Hated the west coast beaches. Don't understand the allure.
There are beaches here very much like Caribbean. Go to Bill Baggs State Park. Crystal clear, totally different than Miami Beach.
Key Biscayne I would not live at. Taxes too high and only one road in and out. I do go to beach there and staycation at Ritz but that's it.
I already mentioned Lauderdale by the Sea. Tiny village. Restaurants. Nice beach.
irina