Thinking about taking a beach vacation? After this harsh winter the United States has had a lot of people are looking forward to their summer getaway at the beach. Fortunately, the U.S. has many pretty beaches to take a vacation. Every year Dr. Stephen Leatherman (Dr. Beach) of Florida International University in Miami, Florida releases his list of the top 10 prettiest beaches in the United States. Here are the top 5 of his 2009 top picks:
1. Hanalei Bay in Kauai, Hawaii – 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. 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. One of the best views of the beach is from the Princeville Hotel, located on the high bluff to the east. The other end of this wide coral sand beach is anchored by a high lava point that extends into the ocean. This panorama has been the inspiration for many paintings and photo shoots.
2. Siesta Key in Sarasota, Florida – This beach boasts a gorgeous white, powdery sand that is 99% quartz. The beach is hundreds of yards wide and is in the shape of a crescent. The warms waters make it great for swimming and snorkeling.
3. Coopers Beach in Southampton, New York – Coopers Beach is hundreds of yards wide and made of grainy white quartz sand. Large sand dunes sprouting American beach grass give it a very pretty look and feel. Mansions are littered along the beach.
4. Coronado Beach in San Diego, California – This is one of the nicest beaches that you will find in southern California. This wide beach offers a fabulous climate, lush vegetation and gorgeous sand. Coronado Beach is a great place to watch ships while dipping your toes in the refreshing waters.
5. Hamoa Beach in Maui, Hawaii – This a gorgeous beach surrounded by cliffs, covered with lush vegetation and plenty of pretty coconut palm trees. The beach is made up of coral and lava sand and inside a volcanic crater.
