18 Best Beaches in Miami, Florida

Sun, sand, and turquoise water are waiting — grab your sunscreen, and let's find your perfect spot along Miami's stunning coastline.

Miami, also known as the Magic City, is perched on the southeast Atlantic coast of Florida. It is famous for its art deco architecture, nightlife, rich history, diverse culture, and a wide range of attractions, like the Wynwood Walls, drawing visitors from all around the world every year. But did you know Miami's location between the Atlantic Ocean and Biscayne Bay gives it miles of sandy beaches with clear waters, soft white sand, and year-round sunshine? From relaxing at South Beach, which is known for its eclectic energy, to kayaking through Oleta River State Park's calm waters, to enjoying the peaceful dunes of North Beach Oceanside Park, there is something for every taste in this city.

Below is the list of the 18 best Miami beaches. Keep reading and explore more!

Among the best beaches in Miami come, which stretches from the southern tip of Miami Beach to 23rd Street. What makes this beach famous is its white sand, turquoise waters, and flamboyant lifeguard towers, making it a great spot for swimming, sunbathing, and beachfront walks. It is also home to Ocean Drive, which is a lively main street filled with cafes, restaurants, shops, and vibrant nightlife.

The avenue is also famous for its beautifully restored pastel-colored art deco hotels, which make up the largest collection of art deco architecture. Families can also enjoy playgrounds or eat authentic Cuban dishes like ropa vieja, lechón asado, and fried yucca in a Little Havana–style restaurant on Española Way.

Address:

South Beach, Miami Beach, FL 33139, USA

North Beach is a quieter and family-friendly neighborhood in Miami Beach that extends from 60th Street to Surfside. Its wide sandy beach and clear Atlantic waters offer a relaxed atmosphere to visitors as compared to other Miami Beach areas. The area is known for its unique Miami Modern (MiMo) buildings, which feature bold mid-century designs. It is home to North Beach Oceanside Park, which features shaded walking trails, picnic areas, playgrounds, a dog park, and direct beach access, making it perfect for a full day of enjoyment. Visitors can also try golf at the Normandy Shores Golf Club, enjoy live performances at the Miami Beach Bandshell, and indulge in unique dining experiences near the historic Normandy Fountain.

Address:

North Beach, Miami Beach, FL 33141, USA

Mid-Beach stretches from 24th Street to 60th Street in Miami Beach and is famous for its laid-back atmosphere, oceanfront resorts, and wide sandy shoreline. It features the scenic Beach Walk and Collins Avenue Boardwalk, which are great for walking, jogging, and cycling while enjoying ocean views.

The neighborhood is also home to beach clubs, stylish restaurants, and waterfront bars. A highlight of the neighborhood is the Faena district, where the iconic Faena Hotel, Faena Forum, and Faena Bazaar are present, showcasing art, architecture, shopping, and cultural events.

Visitors can also play at the Miami Beach Golf Club, walk along Indian Creek, or admire the waterfront mansions on the famous Millionaire's Row.

Address:

Mid-Beach, Miami Beach, FL, USA (Faena Hotel: 3201 Collins Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33140, USA)

Sunny Isles Beach, also known as Florida's Riviera, is a two-mile stretch of white sand situated between the Atlantic Ocean and the Intracoastal Waterway. It is lined with luxury resorts and high-rise condominiums and serves as a popular place for relaxing beach days and family vacations.

It is home to Samson Oceanfront Park, which offers direct beach access, playgrounds, picnic areas, and seasonal community events. You can also visit the Newport Fishing Pier that extends more than 700 feet into the Atlantic, making it a great spot for fishing, scenic walks, and oceanfront dining.

Visitors can also relax at the luxurious Acqualina Resort or enjoy the unique restaurants of the area, including Italian Mediterranean cuisine and authentic Eastern European dining.

Address:

Sunny Isles Beach, FL 33160, USA (Acqualina Resort & Residences: 17875 Collins Ave, Sunny Isles Beach, FL 33160, USA)

Haulover Beach Park is a beautiful waterway destination situated between Bal Harbour and Sunny Isles Beach and is known for its wide sandy shoreline and rolling dunes. It is home to Miami's only officially designed clothing-optional beach, while the rest of the park welcomes families, surfers, and pet owners.

The dog-friendly area includes Bark Park, an off-leash playground for dogs, along with direct beach access. You can also visit the Haulover Inlet and try your hand at surfing when the surf conditions are favorable.

Visitors can also enjoy picnic areas with grills, walking trails, beach chair and umbrella rentals, and a marina that offers diving and fishing charters on the Intracoastal Waterway.

Address:

10800 Collins Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33154, USA

Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park is situated at Biscayne Bay’s southern tip and is a scenic destination known for its uncrowded beach, natural sand dunes, and calm Atlantic waters. This park is home to the historic Cape Florida Lighthouse, which was built in 1825. Visitors can enjoy guided tours of the lighthouse and breathtaking views from the top.

Moreover, the park also features several nature trails, cycling paths, and kayaking-friendly waters, which make it a great destination for outdoor adventures. Visitors can also relax on the beach, spot local wildlife, or enjoy waterfront dining at the Lighthouse Café, Boater's Grill, or The Cleat while watching the sunset over Biscayne Bay.

Address:

1200 Crandon Blvd, Key Biscayne, FL 33149, USA

Historic Virginia Key Beach Park is an 82-acre beachfront park situated on Virginia Key, just across the Rickenbacker Causeway from downtown Miami. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and was once the only beach in Miami-Dade County open to Black residents during segregation.

Today, visitors can relax on its peaceful mile-long shoreline, explore mangrove and coastal hammock nature trails, or join free eco-history tours. Families can also enjoy a restored vintage carousel, miniature train, picnic pavilions, and calm waters that are great for kayaking and paddleboarding. The park also features popular mountain biking trails and hosts community events throughout the year.

Address:

4020 Virginia Beach Dr, Miami, FL 33149, USA

Matheson Hammock Park is a 630-acre waterfront park in Coral Gables that overlooks Biscayne Bay. It opened in 1930 and is known for its unique man-made atoll pool, naturally filled by the tides and offering calm, shallow waters that are perfect for families with younger children.

The park features scenic mangrove and hardwood hammock trails, picnic areas, playgrounds, and excellent birdwatching opportunities. Visitors can also rent kayaks, canoes, or paddleboards from the full-service marina, try fishing from the pier, or explore the bay by boat.

If you want to enjoy a waterfront meal, visit NOMA Beach at Redfish, which serves Italian-inspired seafood with beautiful views of Biscayne Bay.

Address:

9610 Old Cutler Rd, Coral Gables, FL 33156, USA

Crandon Park is an 800-acre oceanfront park on Key Biscayne known for its two-mile sandy beach, calm waters, and family-friendly atmosphere. It was once a coconut plantation but now offers kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, kiteboarding, and guided eco tours through Biscayne Bay.

Nature lovers can explore mangrove boardwalks, a fossilized coral reef, and the Marjory Stoneman Douglas Biscayne Nature Center. The park also features several picnic areas, volleyball courts, a marina, and the renowned Crandon Golf at Key Biscayne.

Visitors can also enjoy waterfront dining, bike along the beautiful paths, or play at the historic Crandon Park Tennis Center, which was formerly home to the Miami Open.

Address:

6747 Crandon Blvd, Key Biscayne, FL 33149, USA

Bal Harbour Beach is a peaceful stretch of soft white sand in the lively village of Bal Harbour, known for its tranquil atmosphere and clear waters. Lifeguards are on duty daily, making it a great spot for swimming and relaxing by the ocean. Behind the beach, there is a palm-lined oceanfront pathway that is perfect for walking, jogging, and enjoying coastal views.

The elegant Bal Harbour village is also home to luxury residences, fine dining, and the renowned Bal Harbour Shops, an open-air shopping destination filled with designer boutiques set among lush tropical gardens. Its uncrowded shoreline and surroundings make it one of the most exclusive beaches in Miami.

Address:

Bal Harbour Beach, Florida 33154, USA (Bal Harbour Shops: 501 96th St, Bal Harbour, FL 33154, USA)

Surfside is a beautiful one-square-mile beach town situated between North Beach and Bal Harbour and is known as Miami's uptown beach town. Its white sand shoreline, retro small-town environment, and rolling dunes make it one of the best places to visit in Miami for laid-back beach days.

The elevated oceanfront pathway is famous for walking, jogging, and cycling while enjoying coastal views. Harding Avenue forms the center of the town and is lined with local cafes, boutiques, eateries, synagogues, and classic Jewish delis.

Families can also spend time at the Surfside Community Center, which features a swimming pool, waterslide, and beach access, or spot the colorful Turtle Walk sculptures celebrating the area's sea turtle heritage.

Address:

Surfside Beach, Florida 33154, USA

Hobie Beach, also known as Windsurfer Beach, is a famous waterfront park in Miami situated along the Rickenbacker Causeway and is known for its excellent windsurfing conditions and beautiful views of Biscayne Bay and the downtown Miami skyline. Visitors can rent windsurfing gear, paddleboards, kayaks, and Hobie Cat sailboats or take lessons on the water.

The shallow bay makes it a perfect spot for beginner-friendly water activities, while its designated dog-friendly beach welcomes pets to splash along the shore. It is also home to picnic areas, food trucks, cycling paths, free parking, and beautiful sunset views, making it a favorite for outdoor recreation and water sports.

Address:

Old Rickenbacker Cswy, Miami, FL 33149, USA

South Pointe Park Pier is situated at the southern tip of Miami Beach and offers not only sweeping Atlantic Ocean views, but also of Biscayne Bay, Fisher Island, and passing cruise ships. The 450-foot fishing pier is a great spot for sightseeing, fishing, and watching surfers, kayakers, and jet skiers.

The 17-acre South Pointe Park surrounds the pier and features several walking trails, landscape gardens, picnic and barbecue areas, a playground, a splash pad, and an off-leash dog park. Visitors can also enjoy direct beach access, volleyball, paddleboarding, and beautiful waterfront strolls.

You can also visit the nearby Joe's Take Away, which is a popular stop for fresh seafood after a day in the water.

Address:

1 Washington Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139, USA

Escape the busy beaches of Miami and visit Homestead Bayfront Park, a family-friendly waterfront park overlooking Biscayne Bay that provides a relaxing day for visitors. The park features a sandy beach, a calm atoll-style swimming lagoon, a fishing pier, picnic shelters with BBQ grills, and the Herbert Hoover Marina, where you can launch boats or rent kayaks to explore the nearby waterways and Biscayne National Park.

Fishing, snorkeling, boating, and kayaking are also available to visitors. If you become hungry, visit La Playa Grill, a waterfront restaurant serving fresh seafood and American favorites along with scenic views of the bay. The peaceful setting of the park makes it great for watching sunsets.

Address:

9698 SW 328th St, Homestead, FL 33033, USA

North Beach Oceanside Park is a famous attraction in Miami Beach that stretches from 78th Street to 87th Street. It is backed by natural dunes and shaded by sea grape trees and offers a quieter alternative to South Beach, with plenty of space for swimming, sunbathing, and relaxing.

Families can enjoy picnic pavilions with BBQ grills, playgrounds, and open green spaces, while fitness lovers will find walking trails, an outdoor exercise course, and easy access to the beachfront bike path. The park also features separate dog parks for large and small breeds.

You can also visit the nearby North Beach Bandshell, which hosts concerts, or have a meal at one of the local restaurants within walking distance.

Address:

8328 Collins Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33141, USA

Lummus Park Beach is the most iconic beach in Miami, situated along Ocean Drive from 5th Street to 15th Street in the heart of South Beach. It is framed by colorful art deco lifeguard towers and the Atlantic Ocean and is perfect for swimming, sunbathing, people-watching, and beach volleyball.

The beachfront Beach Walk is popular for walking, biking, and rollerblading, while the Muscle Beach fitness area at 9th Street features outdoor workout equipment.

Visit 10th Street and stop by the Miami Design Preservation League's Art Deco Welcome Center, which provides architectural tours to visitors. After having fun at the beach, explore the eateries, cafes, and bars lining Ocean Drive just steps away from the sand.

Address:

1130 Ocean Dr, Miami Beach, FL 33139, USA

Oleta River State Park is set along Biscayne Bay and is one of the largest urban parks in South Florida, covering 1,033 acres of mangroves, scenic waterways, and outdoor recreation. The park features a small, calm sandy beach with shallow waters, making it a great relaxing spot for swimming, sunbathing, and family picnics.

In addition to the beach, visitors can kayak or paddleboard through the peaceful mangrove-lined estuaries, where manatees, dolphins, and wading birds are often spotted.

The park also offers 15 miles of mountain biking trails, walking paths, a fishing pier, picnic areas, and on-site rentals for paddleboards, kayaks, and bikes. Rustic cabins and campgrounds are also available for overnight stays.

Address:

3400 NE 163rd St, North Miami Beach, FL 33160, USA

Hollywood North Beach Park is a 56-acre beachfront park that offers a quieter alternative to Miami's busier beaches. Its wide stretch of soft sand and clean waters is great for swimming, sunbathing, and beach walks, with lifeguards on duty for added safety.

Nature lovers can also explore boardwalks through the mangroves and dunes, spot sea turtles, herons, and other coastal wildlife, or climb the 60-foot observation tower for beautiful ocean views.

The park also features fishing piers, picnic areas, walking and biking paths, a playground, restrooms, showers, snack shops, and a café, making it a great destination for families and groups.

Address:

3601 N Ocean Dr, Hollywood, FL 33019, USA

Book Mondrian South Beach for suite-style accommodations, a bayside pool, Mediterranean dining, a spa, and a 24-hour fitness center near Miami Beach attractions.