Best beaches for 1996

Hawaii and Florida have claimed 15 of the country's 20 best beaches. Here's the list for 1996, from University of Maryland professor Stephen Leatherman, a k a "Dr. Beach."

1. Lanikai Beach, Hawaii; 2. Kailua, Hawaii; 3. Caladesi Island State Park, Fla.; 4. Kaunaoa, Hawaii; 5. Wailea, Hawaii; 6. Hulopoe, Hawaii; 7. Cape Florida State Recreation Area, Fla.; 8. Fort Desoto Park, Fla.; 9. Hanalei Beach, Hawaii; 10. Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Recreation Area, Fla.; 11. St. Joseph Peninsula State Park, Fla.; 12. St. George Island State Park, Fla.; 13. Ocracoke Island, N.C.; 14. Perdido Key State Recreation Area, Fla.; 15. Sand Key Park, Fla.; 16. East Hampton Beach, N.Y.; 17. Westhampton Beach, N.Y.; 18. Bald Head Island, N.C.; 19. Coast Guard Beach, Mass.; 20. Clam Pass Park, Fla.

Best Walking Beaches: Gay Head, Martha's Vineyard, Mass.; Hammocks Beach State Park, N.C.; Crescent Beach, Siesta Key, Fla.; Carmel Beach, Calif.; Kailua Beach, Oahu.

Best Wild Beaches: Jasper Beach, Maine; Cumberland Island, Ga.; Padre Island, Texas; Shi Shi Beach, Wash.; Kalalua Beach State Park, Hawaii.

Most Romantic Beaches: East Hampton, N.Y.; Kiawah Island, S.C.; Captiva Island, Fla.; Santa Catalina Island, Calif.; Hermosa Beach, Hana, Maui.

Pub Date: 6/16/96