{"id":42315,"date":"2025-07-01T11:07:45","date_gmt":"2025-07-01T15:07:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/virginiakeybeachpark.net\/?p=42315"},"modified":"2025-10-07T11:14:01","modified_gmt":"2025-10-07T15:14:01","slug":"the-best-beaches-in-miami-for-an-idyllic-day-on-the-water","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/virginiakeybeachpark.net\/hat\/the-best-beaches-in-miami-for-an-idyllic-day-on-the-water\/","title":{"rendered":"The best beaches in Miami for an idyllic day on the water"},"content":{"rendered":"

Written by\u00a0Falyn Wood<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Source<\/strong>: https:\/\/www.timeout.com\/miami\/things-to-do\/best-miami-beaches<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ranking the best beaches in Miami is a bit like trying to rank your children. They\u2019re all stunningly beautiful, popular and unique in their own ways\u2014and how dare you try to say otherwise! Of course, like human children, there are pros and cons to each of our beloved Miami beaches. And, much to our benefit, the pros vastly outweigh the cons along our strip of Atlantic paradise. With so many amazing options to choose from, we\u2019ve put together this roadmap outlining the very best beaches Miami has to offer, along with a handful of worthy swaths just outside the county limits. Below, we break down each Miami beach according to the occasions or crowds we think you might be after. From sporty spots with windsurfing and nature trails to family-friendly parks and even a clothing-optional escape, there\u2019s a beach in Miami for anyone scouting a bit of sun and fun this season. We\u2019re also calling out the latest amenities and must-see attractions near each beach, including beachfront dining, historic landmarks and more. Grab some SPF and see you on the sand!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Best Miami beaches<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Lummus Park Beach<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Lummus<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Photograph: Shutterstock<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Good for:<\/strong> If you don\u2019t know where to start with Miami\u2019s ample beach offerings, start here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why go? <\/strong>Spanning 5th to 15th Streets along Ocean Drive, Lummus Park is your go-to for incredible views, clear water and a buzzy vibe\u2014and your buddies will all be impressed you went there. That\u2019s right, Lummus Park made South Beach famous. It\u2019s been the backdrop for multiple movies and TV shows, and it\u2019s got that distinctly \u201990s nostalgia about it. It’s also home to major Miami Beach events like Art Basel Miami Beach satellite fairs, Miami Design Preservation League\u2019s Art Deco Weekend, the Hyundai Air & Sea Show and the South Beach Wine & Food Festival\u2019s Grand Tasting Village.
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2.\u00a0Crandon Park<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\"Crandon<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

<\/a>Photograph: Shutterstock<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Good for:<\/strong> Crandon Park is a classy beach with postcard views of Key Biscayne, plus tennis, golf and a marina. This is 100 percent a locals’ park, a family favorite for sandy barbecues and reunions. But there is SO much to do here, especially for nature enthusiasts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why go?<\/strong> Enjoy kid-friendly, hands-on learning at the Marjory Stoneman Douglas Biscayne Nature Center<\/a>, explore the ecosystem with a light hike through Bear Cut Preserve<\/a> or walk the ruins of the abandoned Crandon Park Zoo<\/a>. You could rent kiteboards or paddleboards in Crandon Park North, or circle around the skatepark or carousel at Crandon Park South. But, if vegging out all day is more your speed, Crandon has umbrellas, chairs and oceanside cabana rentals on the South side, as well as a few delicious beachside restaurants where you can order casual eats and even a plate of paella delivered to you on the sand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. Haulover Beach<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Haulover<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Photograph: Flickr cc\/Roger Smith<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Good for:<\/strong> Miles of perfect sand and surf, plus ample parking, make Haulover a great family beach.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why go?<\/strong> It\u2019s one of South Florida\u2019s best places to fly a kite (which you can rent from Skyward Kites<\/a> since 1992), and it boasts a state-of-the-art skate park and pump track. There\u2019s also a bark park and designated dog beach where pups can frolic off-leash between lifeguard stations #2 and #3.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But maybe what\u2019s most notable about Haulover Beach is what you can\u2019t see: clothing! Between lifeguard towers #12 and #16 you\u2019ll find one of the most well-known nude beaches in the world. Rent a chair, grab some concessions and enjoy the breeze on your bits.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

4. South Pointe Park<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"South<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Photograph: Shutterstock<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Good for:<\/strong> This urban park sits at the very bottom of Miami Beach and is great for up-close views of the cruise ships sailing in and out, epic sunsets and a family-friendly day on the water.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why go?<\/strong> There\u2019s a picnic area, a playground and plenty of spots for going crabbing, as well as a 450-foot-long pier. When you and the kids get a little hungry, check out the historic Joe\u2019s Take Away<\/a> for the freshest seafood for your beach picnic. If you\u2019re sans children, a sunset cocktail at Smith & Wollensky’s iconic outdoor bar may be in order. And be sure to stop by Nikki Beach<\/a> next door for the softest day beds and possible celebrity sightings. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

5. Mid-Beach (24th\u201360th Street)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Mid-Beach<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Photograph: Fintrvlr<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Good for:<\/strong> You want the ocean, but you\u2019re not trying to do<\/em> Ocean. It’s less crowded, easier to find parking than in South Beach and more family-oriented.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why go?<\/strong>\u00a0Locals know to head to Mid-Beach between 24th to 60th streets. Here, you can take a romantic stroll down the Miami Beach boardwalk, a perfect place to people watch and peek into all the fancy resort and condo pool decks. You could also pop into any of the resorts for a bite, including the\u00a0Miami Beach EDITION<\/a>\u00a0and the\u00a0Faena Hotel<\/a>. A bit further north, once you hit the mid-40s, the vibe becomes more family-oriented.\u00a0Most people will stick around Indian Beach Park (at 46th Street), where there\u2019s a public lot and playground, though there are other kids’ play areas and parking around 53rd Street.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

6.\u00a0Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park<\/a><\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Bill<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

<\/a>Photograph: Shutterstock<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Good for:<\/strong> Nature-lovers and active types.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why go?<\/strong> A short drive over the Key Biscayne bridge feels like a world (and century) away from modern-day Miami. Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park is anchored by Miami-Dade\u2019s oldest structure: the historic Cape Florida Lighthouse<\/a>. Climb all 109 steps of this 1825 structure to get a panoramic view of Biscayne Bay and tour the lighthouse keeper\u2019s cottage to revisit Florida\u2019s past. Be sure to stick around for sunset at The Cleat<\/a>, a chill beachside grill where you can enjoy a fresh catch with your toes in the sand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

7. North Beach (60th\u201387th Street)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"North<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Photograph: Shutterstock\/Felix Mizioznikov<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Good for:<\/strong> It\u2019s all chill times and good vibes in North Beach, another one of Miami’s locally loved stretches of sand with so much to offer. To walk around the area is to glimpse the beach in its sleepier days, with plenty of small Art Deco buildings, mom-and-pop restaurants, dive bars and small touristy shops.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why go?<\/strong> North Beach Oceanside Park<\/a> is the star of the show here with its expansive green space, dog beach and laid-back feel, though the best time to come out is during full moons for its legendary full moon party at 80th Street and Collins Avenue. Ocean Terrace Public Beach on 76th is also a nice little section, with the beachfront Taquiza<\/a> taco joint and the Miami Beach Bandshell<\/a> nearby, as is Allison Park with its turtle sculptures and play area.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

8. Surfside<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Surfside\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Photograph: Ines Hegedus-Garcia\/Flickr.com<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Good for:<\/strong> Small-town vibes. Everyone knows each other in this sleepy residential enclave that\u2019s less than a mile long. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why go?<\/strong> For a more authentic, family-friendly beach town ambiance that’s easier on the wallet. Though Surfside is also home to one of the area’s grandest resorts, the Four Seasons Hotel at The Surf Club, which houses famous chef Thomas Keller’s Surf Club Restaurant, among other fabulous drinking and dining destinations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

9. Hollywood Beach<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Hollywood<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Photograph: Courtesy CC\/Flickr\/Phillip Pessar<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Good for:<\/strong> This is the beach to take your rum-loving uncle. He\u2019ll love this pretty beach and charming Broadwalk, catering to longtime locals and a more mature crowd.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why go?<\/strong> Sandwiched between Fort Lauderdale and Miami, Hollywood Beach has always been famous for its wide Broadwalk where you can stroll or rent four-wheeled multi-passenger bikes. More recently, it\u2019s known as the home of Jimmy Buffett\u2019s humongous Margaritaville Hollywood Beach Resort<\/a>. Stop by for a few rum runners after the beach or\u2014better yet\u2014grab the best burger in town<\/a> over at the famous Le Tub Saloon<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

10. Bal Harbour<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Bal<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Photograph: Courtesy CC\/Flickr\/Jimmy Baikovicius<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Good for:<\/strong> Feeling bougie, hitting the spa after your day at the beach.<\/a><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why go?<\/strong> There are said to be more millionaires per capita in Bal Harbour than in any other city in the U.S., which explains why the beaches here feel so exclusive and pristine. It\u2019s mostly metered parking here, though you could valet at one of the resorts (i.e. the St. Regis Bal Harbour) to upgrade your entire experience. Spend an afternoon seeing how the other half lives, and maybe duck into the famous Bal Harbour Shops for a different kind of therapy.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

11. Historic Virginia Key Beach Park<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Historic<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Photograph: Shutterstock\/Alexandra Tyukavina<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Good for:<\/strong> a unique beach day with a side of history, that’s conveniently located minutes from Downtown and Brickell.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why go?<\/strong> You can head to Virginia Key for more than festivals and special events. Once Miami\u2019s \u201cColored Only\u201d beach, it holds a special place in this city\u2019s history. Reopened in 2008, Virginia Key boasts serene ocean views plus some other fun features, like a mini train through wetlands, biking trails, kayaking, paddleboarding and adorable beachside cabins you can rent in all the colorful hues of the Caribbean.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

12. Sunny Isles Beach<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Sunny<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Photograph: Courtesy CC\/FlickrJaxStrong<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Good for:<\/strong> Dubbed Little Moscow for its large concentration of Russian expats, this is where you go when you\u2019re craving calm but feeling luxurious.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why go?<\/strong> Architectural kitsch and older tourists once defined Sunny Isles, but the past two decades have brought a luxury beachside condo boom to this two-mile-long town. There are plenty of fine dining establishments and a few worthy resorts, though you could also keep it low-key by strolling down the classic Newport Fishing Pier<\/a> or taking the kiddos to Samson Oceanfront Park<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

See local Airbnbs<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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13. Matheson Hammock Park Beach<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n