Miami has the best beach in the continental US (Sarasota: swimming, rated)

[doggiebus]

I would have to agree Miami doesn't have the nicest beach in all of the continental US. I think natural beaches are much prettier than our trucked in man made beaches.

[ruski]

If crowds are too much, you can go to Sunny Isles - great beach with crystal clear water.

[ruski]

[Loggerhead Shrike]

The beaches at Miami Beach do not have the dramatic coastline that California has or the non-crowded and great beaches that the rest of Florida has but when it comes to having beautiful, clear and inviting water it has all other ones beat.

[WINTERFRONT]

Miami Beach is not known for the beach itself... Miami Beach stands for the sun, art deco district, and the hotels; not the sand, the canopy, the water, the waves, the air...

[Hawaii4evr]

I prefer Hawaii to Florida and the Caribbean, and Miami is practically the same as the Caribbean. Hawaii's waves are just so great to me, and the water is warmer in the wintertime than Miami. Plus, Hawaii has more natural scenery than Miami.

[Hawaii4evr]

Originally Posted by NJ Brazen_3133

Yes the beaches in the northeast have cold and brown water. You cannot see anything once you dunk your head. And did I mention the water is freezing. You cannot do much on Long Island, or NJ beaches like snorkeling and all that fun stuff because you cant see anything. Did I mention the sand gets really really hot, and there are broken glass shards, and cracked seashells that can cut your feet if you dont wear sandals?

I never been to a beach in Florida or SoCal. How do those two compare?

Other than Hawaii, both have the best beaches in the USA. Southern California is known for its pretty coastline and great waves, palm trees, and soft golden sand. However, the water is dark blue, not very warm and often filled with seaweed. Still, worth a visit. North Florida can get chilly in winter (water too) but usually is nice. SoFla sometimes gets cool, as does the ocean, but is rare. The water is very warm and clear, calm, soft white sands. Palm trees on the beach as well, more variety of palms because the weather is hotter and more humid than SoCal, so SoCal cannot grow all types. Bt SoFla has a flat coastline lines with marshes and highrises, and has more bugs than SoCal. Most people prefer SoCal's mild weather than the hot and stormy weather by Florida, though both have nice sea breezes. Visit both, but also see Hawaii. BTW, NorCal had a pretty coastline as well, but the water is cold.

[unquiltom]

I prefer going down to the Keys over Miami's beaches. Less crowded, more sea life when you snorkel, less expensive and oh yeah, less crowded.
Also, the beaches of the panhandle are outstanding in the summer.

[ruski]

Originally Posted by Hawaii4evr

Other than Hawaii, both have the best beaches in the USA. Southern California is known for its pretty coastline and great waves, palm trees, and soft golden sand. However, the water is dark blue, not very warm and often filled with seaweed. Still, worth a visit. North Florida can get chilly in winter (water too) but usually is nice. SoFla sometimes gets cool, as does the ocean, but is rare. The water is very warm and clear, calm, soft white sands. Palm trees on the beach as well, more variety of palms because the weather is hotter and more humid than SoCal, so SoCal cannot grow all types. Bt SoFla has a flat coastline lines with marshes and highrises, and has more bugs than SoCal. Most people prefer SoCal's mild weather than the hot and stormy weather by Florida, though both have nice sea breezes. Visit both, but also see Hawaii. BTW, NorCal had a pretty coastline as well, but the water is cold.

We do get decent waves when hurricanes blow by

[Hawaii4evr]

Originally Posted by ruski

We do get decent waves when hurricanes blow by

Still not as large as SoCal or Hawaii waves, but I guess they're OK. I actually think that Florida's Gold Coast has the best beaches in the state. Gulf beaches are overrated IMO.