There's one beach in south Florida that's different from all the other beaches. There's almost no thievery. People are friendly, and will almost always respect your space. Women are rarely hassled. Loud radios are almost unknown. There's almost no littering. Parking is close by and is $5 for the whole day - no meters. You can also get there on 3 different public bus lines for a $1.50 fare each way. There are lifeguards, police patrols, and volunteer "rangers." There are concessions, and on weekends, there's volleyball and even a stand that sells fruit salad and ice cream sundaes. You can bring your own alcohol, as long as it's not in glass bottles.

Oh yes, one other thing. It's a legal nude beach! OK, clothing is optional, but almost everyone gets with the program rather once they realize that almost everyone else is, and that there are people there of all ages, shapes and sizes.

The clothing optional part of the beach is the northernmost third of the entire beach. It's located more or less at 158th street and Collins Avenue a/k/a state road A1A. If you don't want a long walk, use the northernmost lot (on the west side). On a sunny weekend day, try to get there by 10 or 10:30am. Walk through the pedestrian tunnel (ask anyone).

I'm lucky enough to live nine miles away. I like to call it my therapy - $5 for an all day session!