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Correct me if I’m wrong—isn’t red tide more prevalent on the Gulf Coast?….during the 5 summer months, no question the Atlantic side—at least in SoFla—is more tolerable / comfortable due to ocean breezes.
Red tide is horrible on the gulf, at least in Sarasota where my family lives
Gulf side: Shallow, warm, bath tub with practically little to no waves and very susceptible to red tide…Nice sand though. Oh and Hurricanes gain tremendous strength on the gulf side due to the above listed attributes.
Atlantic side(South Florida): Much larger waves, much cooler and refreshing water (can be too cold at times) Sand isn’t as nice (generally). More “adult” type beaches (nude, if that’s your thing). More famous beaches with a much higher probability of celebrity sightseeing (again if that’s your thing).
Overall I find the gulf side to be more kid/toddler friendly, but better than South Florida’s beaches? I suppose if you’re crowd adverse, older, from the Midwest, or on a budget…sure.
Both have very crowded, and not so crowded beaches, so that's kind of a moot point.
Not sure what you mean about "on a budget." Care to elaborate?
Quote:
Originally Posted by elchevere
Correct me if I’m wrong—isn’t red tide more prevalent on the Gulf Coast?….during the 5 summer months, no question the Atlantic side—at least in SoFla—is more tolerable / comfortable due to ocean breezes.
Correct about the red tide. It was my first red tide season here this year, and it was not pretty. I haven't seen anything remotely close to (or as smelly) it on the Atlantic side.
As for the breeze, I am 5 miles inland, and I certainly do get to enjoy that Gulf breeze during hot summer days, to the point that bike rides in the afternoon don't bother me at all... Maybe it's because I got so used to the horrifyingly hot and humid Orlando summers.
Anyway, my vote goes to the Gulf Coast... The entire stretch from Tarpon Springs all the way down to Marco Island is uninterrupted beauty.
Personally, I prefer the Gulf beaches. The Atlantic is much rougher and colder, which of course appeals to some, but not to me. The water is also much clearer on the west coast. I also like the softer sand on the Gulf.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Prickly Pear
Red tide is horrible on the gulf, at least in Sarasota where my family lives
This was true in 2021 for sure, but in 2020 we had barely any; at least in Madeira Beach, where we usually go. I've been visiting the Gulf beaches for 40 years, no year was like last year, though there are usually a few days to weeks every summer when you can expect the red tide.
For me, I prefer the Atlantic beaches 1000%. I think the beaches in South Florida are perfect.
My husband, on the other hand, is all about the Gulf Coast beaches. He grew up in the Mobile, AL area, but for him, he thought Tampa's beaches or the Pensacola-area beaches were far better than the ones in the South Florida area.
I love 'em both, but I'll take the Miami-area beaches over the Tampa or panhandle ones.
Honestly, who do you think would have more crowded beaches? An area with an MSA population of 3.24 million (Tampa MSA) or one with double, 6.17 million (Miami MSA). I stand by the “generally” less crowded bullet point.
Genuinely curious though, what’s the most crowded beach over there? Clearwater?
In regards to the “budget” point, when it comes to visiting Florida beaches, celebrities and other high profile people are heading to Miami Beach, Las Olas Beach and Palm Beach island (older and more affluent types) and as a result of this, amenities, real estate, nightlife and other forms of entertainment in those areas will cost more. These types aren’t even looking at anything on the gulf side unless you’re Hulk Hogan.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Arcenal813
Both have very crowded, and not so crowded beaches, so that's kind of a moot point.
Not sure what you mean about "on a budget." Care to elaborate?
Last edited by silverct9a; 12-07-2021 at 08:14 PM..
Honestly, who do you think would have more crowded beaches? An area with an MSA population of 3.24 million (Tampa MSA) or one with double, 6.17 million (Miami MSA). I stand by the “generally” less crowded bullet point.
Genuinely curious though, what’s the most crowded beach over there? Clearwater?
In regards to the “budget” point, when it comes to visiting Florida beaches, celebrities and other high profile people are heading to Miami Beach, Las Olas Beach and Palm Beach island (older and more affluent types) and as a result of this, amenities, real estate, nightlife and other forms of entertainment in those areas will cost more. These types aren’t even looking at anything on the gulf side unless you’re Hulk Hogan.
What a ridiculous assertion. This comment distills the general Miami attitude nicely, though.
FYI, I’m on Florida’s west coast pretty often. My best friend lives in South Tampa, and the wife’s family LOVES Clearwater (for whatever reason, although Frenchy’s is good).
Quote:
Originally Posted by JMatl
What a ridiculous assertion. This comment distills the general Miami attitude nicely, though.
Red tide is horrible on the gulf, at least in Sarasota where my family lives
Red tide in Sarasota was very bad in 2018 and fairly bad in 2021. Prior to that I don’t recall it being much of an issue. I’m no fan of red tide, but usually it’s not a problem for us.
Quote:
Originally Posted by silverct9a
Genuinely curious though, what’s the most crowded beach over there? Clearwater?
Yes, Clearwater Beach is the busiest. It’s probably a little more crowded than Ft. Lauderdale Beach.
You can’t really compare the Tampa and Miami metro populations to determine how crowded the beaches are. Orlando residents will often times make the journey west to visit Tampa Bay Area beaches so more people come here than you might assume.
Quote:
Originally Posted by silverct9a
In regards to the “budget” point, when it comes to visiting Florida beaches, celebrities and other high profile people are heading to Miami Beach, Las Olas Beach and Palm Beach island (older and more affluent types) and as a result of this, amenities, real estate, nightlife and other forms of entertainment in those areas will cost more. These types aren’t even looking at anything on the gulf side unless you’re Hulk Hogan.
While South Florida is obviously more popular with celebrities and affluent individuals you’re not quite giving the west coast enough credit. Naples and, to a lessor extent, Sarasota do attract quite a bit of wealth.
Last edited by FL_Expert; 12-07-2021 at 11:40 PM..
Best beaches are in the panhandle. Can’t beat the Destin to Panama City stretch, especially 30A.
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