On the beaches of Miami, the Atlantic Ocean merges with the Caribbean Sea, the sands turn soft and white and the waters lap the shore in shades of light blue to nearly clear aqua. The area offers more than a dozen beaches, all with their own vibe. Here's where to find the best beaches of Miami.

Beaches and parks are listed geographically from north to south.

 Samson Oceanfront Park in Sunny Isles hosts outdoor concerts, and younger members of your gang will love its children's play area.
-Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau

 

 

Sunny Isles Beach

(Collins Ave. - 157th St. to 193rd St., Sunny Isles Beach, 305/947-0606)

It's no wonder Sunny Isles is one of the best beaches of Miami. It features a two-mile long beach with several access points, and its clear waters are perfect for snorkeling, diving and other water sports. You can take a stroll on the Newport Fishing Pier, or try your luck with the hungry underwater population.  

Nearby Samson Oceanfront Park hosts outdoor concerts, and younger members of your gang will love its children's play area.  

After playing in the sun, refuel at one of the many small cafes and restaurants with a tropical concoction and a snack.

Oleta River State Park

(3400 NE 163rd St., North Miami Beach, 305/919-1846)

Oleta River State Park is Florida's largest urban park, encompassing 1,043 acres. Nestled against the Oleta River on Biscayne Bay, this Park offers boasts a 1,200 foot sandy beach where you can swim. Explore the clear, placid waters via canoe or kayak; you can rent all the gear you need.

Miles of off-road bicycle trails, from novice to challenging, will please nature lovers visiting the beaches of Miami. You can even stay the night: the park has rustic, air-conditioned cabins and a youth campground for organized groups. 

Haulover Beach

(10800 Collins Ave., Miami Beach, 305/944-3040)

This 1.5 mile beach is snuggled between the Intracoastal Waterway and Atlantic Ocean, a sprawling wonder of blue water, soft sand and picnic areas. The Park regularly hosts kite-making workshops and sells kites, which are perfect to fly in the grassy area overlooking Biscayne Bay. The tennis center, golf course and dog park ensure your whole posse will never be bored.

Haulover Beach is home to a stretch of clothing optional beach, so those who are inclined can avoid tan lines.

Bal Harbour

(Collins Ave. - 96th St. to Haulover Inlet, Bal Harbour, 305/866-4633)

This laid-back stretch of sand is fringed with luxury condominiums and five-star hotels. The jogging path winds around the mile-long beach, shaded by palms. Fishermen will love the jetty at the north end of beach.

You’ll find limited metered parking beneath Haulover Bridge. The tiny cafes in the nearby Town of Surfside or the elegant bistros in Bal Harbour Shops guarantee to keep you refreshed.

There are no lifeguards or showers.

Surfside Beach

(9301 Collins Ave., Surfside, FL 33154, 305/864-0722)

This pristine mile-long stretch of sand running from 88th to 96th streets offers walking and biking paths. The Town of Surfside is full of quaint cafes and shops, as well as a Four Seasons hotel.

North Shore Open Space Park

(Collins Ave. from 78th St. to 87th Terr., Miami Beach, FL 33141, 305/861-3616)

On the beaches of Miami, if you’re looking for a place to unplug and relax, this park has your flip-flops written all over it. Revel in its green spaces; explore its walking trails; or kick back on the beach—all without fighting the crowds. Your dog is allowed on leash in the park, but not on the beach.

Miami Beach - North Beach

(Collins Ave. - 60th St. to 78th St., Miami Beach, 305/673-7714)

Sidewalk cafes, a community center, and the North Beach Bandshell, a popular Miami Beach music venue, define this relatively quiet stretch. The beach is generous and laden with soft sand, and concessions and showers ensure your visit will be comfortable.

Check out all of the possibilities for things to do in this list of 50 things to do in Miami Beach.

(Collins Ave. - 24th to 60th St., Miami Beach, 305/673-7714)

The boardwalk along Miami Beach's central section is ideal for strolling, jogging and skating. A little less crowded and quieter than South Beach, this beach is home to classic Miami Beach hotels like the Fontainebleau Miami Beach.

(Ocean Drive & 1st Street to Collins Avenue & 24th Street, Miami Beach, 305/673-7714)

At the southern tip of Miami Beach you’ll discover legendary South Beach, consistently ranked as one of the best beaches of Miami.

Take a stroll to admire the Art Deco buildings, watch cruise ships glide out to sea, and take a selfie with the iconic multi-colored lifeguard stands.

The cafés lining Ocean Drive will be waiting to refresh you when you’ve had enough beach time. Several public parking lots are located nearby.

South Pointe Park

(1 Washington Ave., Miami Beach, FL 33139, 305/673-7730)

The 360 degree ocean views at this Park are a pleasure for the eyes, but it has a lot more to brag about: foot paths, a food stand, a lovely grassy area and a miniature water park. Nearby, you’ll find a dog park and a tot lot.

When you consider South Pointe’s beauty, its art sculptures, and the romance of cruise ships heading out to sea, it’s no wonder it’s a favorite for film shoots. It's also one of the best beaches of Miami for families.

Virginia Key Beach

(4020 Virginia Beach Drive, Virginia Key, FL 33149, 305/960-4600)

This historic beach is located just past the Rickenbacker Causeway, linking mainland Miami and Key Biscayne, across from Miami Seaquarium. A big wooden sign will declare when you’ve arrived. There’s a small admission fee.

Hobie Beach/Windsurfer Beach

(South end, north side of Rickenbacker Causeway, Key Biscayne,
305/361-2833)

Windsurfing rules at Hobie Beach, located just off of the Rickenbacker Causeway en route to Key Biscayne. The beach has been home to a locally run windsurfing rental concession for more than 20 years. You can watch the hotshots or take a lesson and try it yourself.

Hobie Beach is also Miami's favorite dog friendly beach. Your best friend will love romping on the sand, digging in it, and splashing in the shallow, calm surf.

The skyline view, concession stands and free parking only add to this Park’s allure.

Crandon Park Beach

(6747 Crandon Blvd., Key Biscayne, FL 33149, 305/361-5421)

More than a beach, Crandon Beach offers a sprawling treasure of amenities: a Family Amusement Center, a Nature Center and even a place to rent cabanas.

Yet the beach is still the shining star of this Park. You can enjoy a game of beach volleyball. Or bring your whole family for a picnic; the Park offers on-site grills.

Nature lovers can discover a hotbed of ecosystems at Crandon, including dunes, mangroves, a coastal hammock and sea grass beds. The Nature Center showcases exotic plants, rare fish and wildlife, and Bear Cut Preserve, a natural Environment Study Area. For a deeper understanding, take a tour with a naturalist.

Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park is sited on the tip of Key Biscayne.
-Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau

 

Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park

(1200 S. Crandon Blvd., Key Biscayne, 305/361-5811)

Situated on the tip of Key Biscayne, this relaxing, scenic beach is heralded as one of the nation’s best by Dr. Beach, and consistently receives accolades from other noted travel publications as well.

A historic lighthouse, the oldest standing building in Miami-Dade County,  towers above the beach, and offers scheduled tours.

While it’s peaceful, it’s anything but boring: it boasts walking and bicycle trails, fishing, and two onsite restaurants, the Lighthouse Café which faces the beach, and Boaters Grill, located on a quiet lagoon.   Amenities include restrooms, picnic tables, food concessions and shower facilities.

Matheson Hammock Park

(9610 Old Cutler Road, Coral Gables, FL 33156, 305/665-5475)

This beautiful, palm-shaded Park is home to a marina, where you can admire the boats. The atoll pool, a saltwater pond fed by the tidal movement of the Biscayne Bay, is perfect for kids.  If you’re looking for a quiet escape, this unique park is for you.

Homestead Bayfront Park

(9698 SW 328th St., Homestead, FL 33030, 305/230-3034)

Fringed by palms, this Park is nestled beside Biscayne Bay in South Miami-Dade County, adjoining Biscayne National Park. It offers scenic views in a peaceful setting

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