Dr. Beach picked Caladesi Island as the best beach in the 2008 ranking for his annual list, which was released Thursday.

Caladesi’s fine, white quartz sand beach owes its creation to a 1921 hurricane, which separated it from nearby Honeymoon Island. Caladesi became a state park in 1968.

“It’s an island getaway,” said Leatherman

Caladesi Island beat out beaches in Hawaii Beach for this year’s honor.

This year’s runners-up on Leatherman’s list of best beaches were
Hanalei Beach, Hawaii,
Siesta Beach in Sarasota, Fla.,
Coopers Beach in Southampton, New York,
Coronado Beach in San Diego,
Main Beach in East Hampton, New York,
Hamoa Beach, Hawaii,
Cape Hatteras, N.C.,
Cape Florida State Park near Miami,
Beachwalker Park on Kiawah Island, S.C.

Popularity: 2% [?]

Caladesi Island has been named the nation’s best beach by Stephen Leatherman, also known as Dr. Beach.

Caladesi’s fine, white quartz sand beach owes its creation to a 1921 hurricane, which separated it from nearby Honeymoon Island. Caladesi became a state park in 1968.

“It’s an island getaway,” said Leatherman

The runners-up were
Hanalei Beach, Hawaii,
Siesta Beach in Sarasota, Fla.,
Coopers Beach in Southampton, New York,
Coronado Beach in San Diego,
Main Beach in East Hampton, New York,
Hamoa Beach, Hawaii,
Cape Hatteras, N.C.,
Cape Florida State Park near Miami,
Beachwalker Park on Kiawah Island, S.C.

Popularity: 2% [?]