In case you're longing for a sandy beach this holiday weekend but still don't have any plans, consider crashing on Long Island.
Cooper's Beach in Southampton and Main Beach in East Hampton are ranked among Dr. Beach's national top 10 list, scorching hot off the presses today.
Cooper's checks in at No. 3 for its location near mansions and historic homes in the Hamptons. Main Beach, ranked No. 6, was singled out for its scenery and dunes.
"Yes, they're ritzy, but there are some places at both beaches that are less expensive," said Dr. Beach, an environmental scientist who's real name is Stephen Leatherman. "People from New York love to get away from the big city and the tall buildings, in favor of some trees, grass and nature."
No. 1 on the list was Hawaii's Hanalei Bay, lauded for its "sheer beauty" and "idyllic setting."
Caladesi Island State Park in Dunedin/Clearwater, Fla., was the top beach last year.
Dr. Beach has been putting out the annual list for nearly 20 years. Hawaiian beaches have been No. 1 11 times and Florida beaches have taken home top honors six times. But that's not to say we shouldn't be proud of the local beach scene.
"Cooper's Beach is probably 300 feet wide, with big sand dunes capped with beautiful American beach grass," Dr. Beach said. "And when you go poking behind the dunes, you see those nice big mansions. You can walk along that great beach and dream of owning one of those beautiful homes. And the water is very clean out there."
