Out of more than 650 public beaches in America, Cape Hatteras has been awarded a place on Dr. Beach’s Top 10 Beach’s list for the 7th year in a row. Ranked #6 for 2014, Dr. Beach describes his choice: “Bulging far offshore of the mainland coast as a barrier island, Cape Hatteras was the first National Seashore. Providing some of the best board surfing along the East Coast, as well as the most famous lighthouse in the United States, Cape Hatteras attracts beachgoers to its historic fishing villages. Nature lovers adore the excellent beachcombing and superb fishing.”
In 2013 Cape Hatteras was ranked #8, 2012 – #10, 2011 – #5, 2010 – #4, 2009 – #7, and in 2008 – #8. In 2007, Ocracoke Beach (part of the Cape Hatteras National Seashore) was ranked #1 excluding it from further consideration to give other great beaches an opportunity to enjoy the spotlight.
Dr. Beach is also known as Dr. Stephen P. Leatherman, Professor and Director of the Laboratory for Coastal Research at Florida International University. He received his Ph.D. in Environmental (Coastal) Sciences from the University of Virginia, and completed his undergraduate degree in Geosciences at North Carolina State University. He developed 50 criteria to rate beaches in an effort to create the first ever professional beach rating. Beaches are rated on everything from sand softness, turbidity, tidal range, safety, views, vistas and noise.
It won’t come as a surprise to any fan of Hatteras Island that our gorgeous uncrowded natural beaches continue to receive recognition and a scientific and professional stamp of approval. What are you waiting for? Book your vacation today!