Best U.S. beaches 2011

Florida Division of Recreation and Parks

Florida International University professor Steven Leatherman conducts a survey each year to rank the best beaches in the United States. At no. 10 is Cape Florida State Park near Miami.

Photo: View of lighthouse framed by coconut palm trees alongside the aquamarine-colored Atlantic Ocean.

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No. 9 - Waimanalo Bay Beach Park, Oahu, Hawaii

01117.waimanolo_jogger.jpg — Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA) / Sri Maiava Rusden

Waimanalo Beach is a favorite of locals. It didn't make the list in 2010.

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No. 8 - Coast Guard Beach, Cape Cod, Mass.

Coast Guard Beach returns to the list for another year.

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No. 7 - Beachwalker Park, Kiawah Island, S.C.

AP Photo/Charleston Area Convention & Visitors Bureau

Beachwalker Park on Kiawah Island is no. 7 again.

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No. 6 - St. George Island State Park, Florida Panhandle

A smooth white sand beach with blue skies and wispy clouds at St. George Island State Park.

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No. 5 - Cape Hatteras in North Carolina

AP Photo/Courtesy of the Outer Banks Visitors Bureau

Buxton Beach at Cape Hatteras in North Carolina's Outer Banks. Cape Hatteras was at no. 4 in 2010.

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No. 4 - Main Beach, East Hampton, N.Y.

Main Beach moved up a spot on the list in 2011.

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No. 3 - Kahanamoku Beach in Waikiki, Honolulu

AP Photo/Hilton Hawaiian Village Beach Resort & Spa

Kahanamoku Beach in Waikiki jumps three spots from its sixth place finish in 2010.

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No. 2 - Coronado Beach, San Diego

AP Photo/San Diego Convention & Visitors Bureau

Coronado Beach in San Diego moves up a spot from third to second place this year.

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No. 1 - Siesta Beach, Sarasota, Fla.

Siesta Key, Sarasota, Fla. Siesta Key is no. 1 for the first time on Dr. Beach's list.

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Photos: Top 10 beaches 2010