[Rabflmom]

Originally Posted by TriMT7

Alabama and Mississippi's small spit of Gulf beaches are the only things that would come close.

Hawaii's beaches are a different kind of beauty.

California/Pacific beaches too cold for me to get into without a wetsuit. Quite frankly, so are the Carolina beaches.

I actually don't even prefer NE Florida beaches, because the water isn't that Caribbean blue/green that you get in Southern Florida... Juno Beach is great, and Miami really does have some beautiful beaches.





Personally, I love being near the water. Kayaking the intracoastal inlets, stopping off at the spoil islands... jet skiing in crystal clear bays.... I've been making it a point to go to the beach more often. Whether its just to walk for an hour, or to spend a day... with umbrella, cooler with snacks and drinks and friends.


Some beaches are prohibitively expensive (Palm Beach -- island -- is $5.00/HOUR to park. But if you know where, and don't mind a bit of a walk past 10 million dollar homes, you can get side street parking for free).

State parks can be a good alternative: John D. MacArthur, Haulover/North Miami Beach - $6/entrance for the day.

Good thing about Brevard and Indian River County, Florida beaches are that almost all of them are FREE. The inlet, Playalinda, city of Indiatlantic and Cocoa Beach pier and end of 520 beach( can't remember park name this morning are the only ones with paarking meters or parking fees that I can think of. They are very natural though with a shellier type darker sand and not the white sands of the gulf.
Hotels are a lot less expensive here, too-especially if you bid for your room.

[TriMT7]

Originally Posted by Rabflmom

Good thing about Brevard and Indian River County, Florida beaches are that almost all of them are FREE. The inlet, Playalinda, city of Indiatlantic and Cocoa Beach pier and end of 520 beach( can't remember park name this morning are the only ones with paarking meters or parking fees that I can think of. They are very natural though with a shellier type darker sand and not the white sands of the gulf.
Hotels are a lot less expensive here, too-especially if you bid for your room.

Beaches are also free in Martin and St. Lucie County, and Palm Beach County actually has many free beaches as well. The closest one to me just happens to be accessible from the town of Palm Beach, and they do what they can to keep people away! $5.00/hour is disgustingly high. There actually should be more outrage, since COUNTY money helps shore up the town's beaches.

That's why I need to get a bike... I refuse to give the island government any parking money, ever.

[gypsychic]

All beaches in Sarasota/Bradenton are free as well. Miles of beautiful soft white powder sand to walk on. Plus some of the beaches have parks with trees and benches (Lido, Coquina). Lots of choices here.

[doggiebus]

[quote=kyle19125;23764305]

Originally Posted by doggiebus

After learning about what is dumped 2 miles off the coast QUOTE]

I'll take that over over pesticide/chemical runoff in our lakes/rivers, not to mention the amoeba.

We get pesticide/chemical runoff too, it runs into our canals, sewers, etc and then out to the ocean and the beaches. Why do you think they close the beaches usually after it rains. Because off the run off.

[BlueWillowPlate]

We spent the day at Cumberland Island Seashore on Sunday.
Miles of empty beach, frolicking dolphins, wild horses along the shoreline, sunny skies. This is more of an excursion than just a quick trip to the local beach, but maybe some people desire more of an adventure.

[New Horizons]

I know I'm going to sound like a total redneck but my favorite beaches are the ones where you can drive your car right up to the water. There is something comforting about having your vehicle in close proximity. I used to take my van to Gandy Causeway where I'd get real drunk and blare my stereo. Then after I was good and primed I'd drive to my friend's house who always had other mind altering chemicals, usually of the hard stimulant category. I did quit that behavior years ago.

[BlueWillowPlate]

Originally Posted by desert_scene

I know I'm going to sound like a total redneck but my favorite beaches are the ones where you can drive your car right up to the water. .

People still can do that at our northeast Florida beaches, though it is limited.
I never quite understood it, but I'm not from around here.

[TXRyan23]

Originally Posted by desert_scene

I know I'm going to sound like a total redneck but my favorite beaches are the ones where you can drive your car right up to the water. There is something comforting about having your vehicle in close proximity. I used to take my van to Gandy Causeway where I'd get real drunk and blare my stereo. Then after I was good and primed I'd drive to my friend's house who always had other mind altering chemicals, usually of the hard stimulant category. I did quit that behavior years ago.

I love hearing stories of people that drive somewhere, get hammered, then drive some more...

[vaughanwilliams]

The only time I go to the beach is on cold, blustery days. Love the cold, wind and rain. Or when I need to scrape the callouses off my feet.

[gypsychic]

Originally Posted by TXRyan23

I love hearing stories of people that drive somewhere, get hammered, then drive some more...

I know - there's been a big story here lately about some jerk who was hammered on Siesta Beach and asked to leave and he killed an innocent woman (while driving) who was jogging with her dog. Not a scratch on him, naturally. Hate irresponsible drunken creeps.