Top 10 Coastal States for Spending Summer by the Shore

As the sun sets later over the horizon and the familiar song of the ice cream truck returns to suburban streets we at Estately are day-dreaming about long, lazy days at the beach. With this in mind we set out to find the best coastal states for lounging ocean-side. We researched where sharks seem willing to share the water limb-tax free, where the waves are warmest, but the rain is scarce and, of course, where the tastiest ice cream awaits.

Here are the criteria we used to find our results…

1. Summer sun: The average temperature for the months of June, July and August (source: weather.com)
2. Dip a toe: The average ocean temperature for the months of June, July and August (currentresults.com)
3. Clear skies: The inches of rain during June, July and August (NOAA National Climatic Data Center)
4. Get off my beach: The miles of tidal shoreline (US census data)
5. Burning up: The rate of skin cancer out of 10,000 people (CDC)
6. Sail away: Number of boats registered in 2012 (US Coast Guard)
7. Steer clear: Number of boat accidents in 2012 (US Coast Guard)
8. Jaws: The number of shark attacks from 1837-2013 (University of Florida’s International Shark Attack File via USA Today)
9. A little extra something: Each coastal state earned bonus points for ice cream shops listed in Thrillist’s 21 Best Ice Cream Shops in America and for making Dr. Beach’s definitive Top 10 Beach list.

Top 10 states profiles:

1. New York: New York might not have the warmest waters, at an average temperature of 69° F, but, with one of the lowest skin cancer rates of its coastal cousins, 2014 really can be the summer of no regrets. Long Island’s Coopers Beach and East Hampton Main Beach have both made it onto Dr. Beaches coveted list. For a tasty treat check out Ample Hills or Big Gay Ice Cream.
2. California: The Golden State has the least summer rainfall, but with the 4th highest boat accident rate and 3^rd highest number of shark attacks, it might be best to enjoy the sun from its 3,427 miles of shoreline. Dr. Beach recommends Coronado Beach and if you’re craving something cold Bi-Rite and Humphry Slocombe, and Scoops make the list.
3. Mississippi: You don’t have to worry about taking a dip with the great whites, but bring an umbrella because Mississippi ranks top ten for its summer showers. You can also check out MOOmers Homemade Ice Cream.
4. Texas: With ocean temperatures in the 80s and few clouds in sight Texas’ beaches will have you on cloud 9, unless of course you visit Cloud 10 Creamery.
5. Massachusetts: Leave those parked cars and head for the water. The sharks are barely nipping and Coast Guard Beach is calling. Also check out Dairy Joy or Toscanini Ice Cream.
6. Louisiana: Summer time and living’s easy. With nearly 8,000 miles of coastline and nothing to worry about but gators, Louisiana has a lot to offer. Creole Creamery comes highly recommended.
7. North Carolina: Get your towel ready and bring your flippie-floppies because you’re on a boat. North Carolina ranks top 10 in boat registration and steers clear of high accident rates. If you’re not the sea-faring type, go build sand castles at Cape Hatteras.
8. Oregon: Soak up the sun knowing you’ll stay dry, but don’t leave the SPF at home because Oregon ranks top 5 for skin cancer risk. And if you’re dreaming of the 90s stop by Portland’s Salt & Straw ice cream shop.
9. New Jersey: Take a break from the gym and laundry to get your tan on. Jersey’s warm waters and Cliff’s Homemade Ice Cream await.
10. Florida: The sunshine state seems to offer everything in abundance. Hot temps, the most boats and boating accidents, high chances of rain, lots of sharks and shoreline, and some chart topping beaches. Dr. Beach lists Barefoot Beach Bonita Springs, Caladesi Island State Park, Siesta Beach, and St. Andrews State Park to name a few.

Bottom 5 states profiles:

1. New Hampshire: With very little shoreline, not-so-warm water and high skin cancer rates, New Hampshire can at least promise its sharks are largely pescitarian.
2. Delaware: It may have slightly more shoreline than New Hampshire, but it makes up for the lack with more shark attacks and rain.
3. Rhode Island: Despite its name, Rhode Island is no paradise beach get away. It doesn’t have many boat accidents, but there aren’t too many boats either.
4. Connecticut: Connecticut seems intent on following the trend of little coastline and lots of water, the kind falling from the sky that is.
5. Virginia: Probably best to stay away from hollow things that float here. Despite having the lowest boat registration, Virginia still ranks 31^st (out of all 50 states) for boat accidents.

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