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(CNN) — A wild expanse on North Carolina’s Outer Banks has earned the highest spot on an annual listing of America’s greatest seashores.
Ocracoke Island’s Lifeguarded Seashore is the No. 1 stretch of sand for 2022, in response to coastal scientist Stephen Leatherman, also called “Dr. Seashore.”
Leatherman, a professor and director of the Laboratory for Coastal Analysis at Florida Worldwide College, has been rating America’s greatest seashores since 1991.
“I like this space as a result of it has the three issues that you should must make an important seashore: clear sand, clear water and seashore security,” Leatherman instructed CNN Journey Wednesday morning from the shores of Ocracoke, the place it was windy with a small surf.
Ocracoke Island in North Carolina’s Outer Banks is decidedly unfussy.
JeanCHebert/iStockphoto/Getty Photos
Ocracoke is simply accessible by way of personal airplane or boat and ferry service, which accommodates automobiles and RVs.
Among the nation’s wildest seashores are discovered right here, in response to Leatherman. He cautions that households with youngsters may need to go to earlier in the summertime as late summer time brings large surf.
“Do not anticipate to play golf or keep on the Ritz; the primary pursuits are swimming and beachcombing in addition to exploring the historic village,” Leatherman mentioned within the seashore’s description on his annual listing.
What NOT to pack? Golf golf equipment and excessive heels, Go to Ocracoke says. “That is an island, nevertheless it’s not a resort,” its web site says. Strolling to dinner in informal apparel — even for Ocracoke’s most upscale eateries — is inspired.
Beachfront lodging is restricted to 1 Nationwide Park Service campground, so most guests keep within the village a pair miles from the seashore.
Extra of the highest US seashores
A second Outer Banks seashore, Lighthouse Seashore in Buxton on Hatteras Island is No. 6 this 12 months. This seashore was the location of the previous spiral-striped Cape Hatteras Lighthouse till erosion prompted its transfer about 3,000 ft inland in 1999.
So how did North Carolina safe two of the highest 10 slots this 12 months?
Leatherman provides additional credit score for no smoking and each of the Outer Banks seashores prohibit smoking, he mentioned. “And in addition seashore security is essential. The largest hazard on seashores is rip currents. Each these seashores have actually good lifeguard packages.”
“You are available by the ferry and undergo the mangroves, so there’s a whole lot of chicken life there, nice fishing there as nicely,” Leatherman mentioned.
The water at Caladesi tends to be a lot calmer than at No. 1 Ocracoke. One factor to be careful for: stingrays.
“Simply shuffle your ft and so they take off,” Leatherman mentioned.
Duke Kahanamoku Seashore in Oahu, Hawaii, is No. 5 on this 12 months’s greatest seashores listing.
Levy Wiener/Adobe Inventory
Seashores in California, South Carolina and Massachusetts seem within the second half of the rankings.
“We’re fortunate, right here in america we actually have tons of of lovely seashores … and these are simply the highest 10,” Leatherman mentioned.
This is the total High 10 listing:
High 10 seashores listing for 2022
1. Ocracoke Lifeguarded Seashore, Outer Banks of North Carolina
2. Caladesi Island State Park, Dunedin/Clearwater, Florida
3. Coopers Seashore, Southampton, New York
4. St. George Island State Park, Florida Panhandle
5. Duke Kahanamoku Seashore, Oahu, Hawaii
6. Lighthouse Seashore, Buxton, Outer Banks of North Carolina
7. Coronado Seashore, San Diego, California
8. Wailea Seashore, Maui, Hawaii
9. Beachwalker Park, Kiawah Island, South Carolina
10. Coast Guard Seashore, Cape Cod, Massachusetts
