Whether you want to snorkel in crystal-clear coves, surf the biggest breaks in the U.S., or tread along a rocky shore, there’s a spectacular U.S. beach for you. But with so many options, where should you begin?

We’ve turned to the definitive expert to round up the best-of-the-best beaches in the nation: Dr. Beach, aka Dr. Stephen P. Leatherman, professor and director of the Laboratory for Coastal Research at Florida International University. The author of "America’s Best Beaches" and more than a dozen other books, Dr. Beach uses 50 criteria to compile an annual list to take the guesswork out of planning your summer beach vacation.

Here are his picks for the top 10 beaches in the U.S...plus information on where to stay nearby for extended R&R.