MIAMI BEACH

Where

Miami Beach boasts seven miles of famed beaches on Florida’s Atlantic Coast, including South Pointe Park, South Beach, Mid Beach, and North Beach Oceanside Park Beach, located at Collins Ave. from 79th St. to 87th Terr., Miami Beach, FL 33141.

Vibe

Well behaved little brother of its boisterous big sibling, South Beach. Under the radar and quietly hip, North Beach Oceanside Park Beach is Miami Beach's best kept secret. Beloved for its crowd-free green spaces, sandy walking trails, and lack of pretense and traffic, this beach is where families, couples and friends go to escape the noise and reconnect with each other and nature.

See, feel

The beach is a wide affair, swathed in cocoa-colored sands that fade to a creamy white away from the water, dotted with shells. It’s bordered by dunes with a backdrop of palms and skyscrapers. Here, expect to see lifeguards perched in candy colored stands, scanning the surf; beachgoers swimming or catching some rays; and a whole lot of space to plant your beach umbrella. The water is an emerald blue hue that changes with the Atlantic’s moods. Waves will vary depending on the winds, tides and offshore systems.

On or near the beach

On the shore, kick back, swim, or go on a hunt for shells like Turkey Wings and Jingle Shells. To pick up the action, stroll or run the beautiful, sand path that parallels the ocean; or explore the short, shaded loop path that curves through the park on foot or by rollerblade. You can bring your pup—not on the beach, but in the park, for a picnic and day in the sun. Next door, the North Beach Bandshell beckons with concerts and live music. You’ll find local restaurants and lounges within walking distance.

Accessibility

The Beachwalk, a wide, hard-surface pathway that runs the entire length of the city on the west side of the dunes, boasts over than 20 beach access points with disability parking that connect the path with the ocean side of the dunes. These pathways offer either boardwalks or specially designed mats that allow wheelchair users access to the beach. Here are details about the locations and amenities. North Beach’s three bathrooms, as well as shelters, trails and picnic areas, are connected to the Beachwalk by wheelchair-accessible paths.

The City of Miami Beach offers two manual beach wheelchairs free of charge on a first-come, first-served basis. Here’s information.

Facilities

Amenities at North Beach Oceanside Park Beach include a playground with a shaded canopy; outdoor fitness elements; picnic tables and grills under the shade of old-growth sea grape trees; three pavilions for picnics and party rentals, all complete with grills, electricity and a restroom; benches along the trails; and water fountains aplenty.

Lifeguards

Yes, perched year round in Art Deco-inspired lifeguard stands. Check out more information about Miami Beach lifeguards, ocean safety, and this list of lifeguard stands, their addresses, and pictures of each.

Parking

North Beach has a metered public parking lot, and street parking is plentiful. You can pay at the meter or via the Miami Beach parking app, ParkMobile.

Places to Remember