The best beaches in the United States for 1996, according to University of Maryland coastal geologist Stephen Leatherman ("Dr. Beach"), who has been ranking the country's best since 1991:
1. Lanikai Beach, Hawaii2. Kailua, Hawaii
3. Caladesi Island State Park, Fla.
4. Kaunaoa, Hawaii
5. Wailea, Hawaii
6. Hulopoe, Hawaii
7. Cape Florida State Recreation Area, Fla.
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8. Ft. Desoto Park, Fla.
9. Hanalei Beach, Hawaii
10. Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Recreation Area, Fla.
(Previous winners - all excluded from the survey for 10 years - were: St. Andrews State Recreation Area, Fla., 1995; Grayton Beach State Recreation Area, Fla., 1994; Hapuna, Hawaii, 1993; Bahia Honda Recreational State Area, Fla., 1992; and Kapalua, Hawaii, 1991.)