Stephen P. Leatherman, the Florida university professor dubbed "Dr. Beach," must spend an awful lot of time close to home.

His top 10 list of America's best beaches for 2008 includes three in Florida - including his No. 1, Caladesi Island near Clearwater - two in the Carolinas and one in New York. Only three lie west of the Mississippi River: Hanalei in Kauai (No. 2), Coronado in San Diego (No. 5) and Hamoa in Maui (No. 7).

The complete list can be found at www.drbeach.org, but for any details about a particular beach, you'll have to buy his book (also available on the Web site).

Caladesi's somewhat remote location - it's a barrier island - factored into Dr. Beach's rankings. "It's an island getaway," said Leatherman, who has released his annual list since 1991. He noted that despite being in the densely populated Tampa Bay-area, many nearby residents have never visited Caladesi.

Most beachgoers reach the island by a 15-minute, $9 ferry ride. Visitors - unless they bring their own boat - are limited to four-hour stays at the beach, which is a state park.

While more remote than the tourist mainstays of Clearwater or Miami, Caladesi still boasts showers, restrooms, kayak and beach chair rentals, and a snack bar where burgers and beer are available.

Caladesi's fine, white quartz sand beach owes its creation to a 1921 hurricane, which separated it from nearby Honeymoon Island. Caladesi became a state park in 1968.

The waves are generally low on Caladesi, which Leatherman said adds to its family friendly atmosphere. He uses 50 criteria - including quality tests on water, sand and amenities - to make his assessments.

"It's not just about going out and kicking sand," Leatherman said.

Leatherman compiles his list as part of the National Healthy Beaches Campaign, and this year plans a TV special featuring the nation's best beaches.

Caladesi touts itself as "the real Florida," which is on display on a nature trail that cuts through the center of island. Palmetto scrubs, palm and pine trees sprout from the sandy ground, osprey nests can be seen in the highest branches and lizards and other small animals dart through the leaves.

"It's really the idyllic environment," Leatherman said.