Dr. Beach names 2011's top beach in the USA

Who the &$(* is Dr. Beach?   He's a Florida International University professor by the real name of Steven Leatherman.   And every year Dr. Beach puts out a list of the beaches according to sand, water quality, weather, facilities and crowds. 

This years best beach?  Siesta Key, Florida.  Siesta Key is south of the Tampa Bay area on the west side of Florida facing the Gulf of Mexico.   According to Leatherman Siesta Key has "40 acres of almost pure quartz crystal sand."  The area also has gentle currents making swimming safer for all.  I've personally been to Siesta Key and it is very nice, if not a little boring.  If you want an active night life, forget it.  If you want topless or nude sunbathing, go elsewhere.  If you want to chill with the kids for a week, you're good.  If you're 70 years old and like to just kick back, it's perfect.

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The runner-up beach was San Diego's Coronado Beach, followed by Kahanamoku Beach in Waikiki, Honolulu; Main Beach, East Hampton, N.Y.; Cape Hatteras in North Carolina; St. George Island State Park, Florida Panhandle; Beachwalker Park, Kiawah Island, S.C.; Coast Guard Beach, Cape Cod, Mass.; Waimanalo Bay Beach Park, Oahu; and Cape Florida State Park near Miami.