Dr. Beach’s top 10 beaches in America 2009
9. Coast Guard Beach,
Cape Cod, Mass.
A part of the Cape Cod National Seashore, Coast Guard Beach is a prime swimming beach during the summer season, according to the National Park Service. The beach is home to seals, terns and various shorebirds.
More information: www.nps.gov/caco/planyourvisit/coast-guard-beach-eastham.htm (Margo Tabb / Associated Press)
8. Cape Florida State Park,
Key Biscayne, Fla.
Described as great for swimming by Dr. Beach, Cape Florida State Park also features a historic lighthouse built in 1825.
For more information: www.floridastateparks.org/capeflorida (Wilfredo Lee / Associated Press)
5. Hamoa Beach,
Maui, Hawaii
Hamoa Beach moved up two spots this year, coming in No. 7 in 2008.
For more information: www.hawaiiweb.com/maui/beaches/HamoaBeach.htm (Ron Dahlquist / Associated Press)
2. Siesta Beach,
Sarasota, Fla.
Dr. Beach says Siesta Beach has clear, warm waters that serve for ideal swimming. The beach came in No. 3 in 2008.
For more information: www.4sarasota.com/siestakey/beach.html (Glen Hastings / Associated Press)