Always nice to see new aviaition safety related content...
I do a lot flying in the outer banks. From VA Beach south to Frisco, I'm following the ribbon of sand that's rarely more than a mile wide. I frequently think about this topic, as there are some stretches of beach that are teeming with people, some that are deserted, and everything in between. Depending on where I am, I have about four options: 1) beach, 2) highway, 3) ocean, 4) tidal marsh on the sound side. My first choice varies based on season, water temperature, winds, tide, and occupants. Along much of the route all of this options are in play until about 800 agl. Generally speaking, I think the grassy tidal marsh or sound shallows would be my most reliable choice, although in the winter there are long stretches of highway 12 that would be usable (with sufficient clearance from power lines) and virtually uninhabited sections of beach.