Once again, returned from a week in Florida on business and was lucky enough to be able to spend the weekend
in South Florida. Stayed in south beach, which is normally one of our favorite places, but not this time. There was
a "Hip Hop" Rap convention in town so South Beach was extra busy and noisy. These types of gatherings
don not attract a very nice or well behaved crowd. Anyway we were there and tried to make the best of it.
Spent a couple of days at Haulover. The first day, Sunday, was a beautiful hot sunny day with very little breeze. So
one had to go in and out of the water on a regular basis to keep cool. The parking lot was almost full at about 10:30.
They actually closed the gates about 2pm. So my advice is to get ther early. Needless to say the beach was jam
packed. Mostly couples, but singles also, occupied the right side of the beach. The left side of the beach is considered
the gay side (But a lot of couples and single gals go over to that side because it is less hectic and seems not to attract as
many gawkers.) We choose to go to the left side.We parked ourselves right next to the fenced off area in front of the life guard shack.
That way we did not have anyone to the right of us and fewer people in general. We met several nice folks and basically had a relaxing time.
We returned again on Monday and had basically the same conditions, but the beach was a lot less crowded.
My advise is to get to the beach early, get your sun time in and leave about 1 or 2pm. That way you will be assured
a parking spot and have a little space to yourself. Also, it seems the gawkers tend to be more prevelent in the late
afternoons, at least that is my perception. Haulvover is a great alternative to other c/o beaches as it is relatively
cheap to get to Florida and one can find all different types of accomodations to fit their budgets.
