Greater East End coverage is funded in part by The Watershed Kitchen & Inn — a warm, stylish North Fork destination in S. Jamesport featuring elevated comfort food, craft cocktails and beautiful boutique accommodations.
One of America’s top beaches for 2026 is once again right here on Long Island.
Main Beach in East Hampton has been named the No. 5 beach in the United States for 2026 by coastal expert Dr. Stephen Leatherman, better known across the country as “Dr. Beach.”
Released this week ahead of Memorial Day weekend, Dr. Beach‘s annual list of America’s Best Beaches has become one of the unofficial kickoff traditions of summer tourism season across the country.
Natural beauty
Main Beach earned praise from Leatherman for its mix of natural beauty and classic Hamptons charm.
“Main Beach provides the perfect blend of nature and built environment,” Leatherman wrote in this year’s review. “The big, wide sandy beach composed of grainy quartz grains has towering sand dunes and beautiful clean and clear blue water.”
Leatherman also noted the beach’s centuries-old conservation protections and its reputation as a celebrity favorite tucked into East Hampton’s quieter seaside setting.
Hawaii counts four beaches on the list; Florida has three.
Dr. Beach’s Top 10 Beaches in America for 2026
- Poipu Beach, Kauai, Hawaii
- St. Andrews State Park, Panama City, Florida
- Caladesi Island State Park, Dunedin/Clearwater, Florida
- Wailea Beach, Maui, Hawaii
- Main Beach, East Hampton, New York
- Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park, Naples, Florida
- Beachwalker Park, Kiawah Island, South Carolina
- Kaunaoa, Big Island, Hawaii
- Lanikai Beach, Oahu, Hawaii
- Coast Guard Beach, Cape Cod, Massachusetts
Leatherman, a professor and director of the Laboratory for Coastal Research at Florida International University, has published his highly anticipated beach rankings every year since 1991. His evaluations are based on dozens of criteria, including sand quality, water color, safety, environmental management and scenic beauty.
🌞 EARLY RISES🌞
The sun will rise on Main Beach before 5:30 a.m. every day until July 15
“Dr. Beach” is often featured on national television networks and in newspapers and tourism publications as the weather heats up.
Cooper Beach was No. 1 in 2025
Long Island beaches have become regular fixtures on the list in recent years. Last year, Coopers Beach in Southampton claimed the No. 1 spot in the nation, while Main Beach also landed at No. 5.
Coopers Beach has appeared multiple times near the top of the rankings, driving home the East End’s reputation as home to some of the country’s premier oceanfront destinations.
In announcing this year’s rankings, Leatherman also continued his long-running efforts to promote beach safety awareness, particularly dangers associated with rip currents, while encouraging smoke-free beaches nationwide.
Top: Photo by Clay LeConey.
Your Long Island news, delivered.
Subscribe to the GLI Newsletter — its free
