[Mrs. Robinson]

Originally Posted by Dr Winston O Boogie jr

I lived in Sarasota for five years and loved Siesta Key Beach. But since moving here, I have found Clearwater Beach and like that even better.

The other place that I would go, if I were looking for a home away from home, is South Miami Beach. The sand is hotter than at Clearwater or Siesta Key, but the water is much nicer. Beach weather last a bit longer there so if you're interested in getting away in the winter Miami is the place to go. I've been swimming there in January and February. You probably won't do that in Sarasota or Clearwater.

I have lived on both southern coasts and there is no place -- I repeat -- no place that can compare to Siesta Key.
The sand, mostly quartz, never gets hot; you can always walk on it.
It is the softest sand anywhere, much like baby powder.

The sand on the east coast is horrible and truthfully, unless you belong to the Polar Bear Club, you won't be swimming on Miami Beach during the winter months.
I didn't swim on either coast off season, but I would think the Gulf would be warmer in comparison to the ocean, no?