10 Best Beaches in Miami
Next to its glamorous Art Deco architecture and incredible Cuban cuisine, there’s nothing more iconically Miami than its beautiful beaches. Miami has miles of beaches with turquoise waters and shimmering white sand. It’s no wonder millions of tourists flock here every year for some fun in the sun.
With so many beaches, it can be hard to choose which ones to visit. We’ve rounded up 10 of the best beaches in Miami to help you plan your stay — Bienvenidos a Miami!
1. South Beach
Location: Ocean Drive from South Pointe Pier to 24th Street
Amenities: Lifeguards, Public Restrooms, and Volleyball Courts
Vibe: Glamorous and Fun
A name that really needs no introduction, South Beach, also referred to as SoBe, is THE place to be in Miami when it comes to beaches. Surrounded by famous Art Deco buildings, glamorous restaurants and bars, and beachgoers all decked out in their most fashionable and colorful attire; South Beach is famous the world over.
South Beach is the spot to lie on the beach and soak up the sun during the day and sip cocktails in ritzy beachfront bars by night.
South Beach encompasses a two-mile stretch of shoreline where you’ll find famous spots like South Pointe Park — with epic views of the jetty, Muscle Beach — Miami’s iconic outdoor gym, and Lummus Park — a family-friendly beachfront park.
Whether you want to soak up some sun, stroll the boardwalk, rent a cabana, or check out the famous sights on Ocean Drive, South Beach is the hottest spot in Miami!
2. Mid Beach
Location: Collins Avenue from 24th to 60th Street
Amenities: Lifeguards, Public Restrooms, and Playgrounds
Vibe: Laid-back and Luxurious
More laid-back than South Beach while still maintaining its vibrant Miami charm, Mid Beach spans a little over three miles and offers plenty of gorgeous sandy shoreline to enjoy.
Mid Beach is a great spot to relax on the beach or stroll down Collins Avenue, exploring all the swanky cafes, chic boutiques, and famous sights.
Traveling with little ones? Along Mid Beach, you’ll also find shaded picnic areas and several playgrounds. Looking for adventure? You’ll find jet ski rentals, parasailing tours, and more. Mid Beach has something for everyone.
3. North Beach
Location: Collins Avenue from 63rd Street to Surfside
Amenities: Lifeguards, Public Restrooms, BBQ Grills, Dog Park, Picnic Shelters, and Playgrounds
Vibe: Relaxed and Family-Friendly
When you’re looking for a quiet beach that’s dog and kid-friendly, North Beach is the place to be. Tucked away in a more residential area of Miami Beach, North Beach has parks, playgrounds, dog parks, and plenty of greenspaces. You’ll find lots of room to sprawl out in this two-mile-long stretch of beach.
North Beach is also home to North Beach Oceanside Park — the perfect spot for a picnic with the family. Enjoy shaded picnic pavilions and BBQ grills while kids and pups can play nearby in the playground and dog park.
4. Surfside Beach
Location: Collins Avenue from 88th Street to 96th Street
Amenities: Public Restrooms and Walking Paths
Vibe: Quiet, No-Frills Beach
Known as a hidden gem, Surfside Beach is a small, serene beach that encompasses about one mile between North Beach and Bal Harbour. While you won’t find many amenities at Surfside Beach, it’s a great spot for a quiet, relaxing beach day — away from all the hustle and bustle of more touristy areas.
Surfside Beach also features a nice walking path along the sand dunes with gorgeous views of the Atlantic Ocean and beachfront properties. On the weekends, you can stroll the Surfside Farmers Market and enjoy fresh fruits and artisanal goods while you take in the views and salty sea air.
5. Crandon Park Beach
Location: Crandon Boulevard, Key Biscayne
Amenities: Lifeguards, Public Restrooms, Picnic Shelters, Playgrounds, and Volleyball Courts
Vibe: Relaxing Natural Oasis
Located inside Crandon Park, Crandon Park Beach, is a lush green oasis with sandy beaches and calm, clear water. Find peace and tranquility among the tree-lined walking paths, enjoy a picnic, or just relax and soak up the sun or take a dip in the pristine waters.
When you’ve had your fill of the beach, take a stroll through the gardens, where you might spot one of the many wild peacocks that call the park home. You can also rent a kayak and explore Biscayne Bay. Crandon Park is so much more than just a beautiful beach!
6. Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park
Location: South Crandon Boulevard, Key Biscayne
Amenities: Public Restrooms and Picnic Shelters
Vibe: Tropical Getaway
Located on the southern tip of Key Biscayne, Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park is only a few minutes from mainland Miami but feels like an exotic Caribbean getaway. This beachfront paradise is the perfect place to spend the day swimming, snorkeling, admiring wildlife, or just soaking up the warm sunshine and watching the boats go by.
When you need a break from the beach, there’s lots to see and do. Rent a kayak, explore the nature trails, or dine at the Lighthouse Cafe. If you’re up for the challenge of climbing 109 steps, you can tour the Cape Florida Lighthouse — a historic landmark and icon of the park.
7. Haulover Beach
Location: Collins Avenue from Haulover Inlet to Sunny Isles Beach
Amenities: Lifeguards, Public Restrooms, Dog Park, and Volleyball Courts
Vibe: Free-spirited Fun
Located in North Miami Beach, Haulover Beach spans just under two miles and has a little bit of something for everyone. Beachgoers can enjoy a wide stretch of soft white sand and beautiful blue-green water. The grassy knoll at Haulover Beach is popular for flying kites and you can often find kite vendors.
Haulover Park, on the southern end of the beach, features walking trails, picnic shelters, and a dog park.
While there’s lots to see at Haulover Beach, it’s what you won’t see at the north end of the beach that gets the most headlines, and that’s clothes!
That’s right — Haulover Beach has a clothing-optional area. In fact, it’s the only nude beach in South Florida. So, if you’re feeling free-spirited or just want to avoid tan lines without getting a ticket, head to the north end of Haulover Beach, where you’re free to bare it all.
8. Virginia Key Beach Park
Location: Virginia Beach Drive, East of The Rickenbacker Causeway
Amenities: Public Restrooms, Picnic Shelters, and BBQ Grills
Vibe: Relaxed and Low-key
Located inside the Historic Virginia Key Beach Park, Virginia Key Beach is a small, low-key beach perfect for sunbathing on the soft sand or swimming in the calm, clear waters. The beach is surrounded by lush landscapes, trees, and nature trails, so there’s plenty to explore.
Virginia Key Beach is the perfect spot when you want to relax, immerse yourself in nature, and get away from the noise and traffic of other Miami beaches. Be sure to pack a picnic and enjoy the many picnic shelters and BBQ grills available for use throughout the park.
9. Matheson Hammock Park
Location: Old Cutler Road and Matheson Park Drive
Amenities: Lifeguards, Public Restrooms, Picnic Shelters, and BBQ Grills
Vibe: Family-Friendly Island Fun
A hidden gem in Coral Gables, Matheson Hammock Park has one of the most unique beaches in Miami. Here, you can stroll the sandy, tree-lined atoll and swim in the calm waters of a man-made lagoon. The lagoon is fed by the tides of Biscayne Bay and is a perfect spot for swimming and snorkeling.
It’s also popular with families traveling with little ones as the lagoon offers a calm, shallow swimming space and is surrounded by lifeguards.
If you’re looking to add a little more adventure to your beach day, the park also offers kayaking, kiteboarding, nature trails, and more. It’s the perfect spot for a day of fun in the sun for the whole family.
10. Hobie Beach
Location: Off The Rickenbacker Causeway Between Mainland Miami and Virginia Key
Amenities: Public Restrooms, Benches, Watersport Rentals, and Dog Park
Vibe: Adventure and Dog-Friendly Fun
Known for its epic views, Hobie Beach is comprised of multiple stretches of shoreline that run along the Rickenbacker Causeway for about three miles. Each little beach offers its own unique experience with gorgeous views of the bridge, bay, and downtown Miami skyline.
The north side of Hobie Beach is home to Hobie Island Beach Par, where you can rent jet skis or just relax on the beach. The central area of Hobie Beach is nicknamed Windsurfer Beach, and you’ll find, well, you probably guessed it — lots of windsurfers! Feeling adventurous? You can take windsurfing lessons here at the Miami Watersports Sailing Center.
Lastly, the southern end of Hobie Beach is the dog beach, where you and your pup can play in the sand or go for a swim.
Hobie Beach has something for everyone and is a great place to spend the day or make a pit stop on the way to Virginia Key or Key Biscayne.
Stay Near Miami’s Best Beaches
No visit to Miami is complete without a visit to at least a few of these legendary beaches! Enjoy days on the beach and nights in the hot tub with your own private vacation villa.
Ready to plan your perfect stay? Book a villa close to all the best beaches in Miami, so you’re never too far from putting your toes in the sand. Enjoy luxury amenities like fully furnished homes, private pools, hot tubs, and more with Emerald Property Management — Miami’s premier vacation rental provider.
