BEST BEACHES: Top Ten U.S. Shores of 2009 in Pictures

BEST BEACHES: Top Ten U.S. Shores of 2009 in Pictures
BEST BEACHES: Top Ten U.S. Shores of 2009 in Pictures
BEST BEACHES: Top Ten U.S. Shores of 2009 in Pictures
BEST BEACHES: Top Ten U.S. Shores of 2009 in Pictures
BEST BEACHES: Top Ten U.S. Shores of 2009 in Pictures
BEST BEACHES: Top Ten U.S. Shores of 2009 in Pictures
BEST BEACHES: Top Ten U.S. Shores of 2009 in Pictures
BEST BEACHES: Top Ten U.S. Shores of 2009 in Pictures
BEST BEACHES: Top Ten U.S. Shores of 2009 in Pictures
BEST BEACHES: Top Ten U.S. Shores of 2009 in Pictures
More
News
Photos
BEST BEACHES: Top Ten U.S. Shores of 2009 in Pictures
<< Previous   4 of 10   Next >>
4. Coronado Beach, San Diego, California

A "veritable oasis by the sea," San Diego's Coronado Beach (above, a man searches for sand dollars) has lush subtropical vegetation, a Mediterranean climate, and a warm and mild surf, according to coastal expert Stephen Leatherman.

A local landmark, the Hotel del Coronado, was built more than a hundred years ago and offers "spectacular" architecture, he added.

Leatherman rated Coronado as the fourth best beach in America in his list of the top ten beaches of 2009. The annual ranking, now in its 19th year, has a positive impact on the managers of poorer-quality beaches, he said.

"We're recognizing those great-quality beaches, and it's something for the others to aspire to."
—Photograph by Scott M. Lieberman/AP
 

MOST VIEWED NEWS

5 "Oddball" Crocs Discovered, Including Dinosaur-Eater

Giant Lungless "Worm" Found Living on Land

STRANGE CROC PICTURES: New Dino-Eater, Galloper, More
NEWS FEEDS    After installing a news reader, click on this icon to download National Geographic News's XML/RSS feed. After installing a news reader, click on this icon to download National Geographic News's XML/RSS feed.

Get our news delivered directly to your desktop—free.
How to Use XML or RSS




 

50 Drives of a Lifetime

Listen to your favorite National Geographic news daily, anytime, anywhere from your mobile phone. No wires or syncing. Download Stitcher free today.