Discover Long Island (DLI), the region’s only accredited destination marketing organization, is proud to announce Suffolk County’s world-renowned shoreline has made waves nationally, once again. In the highly anticipated annual release of the Top 10 Beaches in the U.S. list, Dr. Stephen Leatherman, known widely as “Dr. Beach,” has ranked Coopers Beach in Southampton as the #1 beach in America. Also representing the region with pride, Main Beach in East Hampton earned the #5 spot on the esteemed annual list.
“The South Shore of Long Island is more than 100 miles of beautiful sands with two standout beaches in the Hamptons,” said Dr. Stephen P. Leatherman, also known as Dr. Beach. “Southampton’s Coopers Beach specifically, one of my favorite all-time beaches, is made of grainy white quartz sand, backed by large sand dunes covered by American beach grass, and is interspersed with extravagant mansions which gives it the edge on this year's top 10. Smoking is also not allowed, which earns a beach extra points in my evaluations.”
Dr. Stephen P. Leatherman is a professor in the Department of Earth & Environment at Florida International University and one of the world’s leading scientific advocates for America’s beaches, focusing on conserving the environmental integrity of the United States’ coastal areas. Since 1991, he has released his highly anticipated annual list of America’s Top 10 Beaches, using 50 scientific criteria to assess factors such as water and sand quality, environmental management, safety, and amenities. Dr. Beach’s rankings are widely regarded as the gold standard in U.S. beach evaluation and have become a trusted source for travelers and media nationwide.
Coopers Beach has consistently earned a place on Dr. Beach’s prestigious Top 10 list over the years, but 2025 marks the first time it has claimed the #1 spot. This ranking is a powerful moment of national recognition for Long Island’s East End, and an exciting moment for local leaders and residents alike.
“This is an extraordinary honor for Suffolk County, and a testament to the incredible natural beauty and world-class quality of Long Island’s beaches,” said Discover Long Island Interim President & CEO, Mitch Pally. “To see our region recognized above renowned beaches in Hawaii, Florida, and the Carolinas reflects the dedication of our communities to protecting and promoting our shoreline and reinforces our position as a premier coastal destination for travelers from around the world.”
The recognition comes as Discover Long Island launches its summer season promotions, spotlighting the region’s award-winning beaches, family-friendly attractions, and world-class hospitality. As Suffolk County and the greater Long Island region continues to shine on the national stage, visitors and local residents alike are invited to experience all that the region’s iconic shoreline and East End communities have to offer.
For more on Dr. Beach’s Top 10 list and beach criteria, visit www.DrBeach.org. For more information about Discover Long Island, visit discoverlongisland.com.
ABOUT DISCOVER LONG ISLAND:
Discover Long Island is the region’s official destination marketing and leadership organization charged with furthering the destination’s thriving visitor economy, which saw recent record-breaking highs of $7.5 billion in visitor spending. The organization ensures Long Island’s coveted quality of life, thriving industries, and dynamic destination offerings are promoted on a global level, furthering economic development, and benefiting residents and businesses throughout the region. Awarded “Best Social Media” in the nation by the US Travel Association, the organization produces engaging content featuring local businesses and attractions for their 11 social media channels which garner upwards of 10 million views. Additionally, the organization hosts a popular YouTube series, Long Island TV, as well as the Long Island Tea podcast. To learn more, please call 631-951-3900 or visit www.DiscoverLongIsland.com.