With exciting activities, year-round sunshine, and beautiful south Florida beaches, Miami is a top vacation destination for travelers near and far. The best beaches in Miami boast white sands, are lined with palm trees, and feature miles of turquoise waters.
No matter what adventures you’re looking to have at Miami’s white-sand beaches, you’re sure to find them! There are pet-friendly areas, beach volleyball, snorkeling and surfing opportunities, and high-end oceanfront shops. And, close to all the beaches, you can find fishing and diving charters, nightlife, great dining experiences, and more.
Let’s take a look at the best beaches in Miami!
1. South Beach Miami
Located between the 5th and the 23rd streets, South Beach is one of the best beaches in the area. It’s abuzz with exciting nightlife, gorgeous shores, and incredible art deco architecture.
Visitors enjoy swimming, playing volleyball, and hitting the boardwalk at South Beach. With miles of plush sand, it’s a great place to walk, relax, and build sandcastles.
South Beach bursts with character during celebrations. Its most iconic event is the annual weeklong Miami Beach Gay Pride Festival.
Things to Do in South Beach
You can never run out of activities to do in South Beach:
- Go shopping at the quintessential Lincoln Road Mall.
- Listen to an orchestra at the New World Center.
- Visit the Jewish Museum of Florida.
- Take a stroll at South Pointe Park.
- Hang out at a beach club.
- Explore historic art deco architecture.
2. Crandon Park Beach
Stretching over an 800-acre oasis on Biscayne Bay, Crandon Park is one of the prettiest beaches in Florida. The beaming coastal environment, birding sites, and fossilized mangrove reef create a one-of-a-kind picturesque scenery.
The water at Crandon Park is turquoise and fairly calm. It’s ideal for kids to swim and play freely. Although this Miami beach isn’t as wide as South Beach, it extends for a considerable stretch and offers plenty of space. A lifeguard tower also provides extra peace of mind for parents.
There are also opportunities for tons of watersports at Crandon Park, including kayaking, snorkeling, paddle boarding, and windsurfing. There’s also a family amusement center, golf course, tennis center, and nature center.
Things to Do in Crandon Park Beach
- Hit the links and play a round of golf.
- Visit the Marjory Stoneman Douglas Biscayne Nature Center.
- Play a game of tennis.
- Go birdwatching and explore the wild and natural beauty of Biscayne Bay.
- Enjoy various water adventures.
3. North Beach Miami
Most of the beaches in Miami are loaded with people exploring the popular attractions but not North Beach! If you’re trying to get away from the hustle, you’ll love this area.
Oceanside Park is a peaceful oasis at North Beach with plenty of space to relax on the beach. At the park and beach area, you can find lifeguards on duty, picnic tables, and a play area for children. And, while dogs are allowed on the beach, there are several pet areas throughout the park as well as pet-friendly restaurants nearby.
Many visitors also love looking at the fascinating architecture as the beach is dotted with residential houses, most of which feature mid-century Miami Modernism architecture.
Things to do in North Beach
- Shop at Aventura Mall.
- Enjoy the amenities at North Beach Oceanside Park.
- Visit MOCA (the Museum of Contemporary Art).
- Visit the ancient Spanish Monastery.
- Visit the Carillon Miami Wellness Resort for a spa experience.
- Grab a bite to eat at one of several great restaurants, many of which are pet-friendly and offer outdoor seating.
4. Lummus Park Beach
Located along Ocean Drive, Lummus Park Beach is one of the most extensive beaches in Miami. It also attracts large crowds thanks to the numerous entertainment activities.
From volleyball courts to restaurants to gyms and boot camps, there’s plenty to do here. You can also rent an umbrella and lay down to enjoy hours of sunbathing.
For a breathtaking bird’s eye view of Lummus Park Beach, cross over to the beach and climb the steps leading to one of the lifeguard towers.
Things to Do at Lummus Park Beach
- Rent a bike or skates and navigate the beachfront path.
- Join annual marquee and artisan events.
- Go biking or rollerblading.
- Join a walking tour to explore MiMO and art deco architectural styles.
5. Key Biscayne Beach
Dotted with luxurious resorts and condos and art deco hotels, Key Biscayne Beach provides a fun and relaxing environment away from the bustle and party life of downtown Miami.
Key Biscayne Beach has been a coconut plantation for a long time. However, the area has transformed over time. Today, there are upscale accommodations and unique places for tourists to explore. From hiking trails to state parks and the iconic lighthouse, there’s a lot to do at Key Biscayne Beach.
You can enjoy swimming in clean waters and relaxing on white sands at the beach. Catch views of the lighthouse in the distance and stick around for a scenic sunset. There are also plenty of restaurants and food vendors for a bite to eat.
Things to Do at Key Biscayne
- Visit the historic Park Zoo ruins.
- Explore Baggs Cape Florida State Park.
- Climb the historic lighthouse.
- Visit the underwater cemetery at Neptune Memorial Reef.
- Hike or go cycling on the paths of Bear Cut Preserve.
6. Haulover Beach Miami
If looking for a more laid-back Miami beach experience, Haulover Beach Park is the place to be. Located a little further from the famous South Beach, Miami’s nude beach is dotted with serene picnic areas, soft sand, and blue waters.
Whether you choose to go nude or not, there’s plenty to enjoy at Haulover. Beachgoers enjoy swimming, hanging out at the dog park, and playing volleyball. There’s even a regular kite-making class at the park.
With ample and affordable parking, Haulover Beach Park is easy to visit. Grab a beach chair and umbrella rental and spend the day in the sunshine.
Things to Do at Haulover Beach Miami
- Go deep-sea fishing.
- Explore on electric bikes.
- Participate in watersports activities.
- Go to the dog park.
- Play a round of golf.
7. Bal Harbour Beach
Bal Harbour Beach is located in the most northern part of Miami and stretches for a mile along the Atlantic Ocean. It’s home to some of Miami’s most lavish resorts and restaurants. Well-known luxury resorts like The St. Regis Bal Harbor Resort and the Ritz Carlton Bal Harbor are also right on the beach.
The beach is casually elegant with plenty to enjoy. Stroll along the clean sands, take a bike ride, or hit the pet trail with your furry family member.
Things to Do at Bal Harbour Beach
- Go shopping at the Bal Harbour designer boutiques.
- Eat sushi at Makoto restaurant or check out the many other restaurant experiences.
- Take in the Miami skyline views.
- Wonder the jogging, walking, biking, and pet trails.
8. West Palm Beach
West Palm Beach is located along the city’s Atlantic Ocean coast. Several West Palm Beach beaches boast favorable weather year-round and are home to the nation’s most exciting waterways.
The best beaches in West Palm Beach are:
- DelRay Beach: for watersports and camping
- Carlin Park: for sports enthusiasts
- Lake Worth Beach: for various beach activities
A stroll downtown leads you to four vibrant entertainment centers — Antique Row, Clematis Street, Northwood Village, and Rosemary Square. Florida’s largest waterfront music festival, Sunfest, is also held here.
Things to Do at West Palm Beach
- Visit the Norton Museum.
- Enjoy watersports.
- Check out the zoo.
- Go shopping at The Square.
- Explore Northwood’s bohemian art galleries and shops.
- Watch performances at the Kravis Center for Performing Arts.
9. Hollywood Beach
Although Hollywood Beach is about 20 miles from Miami proper, it’s well worth visiting if you’re in Miami! The popular area and beach offer a vibrant culture, incredible food, and beautiful scenery.
Many visitors enjoy booking a night at one of the resorts on Hollywood Beach or going for the day. A lengthy paved boardwalk attracts all kinds of visitors, from well-dressed dog walkers to scantily-dressed rollerblades.
And, you can’t visit Hollywood without trying delicious food. If you’re looking for one of the tastiest burgers in America, be sure to check out Le Tub, a tiny shack sitting on the Intracoastal.
Things to Do at Hollywood Beach
- Bike, run, go rollerblading on the vast boardwalk.
- Explore nature trails and coastal mangrove wetlands.
- Visit ArtsPark at the Young Circle.
- Play tennis, volleyball, or go for a picnic at T.Y. (Topeekeegee Yugnee) Park.
10. Surfside
Once a shadow of old beach towns, Surfside is now known as Miami’s uptown beach town. It’s not as big as the famous South beach, but it boasts a slew of high-end restaurants that will keep you thoroughly entertained. Surfside also features pristine beaches and luxury shopping opportunities.
Transformed into a restaurant and a Champagne bar, the historic Four Seasons Hotel is still an iconic spectacle to discover. It’s even hosted famous people like Elizabeth Taylor and Winston Churchill in the 1930s.
Things to Do at Surfside Beach
- Swim at the Surfside Community Center.
- Go for a deep-sea fishing excursion.
- Jog, bike, or hike along the Bluewater Highway Trail.
- Visit the location of the first battle of the Texas Revolution.
11. Bill Baggs State Park Beach
Once a calm Miami beach area, Bill Baggs is now a popular place for locals and travelers alike. It’s only minutes from downtown Miami on the southern tip of Key Biscayne.
With very rare rip currents and waves that seldom come offshore, Bill Baggs is said to be the best swimming beach in the Southeast. There’s also a lot to explore around the park, including trails, the Lighthouse Café, wildlife, a museum, and more.
Things to Do at Bill Baggs State Park Beach
- Go fishing and swimming.
- Take out a canoe or kayak.
- Snorkel in the beautiful waters.
- Rent an overnight camping boat.
- Sightsee at Cape Florida Lighthouse.
12. Hobie Beach
Located near Rickenbacker Causeway, en route to Key Biscayne paradise, Hobie Beach is famous for windsurfing. Now dubbed the Windsurfer Beach, pros and amateurs visit the windsurfing rental concession every year.
This Miami beach is also a destination for travelers bringing dogs because the waters here are shallow and calm, perfect for pets to play in.
Lined with palm trees, Hobie is the perfect place to cool off from the scorching sun while taking in beautiful views. But if you want to be a little more adventurous, sign up for a parasailing session at the Miami Watersports.
Things to do at Hobie Beach
- Rent a kayak at Channel Island Harbor.
- Go camping, hiking, and whale watching.
- Surf at Silver Strand Beach.
- Visit Channel Island Maritime Museum.
- Go biking, jet skiing, and kayaking at Maritime Emporium Landing.
13. South Pointe Park Beach
Located on the most southern part of Miami Beach, South Pointe is a beautiful green expanse offering panoramic views of the South Beach shoreline where cruise ships go by and small yachts set sail. The park sits on a 17-acre piece of land and features numerous walking trails, barbeque areas, and picnic tables.
There’s a small water playground where kids play and winding paths for biking, running, rollerblading, and skating. The beach is the highlight of South Pointe Park. It has some colorful lifeguard towers and is a popular spot for playing volleyball, paddleboarding, and surfing. There’s also a fishing pier to throw your line in.
Note: Pets aren’t allowed on this Miami beach.
Things to Do at South Pointe Park Beach
- Eat at Smith & Wollensky steakhouse.
- Visit South Point Cafe.
- Go jet skiing, surfing, and kayaking.
- Take a stroll on South Pointe Park pier.
14. Sunny Isles Beach
Nestled between the eastern region of the Atlantic and the western part of the Intracoastal Waterway, Sunny Isles is easily one of the prettiest beaches in Florida.
Around Sunny Isles Beach, you can find renowned restaurants, cultural destinations, nightclubs, and theaters here. Sunny Isles Beach also boasts stunning oceanfront vistas with miles of white sand stretching on the shoreline, pristine public parks, and many play areas.
Things to Do at Sunny Isles Beach
- Relax at Acqualina Spa.
- Visit the Oleta River State park.
- Take a stroll at Newport Fishing Pier.
- Dine at Time restaurant and bar.
15. 21st and 45th Street Beach
At first glance, many people don’t think to visit the beach at 21st and 45th Street. As soon as you start exploring its hidden gems, you won’t regret making the visit.
Although this Miami beach doesn’t have amenities like snack shops and lifeguards, there are luxurious beach clubs and oceanfronts where you can dine and hang out.
Fewer crowds mean more tranquility at this beach. There are lots of winding paths well worth exploring, too. And the highlight of the beach is the lengthy boardwalk, perfect for evening walks and people-watching.
Things to Do at 21st and 45th Street Beach
- Stroll on the long Miami beach boardwalk.
- Dine at Faena Hotel.
- People-watch.
- Go jogging.
Enjoy the Best Beaches in Miami
We hope this guide of incredible Miami beaches has you excited to check out the stunning views, delicious restaurants, and various beach activities. No matter what you’re looking for, whether it’s a family-friendly beach, party scene, quiet spot to relax, or even a clothing-optional beach, you can find it all in sunny Miami.
