The look and feel of the beach
can change measurably with time of day, season, coloring of the sky, etc.  Fog can make the beach seem like a padded room, close and intimate.  Cold winds can send shivers through you... and sand into your clothes, making you decide that a quick look, rather than a long stroll down to the cove, might be in order.  Sunset turns the water's edge to pale gold.  Here are a few variations I've observed.

Above: Beyond the sea wall, winter  waves curl 
           and crash in a putty-colored ocean.

At left: Winter and its lowering skies may seem
            oppressive, but they turn the curling
            waves an amazing, delicate green.

Sky tones can affect the look of the water's surface.  Here pelicans fly over a calm sea of seeming silver on an overcast afternoon.

Sunset stains the sea with warm, 
deep colors and give it a sheen.

Above: Golden ribbons of kelp lay in the sun
           an unexpected beauty for the explorer.

At left: Water returning to the surf around three
             stones forms a delicate pattern.
 

Beyond the shoreline, the Channel
Islands are tinted with warm orange
tones by the late afternoon light.

Patterns texture the sky at Mugu Rock,
a local landmark, as evening approaches.