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    • Dec 28, 2023

Top 12 Beaches Not to Miss in Miami

Welcome to Miami Living's Top 12 beaches not to be missed! Whether you are a sunbather lover, beach walker or just want to chill out, we got some of the best beaches for you to explore.


Matheson Hammock Marina





Nestled between the Atlantic Ocean and Ocean Drive, between 5 Street and 14 Place, Lummus Park has been the backdrop for many television and film scenes.  The beachfront park features a playground, public restrooms, paved paths for walking or biking and the 9 Street fitness area, Muscle Beach South Beach. The park also serves as a host to various special events every year, ranging from concerts to marathons and is one of the most popular destinations in Miami.




Telephone: (305) 673-7730



At the southern tip of South Beach, South Pointe Park is a beautiful park with panoramic views of South Beach's shoreline, Fisher Island, Port Miami's massive cruise ships across the channel and Downtown Miami across Biscayne Bay. The park has family-friendly walking trails, a kid's playground and splash park for the little ones and lots of places to grab a bite and watch the ships go by.


Be sure to take a stroll down the scenic South Pointe Pier to truly soak in the view. On the beach, you'll experience a calm atmosphere with local families enjoying an afternoon in the sun. If conditions are right, this is also the stretch of beach where you'll find surfers along the jetty.



Telephone: (305) 673-7006



A day on the sands of Surfside often has the feeling of a private beach. From sunrise over the Atlantic Ocean to sunset behind the skyline, this pristine stretch of beach attracts families and anyone looking for a tranquil day under the sun. With the beach to the east and lush sand dunes to the west, you can use the paths for an oceanfront stroll, run or bike ride. It’s a great way to enjoy the peaceful sounds and views of nature coupled with a great fitness experience. You’ll find joggers on the elevated dune path and paddle-boarders and kite surfers zipping across the waves. Pack a picnic and beach blanket, or if you’re staying at one of Surfside’s oceanfront hotels, opt to simply recline on a cushy lounge chair for an idyllic day at the beach.


Address: 9449 Collins Ave, Surfside, FL 33154, United States

Website: Surfside



This 1.5 mile beach is located north of Miami Beach, between the Intracoastal Waterway and Atlantic Ocean. Haulover Beach Park is noted for blue waters, soft sand and plenty of picnic areas. The park regularly hosts kite-making workshops and sells kites to fly in a big grassy area facing Biscayne Bay. There are some tennis courts, golf course and dog park, too.


Haulover Beach is also the host of a stretch of clothing optional beach. So, if you forgot to pack a suit- no problem! Or, if you're looking to get some sun without any tan lines, well, this is the place for you.



Telephone: (305) 944-3040



Sunny Isles Beach boasts a two-mile long white sand beach. Beach goers here enjoy the wide sandy beach and clear waters popular for snorkeling, diving and other water sports. Sunny Isles Beach is also known for its classic pier, the Newport Fishing Pier. Locals and visitors try their luck fishing from this popular local landmark.



Telephone: (305) 947-0606




The oldest standing structure in Miami-Dade County is the lighthouse at Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park. Beach-goers frequent this park and beach to soak up the sun, bike, tour the lighthouse and dine at one of the two onsite restaurants. This quiet beach on Key Biscayne is a welcomed alternative for those seeking a quieter, more relaxed beach day. There is boat camping allowed in No Name Harbour and a campsite for organized groups.




Telephone: (305) 361-5811



Crandon Beach is one of Miami's greatest park treasures. A beautiful, sprawling campus of beaches and amenities, Crandon Park is more than a beach. At Crandon Park Beach on Key Biscayne, there's a Family Amusement Center, a Nature Center and even a place to rent cabanas.


The beach remains the main attraction at the luscious and family-friendly Crandon Park. Gear up for a friendly game of beach volleyball or unpack your picnic and bring some supplies for the on-site grills. There's almost always a birthday party or event taking place somewhere at this site. At the south end of Crandon Park Beach, there are cabanas for rent. Cabanas have showers and are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Cabana renters are assigned a parking space and exclusive picnic tables on the beach.



Telephone: (305) 361-5421

Website: Crandon Park



The City of Fort Lauderdale boasts more than seven miles of sparkling beaches that offer residents and visitors premier opportunities for recreation, relaxation and enjoyment. The City’s award-winning wavewall and signature beachfront promenade highlight Fort Lauderdale’s world famous coastline, which is punctuated by an array of shops, restaurants, sidewalk cafes and entertainment venues. Beach goers can participate in a wide range of activities from boating, wind surfing, jet skiing and volleyball to snorkeling, scuba diving, deep-sea fishing and rollerblading. Or, if relaxation is what you desire, simply sit back, unwind and enjoy breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean.


Fort Lauderdale Ocean Rescue supervises the two miles of continuous public beach from the South Beach Picnic Area up to and including the beach in front of Hugh Taylor Birch State Park. In the guarded areas of the beach, there are 15 year-round, permanently staffed lifeguard towers spaced between 200 and 400 yards apart. There are also as many as 10 temporary-auxiliary stands that are used during the peak season, special events and holidays.



Address: Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304, United States

Telephone: 954-828-4597



At just over a thousand acres, this beautiful oasis in the heart of North Miami and Florida’s largest urban park—is a haven for mountain bikers, paddlers, anglers, swimmers and families out to enjoy a picnic along scenic Biscayne Bay. Bring your basket and enjoy one of the many picnic areas or relax while kayaking through some of Miami's most precious mangrove habitats and a part of the 1,515-mile Florida Circum navigational Saltwater Paddling Trail. If you want to get away from the city, rent one of the comfy, air-conditioned cabins. It is also well known for the off-road bike paths that go on for miles, with bike trails for new riders or the expert looking for a challenge. The Oleta River borders mangroves and forest preserves of native wildlife. There’s also a beach, picnicking, pavilions, fishing area, and kayak and canoe rentals available daily.



Telephone: (305) 919-1846



Matheson Hammock Marina is one of the most popular marinas for both boaters and those looking to enjoy the waterside in this tropical hammock. Dock here and enjoy a full-service marina complete with Castle Harbor Sailing School, for sailing with the pros. Take a dip in the man-made atoll poll which is flushed with the tidal action of nearby Biscayne Bay. Have a casual lunch at the snack-bar or a first-class dinner at award winning restaurant Red Fish Grill.




Telephone: (305) 665-5475



Historic Virginia Key Beach Park, located off the Rickenbacker Causeway, is just minutes away from the Miami's downtown financial centers, top tourist destinations, sport facilities, retail, dining and renowned educational institutions. In partnership with Florida Humanities, a historic walking tour has been created to help visitors explore Virginia Key Beach.


ear-round sunshine makes Greater Miami a beach-lover’s paradise — whether you enjoy quiet, palm-shaded oasis or the energy of popular see-and-be-seen sands, Miami serves up a variety of beaches to choose from. But none offer the rich history of Historic Virginia Key Beach Park; a beautiful stretch of surf and sand with a story that dates to 1896.


Located in beautiful Biscayne Bay, less than a mile away from the shores of Downtown Miami, is one of the most scenic beaches you can find here. A unique hidden retreat full of nature, with endless views of Biscayne Bay and the Atlantic — the ideal location for visitors that enjoy swimming, lazing in the sun, and rich cultural history. Visitors to this hideaway can expect to enjoy a mile-long shoreline, ride an antique carousel with views of the ocean, be transported around the area by a miniature train, and explore coastal hammock trails on a nature boardwalk.



Telephone: (305) 960-4600



Homestead Bayfront Marina is located in Homestead, the gateway to the Florida Keys. This marina is situated on south Biscayne Bay near coral reefs and the marine sanctuaries of the Florida Keys. Amenities include a boat hoist, launching ramps, wet-slips and a bait and tackle shop.



Telephone: (305) 230-3033



By ML Staff. Special thanks to Nora Fikse for the Ocean animation/gif illustration. Nora, a designer and GIF artist, based in Norway. Nora specializes in creating illustrations, animations and typography. For more info visit bynorafikse.com. Also, thanks to Miami and Beaches (the Official Greater Miami and the Beaches Travel & Tourism site), for textual inserts and images.


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