Stephen Leatherman

Stephen Leatherman

scientist United States

Stephen Leatherman, also known as 'Dr. Beach,' is a renowned coastal scientist and professor at Florida International University. He is celebrated for his annual rankings of the best beaches in the United States, a tradition he has upheld since 1991. Leatherman employs a detailed 50-factor checklist to evaluate beaches, considering aspects like cleanliness, safety, and water quality. His expertise and rankings are highly regarded, often influencing beachgoers' destinations. In 2025, he named Cooper's Beach in Southampton, New York, as the top beach in the U.S., highlighting its stunning natural beauty and amenities.

Global Media Ratings
Dominance
0.02%
Persistence
0 wks
Reach
208,440
Power
13,224$
Sentiment
8.50
Countries Mentioned
Country Mentions Sentiment Dominance + Persistence x Population = Reach x GDP (millions) = Power
United States 2 8.50 0.06% +0% 331,002,651 208,440 $21,000,000 13,224$
Totals 2 331,002,651 208,440 $21,000,000 13,224$
Interactive World Map

Each country's color is based on "Mentions" from the table above.

Recent Mentions

United States United States: Stephen Leatherman, aka 'Dr. Beach,' just released his rankings of the top places in the US to enjoy the sun, sand and surf. 8

CNN: Demise of the penny, Harvard fight escalates, oldest reptile footprints: Catch up on the day’s stories

United States United States: Stephen Leatherman, known as Dr. Beach, is a coastal scientist who ranks the best beaches in the US. 9

CNN: The top 10 US beaches for 2025, according to ‘Dr. Beach’