DUNEDIN, Fla. — A local beach was ranked in the top 10 beaches in the country, according to the annual ranking by Dr. Beach.
Caladesi Island State Park in Dunedin placed fourth on the list, and Dr. Beach highlighted the different activities visitors can do there.
The island can be reached by ferry boat, private boats or a long walk north from Clearwater Beach and is open every day from 8 a.m. to sundown.
"The white beach is composed of crystalline quartz sand which is soft and cushy at the water’s edge, inviting one to take a dip in the sparkling clear waters," Dr. Beach wrote.
Fishing, hiking, paddling and picnicking are just a few of the activities visitors can do, according to the Florida State Parks website.
"There are boardwalk trails, but my favorite is the kayak and canoe trails through the mangroves to see the large blue herons and other birds that frequent this wonderful natural area," Dr. Beach said.
Dr. Beach, whose real name is Stephen Leatherman, is a professor at Florida International University. He reviews and rates beaches in his annual ranking and also increases awareness about rip currents and promotes no smoking at beaches, according to his website.
Since 1991, Dr. Beach has released the list of America's Best Beaches on Memorial Day weekend to mark the unofficial start of summer and the beginning of beach season.
Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park in Naples also made the top 10 coming in at number eight. The number one beach was in Hawaii and you can check out the full list here.
