Florida International University professor Dr. Stephen Leatherman, better known as Dr. Beach, chose Caladesi Island State Park as his top U.S. beach for 2008. Nine other beaches from around the country made the list, which was unveiled just in time for the upcoming long holiday weekend.

Caladesi Island is located just north of Clearwater, Florida, and was formed by a hurricane in 1921 which separated it from the nearby Honeymoon Island. It's beaches became a state park in 1968. According to Dr. Beach, the waves are generally low on Caladesi, which adds to the already family-friendly atmosphere. Additional, Caladesi beaches have showers, restrooms, kayak and beach chair rentals, as well as a snack bar where you can pick up burgers and beer. It costs $9 to take a ferry to the island, and there's a four hour limit on stays.

Other top beaches making the list year included:

#2 - Hanalei Beach - Kauai, Hawaii
#3 - Siesta Beach - Sarasota, Florida
#4 - Coopers Beach - Southampton, New York
#5 - Coronado Beach - San Diego, California
#6 - Main Beach - East Hampton, New York
#7 - Hamoa Beach - Maui, Hawaii
#8 - Cape Hateras - Outer Banks of North Carolina
#9 - Cape Florida State Park - Key Biscayne, Florida
#10 - Beachwalker Park - Kiawah Island, South Carolina