North Carolina Beach Named Number One Beach In America

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According to CNN, if your summer plans include hanging at the beach, this list might help you pick a really good one. Scientist Stephen Leatherman, also known as "Dr. Beach," is out with his 2022 list of the best U.S. beaches.

His criteria in evaluating 650 public beaches include sand softness, water temperature, and how clear the water is. The outer banks of North Carolina came in at number one! Here is the full list.

1. Ocracoke Lifeguarded Beach, Outer Banks of North Carolina 2. Caladesi Island State Park, Dunedin/Clearwater, Florida 3. Coopers Beach, Southhampton, New York 4. St. Georga Island State Park, Florida Panhandle 5. Duke Kahanamoku Beach, Oahu, Hawaii 6. Lighthouse Beach, Buxton, Outer Banks of North Carolina 7. Coronado Beach, San Diego, California 8. Wailea Beach, Maui, Hawaii 9. Beachwalker Park, Kiawah Island, South Carolina 10. Coast Guard Beach, Cape Cod, Massachusetts

Warm weather is here and so is beach vacation time! This year, make sure you head to your favorite beaches to enjoy some fun in the sun. Whether you want to catch a tan, take a nap, or swim in the ocean North Carolina has some great beach options just for you. From a family-friendly getaway to a nice baecation, you won't have to travel far for the perfect vacation destination.

U.S. News put together a list of the best beaches in North Carolina to help you plan your next getaway. They considered scenic views, nearby amenities, and the opinions of travel experts to compose the list. Have you been to each of these destinations? If not, check out these North Carolina beaches and start planning your next vacation.

14. Kure Beach

13. Kitty Hawk

12. Carolina Beach

11. Nags Head

10. Duck

9. Atlantic Beach

8. Wrightsville Beach

7. Oak Island

6. Topsail Island

5. Ocracoke Island

4. Corolla/Currituck Beach

3. Cape Hatteras

2. Bald Head Island

1. Emerald Isle

Beach Best North Carolina

Rob TannerEditor

Country 103.7’s funniest guy in town is none other than Rob Tanner with Tanner in the Morning! Rob Tanner has been the host of WSOC-FM's Tanner in the Morning Show in Charlotte, NC for 20 years. The show was named the 2018 ACM Major Market Personalities of the Year. He is well-versed in all topics in country music. Tanner also is a sports junkie who writes about any Carolina sports team, and he and his wife Missy spend most of their down exploring theme parks. He writes Disney insider content.