Coronado Beach came in as the sixth best beach in America, according to the 33rd annual Top 10 Beach List, produced by coastal expert Stephen P. Leatherman, a professor in the Department of Earth & Environment at Florida International University in Miami.
Leatherman ranked St. George in Florida as the No. 1 beach.
Leatherman called Coronado Beach the “toast of Southern California,” adding “it is a veritable oasis by the sea that is hundreds of yards wide.”
Leatherman goes on to say this: “With its subtropical vegetation, unique Mediterranean climate, and fine sparkling sand, beach-goers flock to this beach for great ship-watching and the summer’s warm and mild surf. The local landmark, Hotel del Coronado, was built over a hundred years ago; kings, sheiks, actors, and actresses have stayed at this iconic hotel.
As for the No. 1 beach, St. George Island State Park on Florida’s Gulf Coast was described as a favorite destination for beachgoers, anglers and bird watchers. The park offers nine miles of some of the most pristine beach in the United States, and its remote location is perfect for stargazing and enjoying spectacular sunsets.
“Dr. Beach” (www.DrBeach.org), Leatherman has selected the annual Top 10 Beaches since 1991, and he uses 50 criteria to evaluate beaches, which include water and sand quality as well as safety and management.
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 Coronado was the only California beach to make the list. Coronado moved up a spot from last year and has been a regular inclusion on Leatherman’s annual rankings, according to the Times of San Diego.
