Looks like the Hamptons had an appointment with Dr. Beach! While we all know how great the beaches in the Hamptons are, it is always nice to get some national recognition. So, if you were looking for a reason to get out to the Hamptons this Summer – it’s just what the Doctor ordered!
Dr. Beach’s Best Beaches 2024 list has Coopers Beach in Southampton at #2 and Main Beach, East Hampton at #6. Neither beach needs an introduction; they are as iconic as they are beautiful. Reading a review of these places is kind of like reading a review for your favorite movie, but I think Dr. Beach absolutely nails this description, although you can tell the reviewer is a doctor.
In the Hamptons, we absolutely agree. Have you ever been on vacation and thought, “hate to say it honey, but this beach isn’t as nice as ours back home.” I guess that’s one of the downsides to living in paradise…everywhere else kinda feels quaint. While I would argue that they missed a few great Hamptons beaches, being represented twice on a list of ten is in high regard.
If you love data-driven analysis and the beach (a match made in heaven), www.drbeach.org is for you. The analysis is clear and easy to understand, just like the website. There are no ads, and there are no indications that this is anything more than one good doctor’s opinion.
Dr. Beach is kind of like the Kelly Blue Book for Beaches, that is – a trusted, non-sponsored reviewer who simply wants to help out vacationers. Remember when Forbes ranked Riverhead in the Top 50 places to visit a few years ago? This list makes so much more sense than that.
How the analysis is performed is also clear, based on 50 Criteria points on a scale of 1 – 5. Check out the full list here. I couldn’t find “Parking” as a criterion, but we’ll consider that under the Access category.
You know, I thought I had a great job. Writing about life in the Hamptons means that I live in the Hamptons and also that I get invited to events and get to meet cool people. But I gotta say, I should have gone to school to become a Beach Doctor. In fact, maybe when Southampton College reopens, they should have a school to train “Beach Doctors.”
While many former Hamptons Lifeguards, beach day legends, kings of the cooler, surfers, anglers or Truck Beach advocates may well have spent enough time in the Hamptons sand to have earned a Ph.D. in sun-block application – there is only one Doctor Beach.
But, who is the Beach Doctor? This is proof that they guy knows his stuff.
“For over three decades, Dr. Stephen Leatherman (“Dr. Beach”) has reviewed, evaluated and rated beaches and coastal areas throughout the world. In addition to his annual ranking of America’s Best Beaches, he works tirelessly to increase awareness about the dangers of rip currents and to promote no smoking at beaches.”
We can disregard the California beaches because there is a difference between going swimming and taking a cold plunge. Florida beaches, also represented twice, are filled with Snowbird New Yorkers, so we can also claim those. Cape Cod made the list, too, but has anyone from the Hamptons ever been to Cape Cod to confirm that the beaches are, in fact, fun?
We don’t need to worry about our beaches being overrun with tourists and visitors because it’s not like its news that the Hamptons have great beaches.
Thanks for the love, Dr. Beach and we’re glad that East Hampton Main Beach is back on the list!
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