Coopers Beach in Southampton

Was anyone else surprised to see Dr. Beach’s 2010 pick for Best Beach of 2010?  I trust the guy, but I thought I knew my great beaches pretty well and I wasn’t familiar with this one.  I think my visions in my head of the perfect beach are different than his, as are his criteria. Cooper’s Beach is Southampton, on the eastern end of Long Island. Long Island has its share of pretty beaches; I can remember a few of them from when I was a kid. I’ve never hung out in the Hamptons, so I guess I’m missing out!

Beware of parking fees when visiting this beach, though. As this article points out, it’s better to park in town and then walk or bike in. $35 on weekends, yikes!

For me, the perfect beach has to be in a tropical locale with swaying palm trees. Luckily, there are plenty of those to go around!

What are your thoughts?