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If we're talking about the beach itself? Nothing really compares to that stretch of sand between Fort Morgan, Alabama, and Panama City Beach, Florida.
If we're talking about scenery and environment off the beach, that's a lot more subjective. Hawaii is spectacular. California is nice but crowded. South Florida? Fuhgeddaboutit. Texas? Only been to Galveston, so I might not be a good judge, but I didn't like the beach there at all.
And, really, it's not just the beach. It's WHERE you are on the beach and what you enjoy. Hey, if you are looking to party all night and burn off your hangover the next day, it's Miami Beach. If you're a grown up and want to chill, then it's the Alabama/Florida Gulf Coast or some isolated place in Hawaii.
If we're talking about the beach itself? Nothing really compares to that stretch of sand between Fort Morgan, Alabama, and Panama City Beach, Florida.
If we're talking about scenery and environment off the beach, that's a lot more subjective. Hawaii is spectacular. California is nice but crowded. South Florida? Fuhgeddaboutit. Texas? Only been to Galveston, so I might not be a good judge, but I didn't like the beach there at all.
And, really, it's not just the beach. It's WHERE you are on the beach and what you enjoy. Hey, if you are looking to party all night and burn off your hangover the next day, it's Miami Beach. If you're a grown up and want to chill, then it's the Alabama/Florida Gulf Coast or some isolated place in Hawaii.
Not surprised that SoCal is winning this poll, as Hawaii, although fascinating, is very isolated, and FL/TX are just too hot..
Not surprised that SoCal is winning this poll, as Hawaii, althugh fascinating, is very isolated, and FL/TX are just too hot..
That's kind of a relative thing. Personally, there's nothing appealing about the frigid water off the Southern California coast.
And that's sort of the point. To me, the ideal beach is one that isn't wall-to-wall with people. It doesn't have 5,000 nightclubs and bars on the beach. It's the kind of place where you can hear yourself think and relax with a book and a beer under your beach umbrella.
Meanwhile there are those who thrive off that kind of stuff. More power to them. It's just not for me.
If we're talking about the beach itself? Nothing really compares to that stretch of sand between Fort Morgan, Alabama, and Panama City Beach, Florida.
If we're talking about scenery and environment off the beach, that's a lot more subjective. Hawaii is spectacular. California is nice but crowded. South Florida? Fuhgeddaboutit. Texas? Only been to Galveston, so I might not be a good judge, but I didn't like the beach there at all.
And, really, it's not just the beach. It's WHERE you are on the beach and what you enjoy. Hey, if you are looking to party all night and burn off your hangover the next day, it's Miami Beach. If you're a grown up and want to chill, then it's the Alabama/Florida Gulf Coast or some isolated place in Hawaii.
It really isn't. Again, the best beach in Texas is down there south of Corpus. But again, it still doesn't belong in the conversation with these three.
That's kind of a relative thing. Personally, there's nothing appealing about the frigid water off the Southern California coast.
And that's sort of the point. To me, the ideal beach is one that isn't wall-to-wall with people. It doesn't have 5,000 nightclubs and bars on the beach. It's the kind of place where you can hear yourself think and relax with a book and a beer under your beach umbrella.
Meanwhile there are those who thrive off that kind of stuff. More power to them. It's just not for me.
That's one of the reasons I live most of my life enveloped in air.
As others have alluded to, this is indeed quite a loaded question. Therefore, I have various ranks for each aspect, best to worst from top to bottom. Feel free to reply with any questions or comments:
Winter Climate:
Hawaii
South Florida
Central Florida/South Texas (tie)
Southern California
North Florida
Summer Climate:
Hawaii
Central Florida/North Florida/South Florida (tie)
South Texas
Southern California
Overall Climate:
Hawaii
South Florida
Central Florida
North Florida/South Texas
Southern California
Beach Aesthetics (sand and water at the beach):
Hawaii
South Florida
Central Florida/North Florida/South Texas (tie)
Southern California
Beach Aesthetics (natural scenery around the beach):
Hawaii
Southern California/South Florida/Central Florida/North Florida (tie)
South Texas
Beach Aesthetics (built environment of beach cities):
South Florida
Southern California
Central Florida
Hawaii
North Florida
South Texas
How The Beaches Leverage Culture:
Hawaii
Southern California
South Florida
Central Florida
North Florida
South Texas
I lived on the island of Oahu. I didn't live on the beach. I lived somewhat near the beach though. The weather is regulated by the ocean at a constant 80-85 degrees which is excellent no complaints there . My only gripe with Hawaii in my experience is that the locals aren't really friendly in fact they are kind of cliquish and sometimes hostile especially if your'e white. I mean I made a few friends in Hawaii but it was kind of frustrating at times. Southern California is where I am from and I have lived on the beach for a few years. It was nice. The water isn't as warm as Hawaii's but there's more different climate regions ie deserts mountains valley etc and more stuff to do than Hawaii.
Hawaiian beaches and Florida beaches are very beautiful, would be great to visit but I am currently suffering the 91% of humidity with 74 Dew Point in 76 degree at 3:13 AM in subtropical Asia, and I’m right on the coast. My parents’ house literally sits by the Pacific Ocean and the mountain. (whoever embraces urban walkability should try to walk in the high humidity. I’m turning down all kinds of social invites because I almost just want Uber everywhere.-and I love to walk!. No, I have now a perfectly legit licence, physically and medically, to never live in humidity again.)
Florida coastal climate is perfect for winter, absolutely. Hawaii has the most perfect scenery among all. Both can be very humid however. I’ve never been to South Texas so can’t comment. For overall all-year round coastal climate to live though: Southern California.
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I’m turning down all kinds of social invites because I almost just want Uber everywhere.-and I love to walk!. No, I have now a perfectly legit licence, physically and medically, to never live in humidity again.) 
