Pauly G.
Google
Less than two months after the hurricane and it was fully back up and running. And it is truly a slice of heaven - beautiful sand, perfect water temp, no sharks :), and if you go out about halfway to the buoys that bound the beach it's very possible you'll be able to see some stingrays just hanging out at the bottom because a) they do that, and b) it's beautiful clear water. Not quite crystal clear, but you can still see 10-15 feet down.
Avoid cruise ship days if you can (Sunday & Monday, I think?) - the crowded picture attached is from a Monday. But even then you can still find a spot to lay out - it will just be within 15 feet of another person, most likely. Other days were not crowded at all.
There's a couple of bar/restaurants and a Starbucks (and a mini "if you forgot sunscreen, or snorkeling gear, or..." shop) attached, so you can eat and get caffeinated while you're still on the beach. They'll even come to you - you don't have to walk the 100 feet up to the deck.
View is beautiful (especially if some dark clouds are over the hills - nice contrast). Weather is perfect, and water is the same. Only negative is for two adults and an umbrella it's $23; another $14 to add two chairs. But it's WELL worth it if you want to spend a few hours in heaven, and it's clear the money is spent to keep the beach nice. And no re-entry, so if you wanted to enjoy a morning on the sand, walk the Hip Strip, then come back you're getting hit twice.
It's also really fun to watch the planes come in - it's not far from the airport.