'Dr. Beach' lists the top 10 American beaches for 2022

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(CNN) — A savage expanse on North Carolina’s Outer Banks has earned the top spot on an annual list of America’s Best Beaches.

Ocracoke Island’s patrolled beach is the #1 stretch of sand for 2022, according to coastal scientist Stephen Leatherman, aka “Dr. Beach’.

Leatherman, a professor and director of the Laboratory for Coastal Research at Florida International University, has ranked America’s best beaches since 1991.

He uses 50 criteria to evaluate 650 public beaches in the US. The criteria include beach width, sand softness, water temperature and color, wildlife and more.

Ocracoke is only accessible by private plane or boat and ferry service, which can accommodate cars and RVs.

According to Leatherman, some of the wildest beaches in the country can be found here. He cautions that families with children may want to visit earlier in the summer, as late summer brings big surf.

“Don’t expect to play golf or stay at the Ritz; the main pastimes are swimming and beachcombing and exploring the historic village,” Leatherman said in describing the beach on his annual list.

What NOT to pack? Golf clubs and high heels, says Visit Ocracoke. “This is an island, but it’s not a resort,” the website says. Walking to dinner in casual attire — even to Ocracoke’s most upscale dining establishments — is encouraged.

Beachfront accommodation is limited to one National Park Service campground, so most visitors stay in the village a few miles from the beach.

More of the best American beaches

A second Outer Banks beach, Lighthouse Beach in Buxton on Hatteras Island, is ranked No. 6 this year. This beach was the site of Cape Hatteras’ old spiral-striped lighthouse until erosion caused it to be moved about 3,000 feet inland in 1999. .

The No. 2 beach for 2022 is Caladesi Island State Park in Dunedin/Clearwater, Florida, with its crystal clear quartz sand and clear water.

Coopers Beachbacked by sand dunes and extravagant mansions in Southampton, New York, takes the number 3 spot.

Beaches in California, South Carolina and Massachusetts appear in the second half of the ranking.

Here’s the full Top 10 list: