Caladesi Island, Fla., tops Dr. Beach's 2008 list

Thu May 22, 2:30 PM ET

CALADESI ISLAND, Fla. - The sand and surf of Caladesi Island, a state park in Florida, topped the 2008 list of best beaches from "Dr. Beach," the Florida International University professor Stephen P. Leatherman.

The runners-up on Leatherman's annual list of best beaches were Hanalei Beach, Hawaii; Siesta Beach in Sarasota, Fla.; Coopers Beach in Southampton, N.Y.; Coronado Beach in San Diego; Main Beach in East Hampton, N.Y.; Hamoa Beach, Hawaii; Cape Hatteras, N.C.; Cape Florida State Park near Miami; and Beachwalker Park on Kiawah Island, S.C.

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.

The waves are generally low on Caladesi, which Leatherman said adds to its family friendly atmosphere. He uses 50 criteria — including quality tests on water, sand and amenities — to make his assessments.

"It's not just about going out and kicking sand," Leatherman said.

He noted that despite being in the densely populated Tampa Bay-area, many nearby residents have never visited Caladesi.

Most beachgoers reach the island by a 15-minute, $9 ferry ride. A state park, visitors — unless they bring their own boat — are limited to four-hour stays.

While more remote than the tourist mainstays of Clearwater or Miami, Caladesi still boasts showers, restrooms, kayak and beach chair rentals, and a snack bar where burgers and beer are available.