main Beach
East Hampton, New York
2. Kahanamoku Beach
Waikiki, Oahu, Hawaii
3. St. George Island State Park
Florida panhandle
4. Hamoa Beach, Maui, Hawaii
5. Waimanalo Bay Beach Park
Oahu, Hawaii
6. Barefoot Beach
Bonita Springs, Florida
7. Cape Florida State Park
Key Biscayne, Florida
8. Cape Hatteras, Outer Banks of
North Carolina
9. Coast Guard Beach
Cape Cod, Massachusetts
10. Beachwalker Park
Kiawah Island, South Carolina
As “Dr. Beach” (www.DrBeach.org), Leatherman has selected the annual Top 10 Beaches since 1991;
past National Winners are retired and listed on the web site. Fifty criteria are used to evaluate beaches,
which include water and sand quality as well as safety and environmental management. Dr. Leatherman
is an internationally known coastal scientist who has published 16 books and hundreds of scientific
articles and reports about storm impacts, coastal erosion and ways to improve beach health and safety.
Starting next year, even more emphasis will be placed on environmental management and beach safety.
Bonus points will be awarded for prohibition of smoking on beaches. Oahu, Hawaii and New York City
are out front with Mayor Michael Bloomberg leading the way in the latter case.
Additional Online Resources:
Biography for Dr. Stephen P. Leatherman: www.drbeach.org/pressreleases/CV_Leatherman.doc
Photographs: www.drbeach.org/mediakit.htm
Dr Beach’s 50 Criteria: www.drbeach.org/50criteria.htm