A lot of times, I feel like the beaches are more "urban" than our core. At least what I would consider more of an urban-type fabric. Connected, walkable, bikeable, etc with plenty of shopping/eating throughout & actual pedestrians outside enjoying their surroundings. Its a more pleasant experience a lot of times just roaming around there. I feel like when I ride my bike in town that I'm going to be killed at any moment & no one wants me there.
Maybe its the way the core is broken up by the river, so it all seems less accessible? But I do feel like the beaches are a more enjoyable experience for doing those types of things. Just my $0.02.