coopers beach

Coopers Beach in Southampton named best in US in annual survey by Dr. Beach

If you want to visit the top beach in the US, only a traffic-jammed ride away on LIE.

Coopers Beach in Southampton grabbed the best beach billing in the rankings compiled by the man appropriately dubbed Dr. Beach.

Dr. Stephen P. Leatherman's annual list marks its 20th year by honoring the sandy shores of Coopers Beach. Main Beach in Easthampton also made the cut, taking the fifth spot.

Criteria Leatherman uses for his rankings include: water temperature, sand softness, number of waves, smells and the presence of jellyfish.

However, unless you ride your bike to the beach, prepare to pay $40 to park your car at Coopers.

Here is Dr. Beach's Top 10 list:

1. Coopers Beach, Southampton, NY

2. Siesta Beach, Sarasota, Fla.

3. Coronado Beach, San Diego, Calif.

4. Cape Hatteras, Outers Banks, NC

5. Main Beach, East Hampton, NY

6. Kahanamoku Beach, Wakiki, Oahu, Hawaii

7. Coast Guard Beach, Cape Cod, Mass.

8. Beachwalker Park, Kiawah Island, SC

9. Hamoa Beach, Maui, Hawaii