Ocracoke Lifeguarded Beach is number one in the 32nd annual Top 10 Beach List, produced by coastal expert Dr. Stephen P. Leatherman, professor at Florida International University.

As “Dr. Beach”, Leatherman has selected the annual Top 10 Beaches since 1991. Fifty criteria are used to evaluate beaches, which include water and sand quality as well as safety and management. Dr. Leatherman is an internationally known coastal scientist who has published 20 books and hundreds of scientific articles and reports about storm impacts, coastal erosion and ways to improve beach health and safety.

Bonus points are awarded for prohibition of smoking on beaches, and Cape Hatteras National Seashore is leading the way by keeping their beaches clear of cigarette butts—putting two beaches in North Carolina on the Top 10 list.

Top 10 Beaches 2022

1. Ocracoke Lifeguarded Beach
   Outer Banks, NC


2. Caladesi Island State Park
   Dunedin/Clearwater, FL


3. Coopers Beach
   Southampton, NY


4. St. George Island State Park
   Florida Panhandle


5. Duke Kahanamoku Beach
   Oahu, HI


6. Lighthouse Beach, Buxton
   Outer Banks, NC


7. Coronado Beach
   San Diego, CA


8. Wailea Beach
   Maui, HI


9. Beachwalker Park
   Kiawah Island, SC


10. Coast Guard Beach
    Cape Cod, MA