Every year, a coastal scientist known as Dr. Beach releases his Top 10 list of the best beaches in the United States. In 2025, Florida once again made the cut — and one beach didn’t just make the list, it cracked the Top 5 nationally, making it officially the best beach in the Sunshine State.
What makes this win even more remarkable? Just last year, this very stretch of sand was nearly destroyed by hurricanes.
Who Is Dr. Beach — And Why Should You Care?
If you’re wondering who exactly this “Dr. Beach” guy is, his real name is Dr. Stephen Leatherman, a coastal scientist, professor, and author at Florida International University. He also directs the school’s Laboratory for Coastal Research and has spent decades studying beaches.
He’s published more than 20 books, and his annual list of America’s best beaches has been covered everywhere from National Geographic to The New York Times. Translation: when it comes to sand, tides, and shoreline science, this is the guy. His rating system uses 50 criteria, from water quality and safety to beach management and natural features.
Meanwhile, most of us evaluate beaches with one question: Did I get sand in weird places?
Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park
For 2025, the highest-ranked Florida entry — and the state’s best beach — is Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park in Naples, which landed at #4 in the United States. Another Florida favorite, St. Andrews State Park in Panama City, also ranked highly at #7.
But let’s be honest — how many people outside of Naples had even heard of Delnor-Wiggins before this? It’s not exactly a household name like Siesta Key or South Beach. And that’s part of its charm.
Delnor-Wiggins is a mile-long stretch of soft, powdery quartz sand on a 166-acre barrier island. Unlike more developed beaches lined with high-rises and crowded streets, here you’ll find shady pines, mangroves, and calm Gulf waters.
Why Did Delnor-Wiggins Win?
This park checks nearly every box on Dr. Beach’s 50-point system. The sand is white and cool underfoot, the water is calm and crystal clear, and the surrounding environment is rich with wildlife.
Visitors might spot bald eagles circling overhead, loggerhead sea turtles nesting in the dunes, or even manatees grazing just offshore. Recreational opportunities include:
- Paddleboarding on the calm Gulf water
- Kayaking through the mangroves
- Fishing at the pass
- Shelling along the tide line
- Snorkeling with tropical fish
It’s the kind of beach where you can just relax in the sand — or find yourself face-to-face with an osprey swooping down for its next meal. Beautiful for you. Not so much for the fish.
A Remarkable Comeback Story
What makes this recognition even more special is the fact that Delnor-Wiggins has been through hell in recent years.
- In 2022, Hurricane Ian caused extensive damage to the beach and facilities.
- In 2024, Hurricanes Helene and Milton added more destruction.
Boardwalks were wrecked, dunes eroded, and the park was forced to close. Many thought it might stay that way for years. But by early 2025, the beach reopened — and just months later, it was crowned one of the best beaches in the nation.
That’s an impressive comeback by any measure.
Tips for Visiting Delnor-Wiggins
If you’re ready to experience Florida’s new crown jewel, here’s what you need to know:
- Hours: Open daily from 8 a.m. until sundown
- Admission: $6 per vehicle, or $4 for single-occupant cars
- Amenities: Chair and umbrella rentals are available, or you can bring your own
- Safety: The beach uses Florida’s colored flag system for surf and swimming conditions — pay attention to the flags!
Insider tip: go on a weekday morning. You’ll have more space to yourself (aside from a few snowbirds doing sunrise water aerobics).
Florida’s Long Legacy on Dr. Beach’s List
Delnor-Wiggins isn’t the first Florida beach to capture national attention. Over the years, several Florida destinations have topped Dr. Beach’s rankings, including:
- St. Andrews State Park – 1992
- Grayton Beach State Park – 1994
- St. Joseph Peninsula State Park – 2002
- Fort De Soto Park – 2005
- Caladesi Island State Park – 2008
- Siesta Beach – 2011 & 2017
Originally, any beach that hit #1 was retired permanently from the list. But in 2016, Dr. Beach changed the rules, allowing past winners to return — though they can never take the top spot again. That’s why St. Andrews State Park showed up again in 2025 at #7.
Florida is full of famous beaches, but in 2025 the spotlight belongs to an under-the-radar barrier island in Naples. Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park went from hurricane devastation to national recognition in just a few short years.
It’s proof that the Sunshine State’s natural beauty — and resilience — continues to shine.
So what do you think? Did Dr. Beach get it right? Which Florida beach deserves the crown in your opinion?
