Dr. Beach has released his America’s Best Beaches 2009 and only one Gulf Coast beach made the top ten list.  Siesta Key came in #2. 

The #1 beach on Dr. Beach’s list is Hanalei Beach in Hawaii.  Wow, it’s gotta be the ultimate to beat out Siesta Key. 

According to a press release by the Laboratory for Coastal Research and National Healthy Beaches Campaign at the Florida International University, 50 criteria were used to evaluate the beaches.  These included water and sand quality, and facilities and environmental management. 

For more information about Dr Beach check out his website: www.drbeach.org.