This year marks the 20th Anniversary of my list of America's Best Beaches.  As with each year, I hope that this year's list will pique your interest in visiting the destinations spotlighted.  However, please also take the time to explore and appreciate those spectacular beaches that may exist within hours or minutes of your front door.  These sandy playgrounds that line our coasts are the most extensive natural parks in the country. Nothing restores the body and soul like a stay at the beach.

I designed a beach rating scheme to provide an objective appraisal of major public recreational areas.  Fifty criteria with a sliding scale from 1 to 5 are used to measure the quality of swimming beaches.  View the criteria here.