Is it legal to photograph people on the beach?

"Most photographers don’t often consider the legal implications of their shoots because, as is human nature, we tend to make assumptions based on the actions of our peers.  We see people doing it all the time; we figure we can do the same thing.  Add to that, being a foreigner like Antoine, because he is not used to U.S. law at all.  Pile on the fact that most laws on the subject are different in every state to some degree and there is often no clear bright line to follow.  We hear stories constantly in the photography world about people being arrested for taking pictures in public spaces like subways.  (in general, it is OK, despite what police may say)."

Read this very cool and educational article in art law journal here.