The woods, hands down. I hate water and don't like being near other people much at all . . . cities are my least favourite place. I'll have the chirping birds and rustling leaves any day.
I love the sounds of the ocean when the tide comes in, but I prefer to BE in the forest and enjoy nature. We get some beautiful birdsong here, and it is so quiet. I cant hear a thing right now, and because of that, I feel at peace. I do not like city living, traffic noises and big city construction noises.....would drive me insane. No wonder all the city folk come here for a rest and a bit of a holiday.
I love the sounds of the woods. When I lived near the beach, my partner at the time loved to sleep with the windows open - the sound of crashing waves drove me nuts!! Give me the woods anyday!