Cape Cod Beach Among Top 10 In US, Says 'Dr. Beach'

EASTHAM, MA — Coast Guard Beach is just what the doctor ordered.

The annual Dr. Beach rankings of the 10 best beaches in the United States were released this week, with the Eastham beach getting the nod as the 10th best in the country, a two-spot drop from last year's rankings.

Coast Guard Beach was the only New England beach to make the rankings and one of just two in the Northeast.

"The picturesque old Coast Guard station still sits atop the glacial bluffs, allowing for a spectacular view of the Nauset Spit barrier system and bay," Dr. Beach wrote about the Eastham spot. "During the summer, beach goers take quick, refreshing dips in the ocean as water is chilly."

The No. 1 beach in the country was Hapuna Beach State Park in Big Island, Hawaii, one of two Hawaii beaches to make the cut.

Here are the top 10 beaches of 2021, according to Dr. Beach:

1. Hapuna Beach State Park, Big Island, Hawaii
2. Coopers Beach, Southampton, New York
3. Ocracoke Lifeguarded Beach, Outer Banks of North Carolina
4. St. George Island State Park, Florida panhandle
5. Lighthouse Beach, Buxton, South Carolina
6. Duke Kahanamoku Beach, Oahu, Hawaii
7. Caladesi Island State Park, Dunedin/Clearwater, Florida
8. Coronado Beach, San Diego, California
9. Beachwalker Park Kiawah, Island, South Carolina
10. Coast Guard Beach, Eastham, Massachusetts

Rankings are based on factors including sand softness, water temperature, rain, rip current and safety records.