Sun, Sand, and Style: The 14 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 Most Iconic Hotspot In Miami

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. More action awaits at Lummus Park, the favorite beachfront park in the area, offering group exercise classes, fitness stations, restroom facilities, proximity to restaurants and eateries, and events like the famous South Beach Seafood Festival.

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.

Crandon Park Beach Is Ideal For Nature, Golf, and Tennis Lovers

Crandon Park Beach is on the north end of Key Biscayne and is popular with families. This expansive beach features calm waters ideal for swimming and snorkeling. Adventure seekers and nature lovers will find this park a two-mile paradise with abundant wildlife, hiking and biking trails, and kayaking, kiteboarding, and paddleboarding opportunities aplenty from the Crandon Park Marina.

Not the active type? Take a beachside nap, or rent a beach umbrella and chair to relax under the sun. You can make your barbecue feast in one of the park’s grills, hit the concession stands, or enjoy a picnic in one of the shaded areas. Beach wheelchairs are available upon request for special needs visitors.

No flotation devices are permitted to protect the offshore reefs, but no worries—lifeguards are on duty on this beach. Boat launching must be done from the marina, not the beach. Crandon Park Beach is perfect for family-friendly fun, but not exclusively because of the beach.

The parks boasts a championship 18-hole golf course overlooking Biscayne Bay (Crandon Golf at Key Biscayne), a 27-court tennis center with clay and hard courts available for reservation, and Marjory Stoneman Douglas Biscayne Nature Center, perfect for those craving a hands-on learning experience. The nature center is especially appealing to kids interested in science and marine biology; they’ll be able to see turtle hatchlings, collect sea creatures in nets, and much more.

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 (Crandon Park and Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park), both of which have excellent beaches and are featured in this article. 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.

Hobie Beach Is A Dog-Friendly Hidden Gem

Situated on the Rickenbacker Causeway, right when you’re entering Key Biscayne, this tiny beach is a hidden gem in Miami. The beach has many access points, and it’s a perfect choice for those seeking a more secluded beach experience not far from the city.

Hobie Beach has shallow waters perfect for swimming and fishing. You can also rent a catamaran for a ride or equipment to practice windsurfing. This area is also pet friendly, so feel free to bring your furry friend for a morning or afternoon walk by the sea or to swim with you! Also, the beach provides off-leash access for dogs.

Public parking is readily available at Hobie Beach. The South Florida area also has public restrooms close to the beach. Hobie Island Beach Park is just south of Hobie Beach and provides more beaches, skyline vistas, and watersport gear rental options.

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.

South Pointe Beach Is a Must-Visit For Active Families

On the southernmost tip of Miami Beach’s barrier island is South Pointe Beach, a tan-sand beach across South Pointe Park. South Pointe Beach has lifeguard towers painted in beautiful colors, and to escape the sun, feel free to rent beach chairs and umbrellas. Popular activities you can enjoy here are surfing, paddle boarding, and playing beach volleyball.

A must-visit during your beachy explorations is the 450-foot South Pointe Pier, a hotspot for water sports fans and marine wildlife enthusiasts. Visitors to this beach area will have turtle-safe lighting and viewing stations.

Aside from the beach amenities, the park provides visitors with benches under palm trees to enjoy the marine breeze. Stroll the 20-foot promenade to take in the scenic views of the nearby islands and passing yatchs.

If you or your kids are into that, there are paved trails for biking and skateboarding, a splash pad with water cannons, and picnic spaces and BBQ grills. And on the western side of South Pointe Park, a dog park provides off-leash enjoyment for your furry pal. Remember to keep your dog leashed in any other area of the park.

Haulover Beach: A Haven For Naturists

Haulover Beach puts the “free” in “freedom.” This is 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.

There’s Something For Everyone At Sunny Isles Beach

Sunny Isles Beach is a premier residential spot northeast of Miami-Dade County between Halouver Park and the town of Golden Beach.

The community is on a barrier island, encompassing luxury neighborhoods, resorts, high-end condo complexes, and single-family residences with expansive ocean views and urban amenity access.

To the south of the city is the beach of the same name: Sunny Isles Beach, a two-mile stretch blessed with powdery white sand, warm breeze, and crystal-clear waters, a must in any beach lover’s checklist. Snorkeling and diving are popular water activities here. Locals and visitors also enjoy visiting Newport Fishing Pier for a rod and reel adventure.

Bike rentals, beach volleyball, a luxurious sunset cruise, hitting Aventura Mall for a quick shopping fix, or grabbing a bite to eat in any of the nearby oceanfront restaurants are additional activities that may be included in a beach date in Sunny Isles Beach.

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 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.

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.

Surfside Beach: A Serene Beach With A Vintage Soul

Comfortably located between Bal Harbour and North Beach, the beach town of Surfside has a vintage soul and plenty of charm and serenity. Here, locals are blessed with gorgeous Surfside Beach, a pristine beach with dunes, white sand, spaces for fitness and other amenities across oceanfront parks, and uninterrupted water views. There is also a biking and walking trail by the beach.

If you visit or decide to move to Surfside, be ready to encounter morning joggers, dog walkers on the trail, surfers, and paddleboarders in the water. Another familiar scene is to see families enjoying a picnic over a blanket or young people relaxing on a lounge chair or lost in a book while sunbathing.

In Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park History Meets Ocean Bliss

For another beach experience in Key Biscayne, head south to Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park Beach, what Conde Nast has called one of the nation’s best beaches.

This park, situated 15 minutes from Downtown Miami, wins points for its pristine white sand and clear blue waters. It gives you the best vistas of the historic Cape Florida Lighthouse, constructed in 1825 and considered Miami-Dade County’s oldest structure. To access the park, be ready to pay a modest fee of $8 per vehicle. Parking is free of charge.

This park has a white-sand beach with shallow, calm waters, endless ocean views, and nature trails you can explore on foot or a bike. If you are hungry after all the explorations, grab a bite at the Boater’s Grill or the Lighthouse Cafe. They have cold beverages to beat the Florida heat, delicious Cuban food, and fresh seafood dishes.

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.

Matheson Hammock Park Is A Coral Gables Treasure

The artificial atoll pool, with shallow waters, is probably the most notable feature of Matheson Hammock Park. Still, there’s so much more to this 630-acre park and marina located south of Coral Gables.

Matheson Hammock Park is not just a park, it’s a botanical wonderland. Nestled near three other Miami green family-favorite spots, including the Fairchild Botanical Garden, The Kampong National Tropical Botanical Garden, and Pinecrest Gardens, the park is a paradise for plant enthusiasts. Get ready to be amazed by the diverse forests, mangroves, and other plant species that thrive in this lush environment.

The park has endless water views, a relaxed, welcoming vibe, and many photo-op areas. At the marina, visitors have a dock, wet slips, and boat lessons at their disposal. You can also roam Biscayne Bay on a paddleboard, a kayak, or a canoe.

Place your chair by the water for a more relaxed plan and enjoy the peace. Park amenities include nature trails, picnic areas, a playground for the kiddos, and more. If all that fun got you hungry, waterfront NOMA Beach at Redfish offers Italian and seafood fare with incredible views from their terrace.

Mid-Beach Is a Worth Exploring Spot In Miami Beach

Not as famous as neighboring South Beach, Mid-Beach is still a Miami Beach favorite, and it’s worth exploring. As its name indicates, this area is in the central region of the barrier island.

The Mid-Beach area boasts many residential waterfront offerings, from modern apartments to mansions by the water. And, of course, there are the hotels. This part of Miami Beach includes iconic boutique hotels for a luxury stay, including Eden Roc Miami, Fontainebleau Miami Beach, and Radisson Resort Miami Beach.

The beach here is quieter and more secluded than others in Miami Beach. If you visit, you can stroll, jog, or bike along the boardwalk. For additional fun, peruse the Faena District and Collins Avenue or discover new flavors in the local restaurants.

Frequently Asked Questions About Best Beaches in Miami

Which beach in Miami Beach is less crowded?

Miami Beach has many beautiful beaches, but those looking for less-crowded options should head to Mid-Beach. This beach is situated between 63rd and 87th Street, and it’s a great way to enjoy the waves and the sun in a more peaceful environment. Local individuals and families who prefer a quieter beach experience are often attracted to Mid-Beach for its vast shoreline, ample green spaces, and beachfront parks with many amenities and services.

What beach do Miami locals go to?

Miami locals often avoid heavily touristy beaches like South Beach and prefer the more relaxed experience of Crandon Park Beach in Key Biscayne or the beaches in the North Miami area, especially North Beach. These beaches offer a laid-back vibe, plenty of open space, and access to green areas for picnicking, walking, and bathing.

Which is the rainiest month in Miami?

Every year, Miami receives an average of 60 inches of rain, most of which falls between June and September. However, according to the US Climate Data site, the rainiest month in Miami is  June, with an average rainfall of around 9.6 inches (243 mm). This month sees frequent afternoon thunderstorms, so many days may not be ideal for a beach trip.

Which Miami Beach is best for families?

Choosing the best beach for families in the Miami area will heavily depend on preference and the family’s composition. Every local probably has their favorite beach for a family outing, but let’s focus on those with all the checkmarks a family may want.

1. Crandon Park Beach: This Key Biscayne two-mile beach is a favorite for families in Magic City. Its calm, shallow, crystal-clear waters make it perfect for children of all ages, and lifeguards are on duty so everyone can feel safe. The park where the beach is located offers a tennis center, a golf course, a fishing platform, hiking and biking trails, and a marina for boaters and water sports fanatics. There are also many wildlife viewing opportunities.
2. Matheson Hammock Park Beach: This is another excellent option for beachgoers of all ages. Located in the Coral Gables area, Matheson Hammock Park is a scenic enclave with unique features, including a man-made atoll pool fed by the Biscayne Bay tides (perfect for small children), a full-service marina, a restaurant, picnic areas, walking trails, boat ramps, and shelters. For extra fun, families can rent kayaks and kite surfing equipment.

What’s the difference between South Beach and Miami Beach?

Miami Beach is a city that occupies a barrier island east of Downtown Miami, stretching from South Pointe Park in the south to 87th Street in the north. South Beach, commonly called SoBe, is one of Miami Beach’s neighborhoods. It covers the southernmost 2.5 miles from South Pointe Park to 23rd St. This South Florida touristy spot is well-known for its turquoise water beach, Art Deco architecture, and bubbly nightlife.

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.