Sun, Sand, and Style: The 6 Best Beaches in Miami

Picture yourself strolling along the vibrant South Beach, with its iconic art deco architecture and bustling energy. Feel the powdery sand between your toes and dip into the Atlantic Ocean’s warm, sparkling turquoise waters. In Miami, endless sunshine, white sand, and refreshing ocean breezes await you! Whether you want a condo for the ultimate beach getaway for the winter or want to know where to go when living in Miami, the oceanfront here is lined with captivating beaches.

From family-friendly spots to lush nature preserves that feel a world away from Miami’s fast-paced energy, Miami has diverse selections for unforgettable beach experiences. So grab your sunscreen and beach towel, and dive into Miami’s ultimate beaches!

South Beach: The iconic hotspot

South Beach, or as locals say, “SoBe,” is undoubtedly one of the most famous beaches in Miami. Renowned for its youthful energy, art deco architecture, and bustling atmosphere, this iconic hotspot attracts the locals and tourists–especially the tourists. The beach runs from the jetty up to around Collins Park.

As you stroll along the Boardwalk, all your senses will be engaged. Color is everywhere, from the lifeguard stands to the Ocean Drive retailers and hotels with neon signs. Latin music wafts over the breeze, swaying palm trees, and the sound of crashing waves. Local cafes whip up Cuban coffee and empanadas, but there’s also pizza, ice cream, and pretzels. People zip by on bikes or head to the South Beach workout pavilion for a morning workout.

South Beach’s powdery sand is perfect for sunbathing, launching a volleyball game, or building sandcastles with the little ones. South Beach is also a prime spot for people-watching, as visitors from all walks of life gather to soak up the sun and enjoy the lively ambiance.

For those seeking adventure, South Beach does have access to water sports activities such as jet skiing, paddleboarding, and parasailing, although most launch points and vendors are on the Biscayne Bay side of the island. And when you’ve had enough of the beach, explore the scene along Ocean Drive. It’s packed with some of Miami’s best places to eat, high-end fashion boutiques, and trendy nightclubs. 

South Beach truly encapsulates the essence of Miami’s beach culture. And if you opt to live here, you’re always minutes from the beach. South Beach neighborhoods include condos and single-family homes packed in tight blocks, with condos being the more prevalent housing choices.

North Shore Open Space Park: Where Miami Beach Locals Go

South Beach has all the glitz and glamour, but even locals know you need a break sometimes. That’s where North Beach shines, and it’s easily accessible from North Shore Open Space Park. Part of the North Beach neighborhood, this stretch of Miami Beach living is about as far north as you can get in the city. It’s prized because it lacks high-rise developments. 

As you step onto the soft sand, you’ll instantly start to unwind and feel the calm. Lounge under the shade of a palm tree and enjoy the soothing sound of the waves crashing against the shore. The beach stretches for miles, providing ample space for sunbathing, picnicking, and beach games. A Bark Beach is open on Fridays and weekends in the afternoons between 80th and 81st Streets.

North Shore Open Space Park is definitely less touristy, as you won’t find beach chair rentals or watersport vendors. It does have lifeguards, but not in the brightly painted stands. It’s still a beautiful park area of tropical green spaces, walking paths, and picnic areas. Take a leisurely stroll along the beach or explore the park’s natural beauty. The trails connect to the 10-mile Miami BeachWalk, running all the way to South Beach.  

Key Biscayne: A tranquil escape

Perhaps the pounding beat and crowds of South Beach don’t appeal to you. In that case, Key Biscayne is the perfect tranquil experience. Located a short drive from downtown Miami, this barrier island beach feels far from the condos and tourists. As you cross the Rickenbacker Causeway, breathtaking ocean views and the Miami skyline erase the day’s stress.

Key Biscayne is appealing because it is sandwiched between two state parks, both with excellent beaches. The Beach Park for the Village of Key Biscayne is right in the middle. Only residents get the key fob to access the beachfront park. It features restrooms, picnic facilities, a dune walkthrough, and a splash fountain.

Crandon Park Beach is on the north end and popular for families. This expansive beach features calm waters ideal for swimming and snorkeling. No flotation devices of any sort are permitted to protect the offshore reefs, and any boat launching must be done from the marina, not the beach. Crandon Park Beach is the perfect spot for family-friendly fun with picnic areas, barbecue grills, and playgrounds. Besides sunbathing at the beachside, walk along the nature trails and spot wildlife in the surrounding dunes and mangroves.

For another beach experience, head south to Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park Beach, what Conde Nast has called one of the nation’s best beaches. This park wins points for its pristine white sand and clear blue waters, which you get the best vistas of from the historic Cape Florida Lighthouse. Locals know how beautiful this park is, so on weekends, holidays, and peak season, it can get busy fast. Officials have been known to close once its capacity is reached.

Both parks charge a parking fee. 

Bal Harbour Beach: Luxury and relaxation

Bal Harbour Beach is the place for those seeking luxury and relaxation. Located in the exclusive Bal Harbour neighborhood, this mile-long beach has a serene atmosphere as it’s less crowded than Haulover and Miami beaches to its south. It’s lined by Bal Harbour’s affluent resorts and luxury condo properties. Residents lounge on the plush sunbeds, enjoy a beachfront massage, or dip in crystal-clear waters.

The hardest part about visiting Bal Harbour Beach is accessing it, as the only public access point is on 96th Street. It lacks a lot of parking. The beachfront isn’t designed for public access, so you won’t find restrooms, showers, or picnic facilities unless you stay at a resort or condo.

Most people know Bal Harbour for its upscale shopping and dining options. After soaking up the sun, explore the nearby Bal Harbour Shops, home to renowned fashion brands and designer boutiques. Treat yourself to a gourmet meal at one of the beachfront restaurants, where you can savor fresh seafood while enjoying panoramic ocean views.

Whether you’re looking for a quiet and luxurious beach experience or want to indulge in retail therapy, Bal Harbour Beach offers the perfect blend of relaxation and upscale amenities.

Haulover Beach: A haven for naturists

Haulover Beach puts the “free” in “freedom.” This a unique destination that has catered to naturists since 1991 with its clothing-optional section of sands. Take a stroll along the beach and enjoy the refreshing ocean breeze.

Whether you go au naturel or stay clothed, Haulover Beach still has the pristine white sand and turquoise waters that make Miami beaches famous. The public facilities include picnicking, a boat ramp, an off-leash bark park for pets, and a restroom. Play volleyball at one of the courts or come on the weekends for food trucks.

If you’re feeling adventurous, try kiteboarding or windsurfing, as Haulover Beach is a popular spot for these exhilarating water sports. The park staff regularly host kite-making workshops and sell kits to play in the strong ocean breezes that grace this beach. 

Find this fun-loving beach across the jetty from Bal Harbour. There are no residences on this strip of beach, as the bay side is all parked with a marina, boat ramp, boat rentals, and parking. Tunnels connect the bay to the beach side, so no worries about dashing across Highway A1A loaded with beach gear. 

Virginia Key Beach Park: Outdoor adventures

Historic Virginia Key Beach Park may get passed over on the Rickenbacker Causeway as traffic heads to Key Biscayne, but if you stop, you’ll find a hidden gem. During the segregation era, this was Miami’s designated beach for non-whites. Today, it is used by all to enjoy community in a beautiful island setting. Part of the Virginia Key barrier island; this beach’s very first rule for visitors was “Please enjoy the park and be happy!” 

The beach itself features soft sand and calm waters but not a lot of infrastructure and development. You won’t find lifeguards here. You can pack a picnic and enjoy a meal at one of the shaded picnic areas or fire up one of the barbecue grills for a beachside cookout. Virginia Key Beach Park has bike rentals, kayak rentals, and nature trails to explore the island’s unique ecosystem and trails.

One of the highlights of this beach is its proximity to the Miami Seaquarium, where visitors can get up close and personal with marine life through interactive exhibits and shows. Virginia Key Beach Park is the perfect destination for outdoor enthusiasts and those looking to immerse themselves in nature. The beautiful park is also popular for beach weddings, sand castle contests, car shows, and other special events.

Explore Miami’s diverse beaches

Experience the best of Miami’s beaches, from the vivacious South Beach to the tranquility of Virginia Key. So grab your sunscreen and beach towel, and dive into the ultimate beach day waiting in Miami. Sun, sand, and ocean breezes await you on the shores of this tropical paradise.