Miami is a beach lover’s paradise! And when it comes to beaches, Miami knows how to do it. The city’s coastline is littered with beautiful sandy beaches, each with its own unique vibe. Whether you’re looking for a party scene or a laid-back atmosphere, there’s a beach for you in Miami.
Miami’s best beaches are as unique as its neighborhoods. No matter what you want to do at the beach – whether you want to relax, play with your dog, have a drink, or get a tan – Miami has it all. Our 16 favorite places in Miami to throw on a towel and soak up the sun range from South Beach to private beach clubs on Mid-Beach to nature and bike trails along Key Biscayne.
To help you plan your beach day (or days!), here are the 16 best beaches in Miami.
1. Lummus Park Beach
Lummus Park Beach is located in Miami’s South Beach neighborhood, in the vibrant Art Deco District. Between 5th and 14th Street, along Ocean Drive, you’ll find the most beautiful postcard views.
This gorgeous stretch of beach is also a popular place to look around in public, with plenty of opportunities to see a tanned bikini body and famous faces. It’s also a hotspot for recreational athletes and swimmers, offering a range of outdoor activities as well as beach volleyball, gymnastics and rollerblading.
The beach is a popular spot for film shoots. Be prepared to encounter a movie set or two. If you’re looking for the best place nearby to rest your head, a stay at the Bentley Hotel South Beach puts you right in the middle of the action and just steps from the beach.
When it’s as hot as the sun, the best place to be is on the beach. Grab an ice cream at one of the ice cream stores near the beach, or rent a lounge chair and umbrella at one of the many stores nearby.
2. Haulover Beach Dog Park
For dog lovers, the Haulover Beach Dog Park at Haulover Beach is a must. While people flock to Haulover Beach to relax and enjoy the sandy beaches and incoming Atlantic waves, the designated Haulover Dog Beach between Lifeguards 2 and 3 is the perfect place for dogs to roam and explore, play catch and take a dip in the Atlantic.
This beach is reserved exclusively for dogs and their humans, so you can be sure everyone will be friendly and welcoming. Your dog will have plenty of room to run and play, and the soft sand is perfect for digging.
The water is shallow and calm, making it the perfect place for a refreshing swim. Plus, there are plenty of shady spots where you can relax when it gets too hot.
When you visit this Haulover Park, there are a few things you should keep in mind. First, all dogs must be leashed when they aren’t in the water, as they aren’t allowed to enter the beach area without a leash. Second, don’t forget to clean up your dog’s mess!
Hold on a second. Good news for you and your dog: there’s also a fenced Bark Park, with separate areas for large and small dogs, so both are safe.
3. Crandon Park
Want to escape all the action of Miami Beach? Crandon Park is your perfect getaway. With over 800 acres of tranquil beauty, this laid-back park is perfect for a relaxing stroll or picnic. And the best part? Getting there’s half the fun. You’ll cross the Rickenbacker Causeway, which connects this majestic place to the mainland.
The sparkling turquoise waters are perfect for a refreshing swim, and the calm shallows make it a great place for families to splash around. Kids and adults alike will be delighted by the nature, tennis and golf centers. There’s plenty to do on this beautiful beach – it’s also home to a winding, picturesque boardwalk.
If you want to grill your own food at the campground, be sure to secure a grilling spot early! Also, remember to bring extra food with you, as there aren’t many grocery options nearby.
4. Bal Harbour Beach
Bal Harbour Beach is known for its crystal clear waters and white sand. This beach is a popular place for swimming, sunbathing and enjoying the breathtaking scenery.
The best way to cool off in Miami is to take a dip at this beautiful beach. There are also many beach amenities like umbrellas and chairs that you can rent.
In addition, the beach is adjacent to the Bal Harbour Shops, a luxurious shopping center with top-notch stores and restaurants. Whether you want to relax or store till you drop, Bal Harbour Beach is the perfect place for you.
Bal Harbour Shops is one of the most luxurious shopping malls in the world. The mall houses luxury stores such as Gucci, Prada, Chanel, Salvatore Ferragamo and many more. There are also a variety of dining options, from cozy cafes to upscale restaurants.
5. South Pointe Beach
If you want to do something nice during your stay in Miami, we recommend you to visit South Pointe Park. There you can’t only have a nice nature experience, but also visit interesting sights.
With a sandy beach that you can’t resist and a breathtaking view, South Pointe Beach is the place for you. Since it’s a public beach, you don’t have to worry about crowds either.
Renovated in 2014, the fishing pier is an angler’s paradise with special bait stands, places to wash fish, a dog park, and a children’s playground. It’s the perfect place to spend a sunny day with family and friends.
Why settle for a picnic on the sand when you can eat on one of the park’s beautiful grassy knolls? It’s the perfect way to enjoy a day outdoors without worrying about getting sand in your food.
6. Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park
Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park is located on the southern tip of Key Biscayne, just minutes from downtown Miami. The park features a newly renovated visitor center, a 1.2-mile sandy beach, nature trails, a historic lighthouse and more. Visitors can swim, sunbathe, picnic, fish, hike, kayak and bird watch.
The sound of waves crashing on the beach and the smell of salt in the air are just some of the things that await you when you visit Bill Baggs Cape Beach. This state park is perfect for those who want to get away from the bustle of the city and relax in nature.
To reach the park, take the Rickenbacker Causeway from downtown Miami. Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park is the perfect place to relax and get away from the city. With its beautiful beaches, hiking trails and a variety of activities, there’s something for everyone.
7. South Beach
South Beach, also known as SoBe, is undoubtedly one of the most popular beach destinations in Miami. And for good reason – the white sand beaches, turquoise waters, art deco architecture and vibrant nightlife are just some of the reasons people flock to this part of Miami year after year.
The area has been a popular tourist destination since the early 1930s. The neighborhood is home to many historical, cultural and architectural attractions, including the Art Deco District, South Pointe Park, Lincoln Road Mall and the Miami Beach Convention Center.
If you’re looking for scantily clad swimsuits, shiny sports cars and beautiful people, this is the place for you. South Beach is also easy to explore on foot or by bike. Start at the southernmost point and head north on the beach path. You’ll see people of all ages and backgrounds enjoying the sun and sand.
The water is usually calm and clear, making it perfect for swimming, boating and surfing. Along the way, there are many places where you can grab a bite to eat or a drink.
8. Sunny Isles Beach
Located at the northern end of Miami Beach, this beautiful beach is popular with locals and tourists alike. With its white sand and clear blue waters, Sunny Isles Beach is the perfect place to relax and soak up the Florida sun like a local.
The best way to enjoy your day at Sunny Isles Beach is to get there early. The beach opens at 8am and if you get there early, you can avoid the crowds and the heat. You can also find a good spot on the beach to set up your lounge chair and umbrella. Another tip is to bring food and drinks with you so you don’t have to leave the beach to get them.
Don’t forget to drink plenty of water to stay hydrated. After a few hours in the sun, you’ll probably be hungry, so it’s a good idea to have a snack or picnic lunch with you.
Once you find your spot, be sure to protect yourself from the harmful UV rays with sunscreen. Now you can sit back, relax and enjoy the sun! If you brought a book, this is the best opportunity to read it.
When you’re relaxed and have had your fill of the sun, you can pack up your things and go home or to your hotel.
9. Nikki Beach
Miami is home to some of the best luxury beaches in the world. So if you’re looking for the ultimate beach party spot, Nikki Beach is the perfect place for you!
This world-famous beach club has been a staple of South Beach for nearly 20 years, and it’s easy to see why. With its spectacular oceanfront location, luxurious decor, and incredible selection of DJs, Nikki Beach is the perfect place to let loose and have a good time!
The brand’s flagship property features a large oceanfront complex with its own beach club, award-winning restaurant and cabana bar, private beach and elegant event pavilion. Nikki Beach is open to the public and offers several unique areas to enjoy.
The restaurant is located directly on the beach and offers guests a beautiful view of the ocean. The menu features a variety of seafood and steak dishes, as well as a wide selection of cocktails and wines. Nikki Beach is the perfect place to spend a romantic evening or celebrate a special occasion.
10. One of The Best Nude Beaches in the World: Haulover Nude Beach
With its white sand and clear blue waters, Haulover Nude Beach is one of the best nude beaches in the world. The clothing-optional beach is located between Bal Harbour and Sunny Isles Beach. This 0.4-mile stretch of beach is reserved for nudity.
Haulover Nude Beach is known for its beautiful people and relaxed atmosphere. It’s not uncommon to see people of all ages enjoying the sun and water au naturel.
So if you’re looking for a place where you can enjoy the sun without worrying about what you’ve on, Haulover Nude Beach is the place for you.
11. Surfside
Surfside is a tiny square mile of sand nestled between the bustling metropolis of Miami and the calm waters of Bal Harbour. This beach community is known for its luxury hotels and upscale shopping, making it the perfect place to enjoy the best of both worlds.
Even though admission to Surfside Beach is free, don’t forget that there are plenty of other great things to see and do in the area. Walking around this area is one of the most rewarding things you can do. You can walk on the Surfside Walking Path or just stroll around to see this beautiful neighborhood.
The Surfside Walking Path is a fun and well-maintained walking and biking path along the beach. If you’re walking or jogging, however, beware of bicycles on the combined paths. They often speed past pedestrians quickly and closely. Remember not to run through the bushes, as this is detrimental to the natural environment. Take your trash with you to keep the area clean!
12. 17th Street Beach in South Beach
South Beach is undeniably the most famous place in Miami. With its stunning architecture and legendary nightlife, there’s no other place that compares. Whether you’re admiring the skyline or dancing the night away, South Beach is guaranteed to leave a lasting impression.
And there’s nothing like a hot day at the beach followed by a cool night on the Boardwalk. At 17th St Lifeguard Tower, you can lounge on the sand or swim in the ocean all day. When you need a break from the sun, you can visit the nearby restaurants and stores.
As you walk down 17th Street, the powder white sands of South Beach come into view. This beautiful stretch of beach is just two blocks from Kaskades Hotel South Beach, where you’ll find some of the best accommodations in the area.
At the end of your beach day, you can enjoy a refreshing drink or delicious cocktail at one of the many restobars around Collins Avenue and 17th Street – a great way to relax and observe the South Beach lifestyle.
13. Joia Beach
If you’re looking for a chic beach scene away from the crowds of Miami Beach, Joia Beach is the perfect destination for you. Nestled behind a scenic path and surrounded by lush jungle greenery, Joia Beach exudes an air of exclusivity. The mood lighting enhances the atmosphere and makes it clear why Joia Beach is popular with locals and visitors alike.
Joia Beach Club is the perfect place to watch the sunset with a cocktail in hand, enjoy a waterfront dinner or spend your weekend with live DJs and entertainment. With its globally inspired snacks and handcrafted cocktails, it’s the perfect place to spend a few hours in style.
If you want to spend a day at Joia Beach, you must make reservations in advance. Membership isn’t required, but space is limited, so it’s best to plan ahead.
14. Matheson Hammock Park Beach
Matheson Hammock Park Beach is the ideal place to start your perfect beach getaway or to enjoy outdoor activities during your free time. With its picturesque views and man-made atoll pool, the park, lapped by the tides of Biscayne Bay, is a true paradise. The calm, windswept beach is a paradise for families who enjoy the warm, safe waters and beautiful water views.
The windswept beaches of Matheson Beach are a playground for thrill seekers and adrenaline junkies. Kiteboarders can enjoy the brisk breeze and plunge into the shallow water with ease.
The park also has a marina, snack bar and restaurant built into a historic coral rock building. This is the perfect place to relax and enjoy the natural beauty of the area. There are also picnic pavilions and nature trails for those who want to go exploring.
15. 5th Street Beach in South Beach
As soon as you step onto the sand at 5th Street Beach in South Beach, you feel like you’re in an oasis. The sound of the waves crashing against the shore is soothing and the unobstructed view of the ocean simply breathtaking.
Looking out over the city from the beach, you feel transported back to 1920s Miami. You’ve a spectacular view of the Art Deco District that begins at 5th Street and Ocean Drive with the legendary Bentley Hotel South Beach.
Unless you’re absolutely sure you can stand the blazing sun in Miami, you should rent an umbrella and retreat to the shade. Watch for the flags waving from the 5th Street Lifeguard Tower, and then, when you’re sure it’s safe, enjoy this fabulous beach and ocean!
16. North Beach Oceanside Park Beach
This quiet and beautiful beach in Miami North Beach is located between 78th St and 87th St and, along with the adjacent park, offers a deserted green space and beautiful walks on the sand. The North Beach Oceanside Park Beach is always well-maintained and a great choice for those looking for a quiet and relaxing day in the sun.
Bring your picnic, find a spot on the beach and relax. Dogs are allowed on leash in the park – not on the beach, but you can picnic there if you want to bring your furry friend for a day in the sun. There’s plenty of grass and shady spots in the park and on the beach, as well as plenty of metered parking, so you can be sure to get a spot for your day of fun and sun.
The Perfect Beach Is Waiting For You!
And there you’ve it, the 16 best beaches in Miami! This list should be more than enough to keep you busy during your stay in this magical and sunny city. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing day by the water or an active beach experience, you’re sure to find what you’re looking for here.
So, what’re you waiting for? Go out and enjoy the sand and the sun! Book with us today and we’ll be happy to help you make the most of your visit to Miami’s best beaches.