Many people believe this fixation with sand and waves is an innate desire. Go to any beach in the U.S. on July 4th and you might too. But as I have travelled through Central America, it is clear this is not the case. In reality, most native peoples in these countries live away from the waterfront. And this, upon reflection, does make a great deal of sense.
Safety is a key factor.
Your chances are much better of surviving a hurricane if your house isn't built on a beach. And daily practicality plays a large part. The farther one is from the water, the farther the bugs are away from you. And if you get to a market before the buying frenzy begins, you can reap substantial rewards. The third factor is the increasing affluence of the baby boomer generation.