News Summary
In a surprising development, the Tampa Bay area has been excluded from Dr. Beach’s Top 10 Beaches in the U.S. for 2025. This is the first time in nearly a decade that local favorites like Caladesi Island State Park and Siesta Beach have not made the list. The change is attributed to various factors, including the impact of recent hurricanes, which have affected beach conditions and management. Coopers Beach in New York tops this year’s list, while local authorities strive to maintain the appeal of Tampa Bay’s beaches amidst environmental challenges.
TAMPA BAY, Fla. — In a significant shift for local beach rankings, the Tampa Bay area has been omitted from Dr. Beach’s prestigious Top 10 Beaches in the U.S. for 2025. This marks the first time in nearly a decade that local beaches have failed to secure a spot in the annual list, a beloved tradition started by Dr. Stephen Leatherman, better known as Dr. Beach, who has been releasing his annual rankings on Memorial Day weekend since 1991.
The top beach in the nation for 2025 is Coopers Beach in Southampton, New York, which has been recognized for its pristine sands and welcoming environment. Following Coopers Beach are Wailea Beach in Maui, Hawaii, and Poipu Beach in Kauai, Hawaii, taking the second and third spots, respectively. This year’s list additionally features Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park in Naples, Florida, at number four, marking the closest Florida beach to Tampa to make it to the top rankings.
For many years, Tampa Bay-area beaches, particularly Caladesi Island State Park and Siesta Beach, have enjoyed accolades in Dr. Beach’s annual rankings. Since 2016, these beaches have consistently appeared in the top tiers. The historical rankings show strong performances: Siesta Beach reached the coveted number one position in 2017 and has placed as high as number two. Caladesi Island State Park, too, has frequently been in the mix, with its highest ranking being number two in 2022.
The omission from the top rankings can be attributed to a variety of factors. The assessment criteria used by Dr. Beach include aspects such as sand quality, wave action, presence of lifeguards, wildlife, levels of crowding, occurrence of red tide, and local development impacts. Notably, the last year has seen significant challenges for Tampa Bay-area beaches due to hurricanes, which have notably disrupted conditions and management of these coastal areas.
The complete 2025 top ten list includes:
- 1. Coopers Beach – Southampton, N.Y.
- 2. Wailea Beach – Maui, Hawaii
- 3. Poipu Beach – Kauai, Hawaii
- 4. Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park – Naples, Fla.
- 5. Main Beach – East Hampton, N.Y.
- 6. Beachwalker Park – Kiawah Island, S.C.
- 7. St. Andrews State Park – Panama City, Fla.
- 8. Kaunaoa – Big Island, Hawaii
- 9. Lanikai Beach – Oahu, Hawaii
- 10. Coast Guard Beach – Cape Cod, Mass.
The impact of recent hurricanes, coupled with the ongoing environmental challenges posed by factors such as red tide, has raised concerns about the health and maintenance of local beaches. The regulations and restoration efforts following these natural disturbances will be critical in determining future rankings and the overall condition of Tampa Bay-area beaches in years to come.
As summer approaches, the omission from the prestigious list holds implications for tourism in the Tampa Bay area, which often relies on its beaches as a key draw for visitors. Despite the setback, local authorities and residents remain dedicated to preserving the natural beauty and accessibility of their beaches, with ongoing efforts to maintain high standards of safety and visitor experience.
As Dr. Beach continues to evaluate beaches across the country, beachgoers and stakeholders in the Tampa Bay area will undoubtedly keep a close watch on the future rankings, hoping to restore their beloved shores to their previous esteemed positions.
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Additional Resources
- WTSP: Dr. Beach’s 2025 Rankings
- FOX13 News: Firestone Grand Prix
- The Gabber: Hurricane Preparedness Expos
- I Love the Burg: Easter Brunch in St. Pete
- Southern Living: St. Petersburg, FL
- Wikipedia: Florida Tourism
- Google Search: Dr. Beach Top 10 Beaches
- Google Scholar: Florida Beach Rankings
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Florida
- Google News: Tampa Bay Beaches
