Top ten beaches Miami
In this article, you will find a list of the best beaches in Miami with detailed information about each one of them. We have also prepared an interactive map so you can easily locate them. You will see that each beach is different, some are family-oriented, and much safer for young children. There are festive beaches, perfect to go with your group of friends… There are also beaches where you can go with your dog. Whatever type of beach you prefer, we are sure that in the list you will find your ideal beach. Shall we start?
The Best Miami Beaches
- SOUTH BEACH
- LUMMUS PARK BEACH
- SOUTH POINTE PARK
- MID-BEACH
- NORTH MIAMI BEACH
- BILL BAGGS PARK, KEY BISCAYNE
- HAULOVER BEACH
- CRANDON PARK
- SUNNY ISLES BEACH
- VIRGINIA KEY BEACH
| Beach Name | Location | Crowd | Water | Sand | Amenities |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| South Beach | Miami Beach | Mixed | Clear, turquoise | White, fine | Restaurants, bars, shopping, lifeguards |
| Lummus Park Beach | Miami Beach | Lively | Clear, turquoise | White, fine | Volleyball courts, playground, restrooms |
| South Pointe Park | Miami Beach | Family-friendly | Calm, clear | White, fine | Playground, fishing pier, dog park |
| Mid-Beach | Miami Beach | Relaxed | Calm, clear | White, fine | Beach clubs, restaurants, showers |
| North Miami Beach | North Miami Beach | Secluded | Calm, clear | White, fine | Beach volleyball, picnic tables, playground |
| Bill Baggs Park, Key Biscayne | Key Biscayne | Scenic | Calm, clear | White, fine | Lighthouse, hiking trails, bike rentals |
| Haulover Beach | Bal Harbour | Clothing-optional | Calm, clear | White, fine | Kite surfing, fishing, dog beach |
| Crandon Park | Key Biscayne | Family-friendly | Calm, clear | White, fine | The nature center, playgrounds, tennis courts |
| Sunny Isles Beach | Sunny Isles Beach | Relaxed | Calm, clear | White, fine | Watersports rentals, restaurants, beach chairs |
| Virginia Key Beach | Miami | Quiet | Calm, clear | White, fine | Nature trails, picnic areas, kayaking |
1. SOUTH BEACH
South Beach is probably the most famous beach in Miami Beach. It is the place where people go to see or show off their sculptural bodies (remember that swimsuits are not optional, although topless is allowed). South Beach is the beach we have seen in the movies and is located on Ocean Drive, across the street from the most crowded clubs and discos in Miami Beach. In South Beach, you will find a lot of services to spend the day with your family, friends, or couple.
It is important to know that it is necessary to pay for parking, which is expensive and sometimes difficult to find. In reality, South Beach is made up of South Pointe Park (to the south) and Lummus Park Beach, two beaches with specific characteristics. Below you will find more information about each of them.
2. LUMMUS PARK BEACH, SOUTH BEACH
Volleyball players, lifeguards, people walking, skaters, topless tourists? It is the busiest area of South Beach and the one we have seen countless times on television. Lummus Park, a beachfront park, is one of the most popular destinations in Miami and a must-see for any tourist. There are public restrooms and paved walking and biking trails, but the main amenity is the beach itself, with clear turquoise waters and beautiful tall palm trees. Lummus is within walking distance of Ocean Drive, an avenue lined with restaurants, cafes, and stores. Here you will find the famous lifeguard booths. Don’t forget to take a picture of these typical beach huts: on 14th Street you will find one with a circular roof. In the area, there is a gay beach, located on 12th Street.
3. SOUTH POINTE PARK, SOUTH BEACH
This beach is located at the southern end of Miami Beach and is part of an extensive park full of vegetation with several picnic areas, a playground, and a fishing pier. On one side of the park is this beach of transparent waters from where you can watch an excellent sunset. It has showers and it is not difficult to park nearby. Unlike the bustling beaches further north, this is an ideal beach to relax in the midst of the busy life of Miami’s South Beach.
4. MID-BEACH (BETWEEN 23RD AND 46TH STREETS)
The stretch of sand located between 23rd Street and 45th Street is a fairly quiet place, with fewer beach huts and beach bars. It also serves as a backdrop for some of the area’s most luxurious hotels and exclusive beach clubs. The Miami Beach Broadwalk runs through the area, becoming a paved surface as it heads south along 23rd Street, so it is always full of joggers and rollerbladers.
5. NORTH MIAMI BEACH (FROM 46TH TO 63RD STREET)
A very nice beach, less crowded and with a very familiar public. The negative part? The beach is not very wide and the buildings of the big hotels of the Golden Age of Miami Beach seem to be thrown on top of you. It is easier to find parking here than in South Beach, but perhaps the beach is not as beautiful as in the southern part.
6. BILL BAGGS PARK, KEY BISCAYNE
Bill Baggs Beach is located at the southern end of Key Biscayne, where the famous Cape Florida Lighthouse is located. Bill Baggs Park is a great place for swimming, sunbathing, beachcombing, and surfing.
If water activities are not your thing, you have the option of taking a guided tour of the Bill Baggs Lighthouse or fishing off the breakwater. It is a beach where the traveler can swim in its blue waters and stroll to contemplate the wonderful views of the sea.
On the beaches of Key Biscayne, you will find plenty of services such as restaurants, bars, beach bars, sun lounger rentals, and showers … It is a spacious beach, ideal for those travelers looking for quiet beaches and less crowded than those found closer to Miami.
7. HAULOVER BEACH (MIAMI’S NUSITA BEACH)
Haulover Beach is located in Miami Beach, between Sunny Isles Beach and Bal Harbour.
This beach is known worldwide as the only legal nude beach in Miami (it should be noted that only the northern part of the beach is nude). Haulover Beach is a fantastic place for surfing and enjoys a host of activities available to tourists: tennis courts, kite flying areas, golf, etc.
Like many other beaches, it is necessary to pay for car parking.
8. CRANDON PARK
This Miami beach is one of the best to go with the whole family and enjoy a day at sea with the kids. The beach is characterized as being quite flat, that is to say, one has to walk a long way to reach the deepest part of the beach.
In addition, on the seashore, the traveler can lie under the characteristic palm trees of Miami, while relaxing quietly and listening to the sea breeze. Crandon Park, although not a very crowded beach, has all kinds of services in its vicinity: restaurants, bars, showers… It is an ideal place to spend the day.
9. SUNNY ISLES BEACH
Beyond Haulover Beach Park is Sunny Isles Beach, two kilometers of public beach: with souvenir stores and hotels. American retirees occupied this place, but in an effort to change its reputation forever, the place has recently undergone a boom of luxury beachside condominiums. Today, Sunny Isles Beach is more like the mid-Miami Beach area than the low-rent retirement community it was from World War II until just a few years ago.
10. VIRGINIA KEY BEACH
Virginia Key Beach is one of the most interesting beaches in South Florida. It is located off Rickenbacker Causeway, near the Miami Aquarium (Miami Sea Aquarium). Its good location has made it one of the most frequented coastal areas by tourists and Miami’s own inhabitants, a fact that does not detract from its particular charm.
If you want to avoid the crowds on the beach, you will have to walk a little, and very close you will begin to find places and quieter areas away from the crowds. In the southern area, dogs are allowed (leashed). In the north area is a place where windsurfing is practiced.
On this beach, you can also find any kind of service such as restaurants, beach bars, showers, and sun loungers for rent…
Miami Interactive Map
The Best Beaches in Miami FAQ
Q: What are some of the best beaches in Miami?
A: Miami has many beautiful beaches, but here are five of the best:
- South Beach: This iconic beach is known for its white sand, clear water, and art deco architecture. It is also a popular spot for people-watching and nightlife.
- Crandon Park Beach: Located on Key Biscayne, this beach features calm waters, a nature center, and a family-friendly atmosphere.
- Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park: This beach offers stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean and Biscayne Bay, as well as a lighthouse and nature trails.
- Haulover Beach: This beach is known for its clothing-optional section, as well as its kite-surfing and paddleboarding opportunities.
- Virginia Key Beach: This historic beach offers a wide range of activities, including kayaking, snorkeling, and hiking, as well as a nature center and bike trails.
Q: Are there any restrictions on beach activities in Miami?
A: Yes, there are some restrictions on beach activities in Miami, such as no smoking or drinking on the beach, no pets allowed, and no glass containers. Additionally, some beaches may have specific rules and regulations for water sports, fishing, and other activities.
Q: What amenities are available at Miami beaches?
A: Miami beaches offer a range of amenities, such as restrooms, showers, changing rooms, and picnic areas. Some beaches may also have concession stands, beach rentals, and lifeguards on duty.
Q: Are Miami beaches safe for swimming?
A: Most Miami beaches are safe for swimming, but it is important to check the current weather and water conditions before entering the water. Some beaches may also have rip currents or other hazards, so it is important to pay attention to warning signs and follow any instructions from lifeguards.
Q: Are Miami beaches accessible for people with disabilities?
A: Many Miami beaches have accessibility features for people with disabilities, such as beach wheelchairs, ramps, and accessible restrooms. However, it is best to check with each beach directly to see what specific accessibility features they offer.
Last Updated on May 4, 2023 by Viktoria
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