Whether it's a nature reserve, a, family-friendly stretch of sand or a party spot lined with cafes and bars, there's a beach in Miami perfect for you.
Collins Ave. - 96th St. to Haulover Inlet
Bal Harbour
305/866-4633
A bit north of Miami Beach's main beach stretch, Bal Harbour Beach is a quiet stretch of sand sharing space with luxury condominiums and five-star hotels. The water here is a clear turquoise, the sand a pristine white that stretches on and on.
A palm-shaded jogging path curves around mile-long beach and there's a jetty (with fishing permitted) at north end of beach. If you've rented a car, there is a limited metered parking lot available beneath Haulover Bridge. If you need a quick bite after a day at the beach, head for one of the small cafes in the nearby Town of Surfside or dine at one of Bal Harbour Shops' elegant bistros.
1200 S. Crandon Blvd.
Key Biscayne
305/361-5811
Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Beach, located on the tip of Key Biscayne, is a relaxing and scenic alternative to some of Miami's more popular beaches. It is also home to an historic lighthouse, the oldest standing building in Miami-Dade County, which offers scheduled tours. Bill Baggs is a regular A-lister on Dr. Beach lists and constantly receives kudos from other noted travel publications.
This beach doesn't lack in beauty or scenery and also offers plenty of activities. There are walking and bicycle trails winding through native vegetation. Amenities include restrooms, picnic tables, food concessions and shower facilities. Fishing enthusiasts or families looking to cast a line can grab some bait and tackle and fish from the seawall along Biscayne Bay.
There are two onsite restaurants, the Lighthouse Café which faces the beach, and Boaters Grill, located on a quiet lagoon. Both restaurants offer delicious Cuban food, sandwiches and cold drinks. If you prefer to pack a picnic, this is a great beach for some sandwiches beneath a reserved pavilion. A relaxing beach day on beautiful Key Biscayne is a favorite Miami pastime.
6747 Crandon Blvd.
Key Biscayne, FL 33149
305/361-5421
Crandon Beach is one of Miami's greatest park treasures. A beautiful, sprawling campus of beaches and amenities, Crandon Park is more than a beach. At Crandon Park Beach on Key Biscayne, there's a Family Amusement Center, a Nature Center and even a place to rent cabanas.
The beach remains the main attraction at the luscious and family-friendly Crandon Park. Gear up for a friendly game of beach volleyball or unpack your picnic and bring some supplies for the on-site grills. There's almost always a birthday party or event taking place somewhere at this site. At the south end of Crandon Park Beach, there are cabanas for rent. Cabanas have showers and are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Cabana renters are assigned a parking space and exclusive picnic tables on the beach.
It's fun to explore the various ecosystems at Crandon Park, including dunes, mangroves, coastal hammock and sea grass beds. The Crandon Park Nature Center is home to exotic plants, rare fish and wildlife, and Bear Cut Preserve, a natural Environment Study Area. Take a tour with a naturalist and explore all that this nature hotbed has to offer.
10800 Collins Ave.
Miami Beach,
305/944-3040
This 1.5 mile beach is located north of Miami Beach, between the Intracoastal Waterway and Atlantic Ocean. Haulover Beach Park is noted for blue waters, soft sand and plenty of picnic areas. The park regularly hosts kite-making workshops and sells kites to fly in a big grassy area facing Biscayne Bay. There's a tennis center, golf course and dog park, too.
Haulover Beach is also the host of a stretch of clothing optional beach. So, if you forgot to pack a suit- no problem! Or, if you're looking to get some sun without any tan lines, well, this is the place for you.
There are beach wheelchairs for rent at Haulover Beach Park. Pedestrian tunnels link to the park and marina on Biscayne Bay. Nine-hole golf course, tennis courts, kite flying area and kite shop.
South end (north side of Rickenbacker Causeway)
Key Biscayne,
305/361-2833
Just off of the Rickenbacker Causeway, en route to the serene natural paradise of Key Biscayne, is the preeminent place for windsurfing in Miami. Hobie Beach (also called Windsurfer Beach) has earned its nickname by playing host to a locally run windsurfing rental concession for more than twenty years. Experienced vets and adventurous vacationers alike can spend the day experiencing this exhilarating activity. Sign up for a two-hour lesson, or an all-day group lesson and become a pro in no time.
Hobie Beach is also notable for being Miami's favorite dog friendly beach. Bring your doggie pal here for a nice romp on the sand. The water is shallow, so dogs can play in the surf a bit without any worries about strong currents.
Hobie Beach/Windsurfer Beach is located right in between Brickell, Downtown Miami and Key Biscayne, so beach goers will enjoy amazing skyline views from this calm off-road beach with concession stands and free parking.
9698 SW 328th St.
Homestead, FL 33030
305/230-3034
Palm-shaded beach on Biscayne Bay in South Miami-Dade County adjoining Biscayne National Park.
9610 Old Cutler Road
Coral Gables, FL 33156
305/665-5475
Collins Ave. - 21st St. to 46th St.
Miami Beach
305/673-7714
Miami Beach's central stretch, from 21st Street to 78th Street, is a popular area for strolling, jogging and skating thanks to the elevated boardwalk which runs from 21st Street to 46th Street. Rent an umbrella or beach chair and enjoy the day in the heart of Miami Beach. Soak up the sun, the turquoise waters, and the white sand and stroll down the beach to sights like the historic Fontainebleau Miami Beach hotel.
Miami Beach - Central is close to the sidewalk cafes, bars, and concession stands that make Miami Beach a world famous tourist destination. This beach tends to be quieter and less crowded than South Beach.
Parking fee.
Collins Ave. - 46th St. to 78th St.
Miami Beach
305/673-7714
This northern stretch of Miami Beach includes an old fashioned band shell, a community center and an adjoining park at the north end. Frequented by locals as well as visitors, it's quieter than beaches to the south, but just as beautiful. The beach is wide and sandy, with concessions and showers.
Concerts are held at the North Beach Bandshell, which is a popular Miami Beach music venue. Miami Beach - North is located near fast food restaurants and sidewalk cafes. It's easy to walk across the street to find something to eat or drink after a long day of soaking up some rays, playing beach volleyball at the nets on the beach and enjoying the ocean views.
Ocean Drive & 5th Street to Collins Avenue & 21st Street
Miami Beach,
305/673-7714
Enter South Beach, America's Party Beach, at 1 Washington Avenue and stroll through the party that runs until around 21st Street. This beach at the southern tip of Miami Beach is the South Beach that you've seen on TV, read about in magazines and seen in postcards.
South Beach attracts a lively crowd of people who enjoy the energy of the place. Grab some shade under a palm tree at lovely Lummus Park while enjoying the view of the ocean.
Take a walk in the area and see the Art Deco buildings of South Beach (the Art Deco Welcome Center is located at 10th Street and Ocean Drive). Or, you can stroll along the beach and watch the cruise ships heading out to sea. Be sure to take a photo of the famous multi-colored South Beach lifeguard stands. After you get your fill of sun, head for a café or restaurant along famous Ocean Drive. There are several public parking lots located nearby.
1 Washington Ave.
Miami Beach, FL 33139
305/673-7730
South Pointe Park has walking paths, a food stand, a lovely grassy area and tremendous 360 degree ocean views. It's a local park as well as a beach. Kids large and small enjoy the miniature water park here - it's a great way to cool off. There is also a dog park and a tot lot nearby. This beach is popular for film crews and photo shoots, so don't be surprised if you show up and find a spectacle on site.
Enjoy South Pointe Park's contemporary art sculptures, the sight of the cruise ships sailing past, and the clear water at this beautifully maintained park and beach area.
Collins Ave. from 78th St. to 87th Terr.
Miami Beach, FL 33141
305/861-3616
This park and beach has been voted the best by local publications for its crowd free green spaces and lovely walking trails on the sand. North Shore Open Space Park is well maintained and a great alternative to some of the more popular beaches of the area.
You won't have to fight the crowds to find a spot to relax, unpack your picnic and become one with the beach. Dogs are allowed on leash in the park only; not on the beach. There's plenty of grass and shady spots at this beach, as well as plenty of metered parking spaces.
3400 NE 163rd St.
North Miami Beach
305/919-1846
Oleta River State Park is Florida's largest urban park, located right on the Oleta River on Biscayne Bay in Sunny Isles Beach. The sandy beach at Oleta faces Biscayne Bay, which is also where you go swimming. Palm trees, seagrape trees and other native vegetation provide shade.
Oleta offers miles and miles of off-road bicycle trails, from novice to challenging. The park has a loaner system for bicycle helmets. Oleta River State Park is also a popular destination for canoeing and kayaking. There's a rental concession with all the gear you need to paddle along Miami's calm bay waters.
For overnight visits, the park has rustic, air-conditioned cabins and a youth campground for organized groups. Large mangrove preserves, native to the area, are at the north end of the park and South Florida plants and wildlife are plentiful in this area. Canoe or kayak around the clear beautiful waters, swim along the 1,200 foot sandy beach, or go fishing for a day of the great outdoors.
Parking fee.
Collins Ave. - 157th St. to 193rd St.
Sunny Isles Beach
305/947-0606
Sunny Isles Beach boasts a two-mile long white sand beach. Beach goers here enjoy the wide sandy beach and clear waters popular for snorkeling, diving and other water sports. Sunny Isles Beach is also known for its classic pier, the Newport Fishing Pier. Locals and visitors try their luck fishing from this popular local landmark.
Nearby Samson Oceanfront Park has a children's play area and is also the location for outdoor concerts. Beach access is available at several different places along Sunny Isles Beach.
There are many small cafes and restaurants in Sunny Isles Beach where you can enjoy a quick meal or cool drink after spending the day in the sun.
9301 Collins Ave.
Surfside, FL 33154
305/864-0722
Long walks on the beach were practically invented in Surfside, which offers a mile-long stretch of sand uninterrupted by any commercial intrusion stretching from 88th to 96th Street. You will find an escape from the busyness of life in this waterfront haven set just south of Bal Harbour and north of Miami Beach. Favorite local features of the beach include Surfside's walking and biking paths, where you can go for a nice stroll, run or bike ride. What makes the beach in Surfside stand out from the rest is the sheer cleanliness, natural scenery and dedication to making every visit simply amazing.
4020 Virginia Beach Drive
Virginia Key, FL 33149
305/960-4600
Virginia Key Beach - North is located at 3701 Rickenbacker Causeway, Key Biscayne. A big wooden sign marks this historic beach, which is located just past the Rickenbacker Causeway across from Miami Seaquarium. There's a five-dollar admission fee for cars or two dollars for pedestrians.
Virginia Key Beach - North was the location of the famed - but now closed - Jimbo's, a former movie-set-turned-hangout for some of Miami's eccentric local characters. Windsurfing and ultra light seaplane rental are available here. Enjoy great views of Brickell Avenue and downtown Miami skyline. Parking fee.