Among others, one of the best ways to relax and unwind is to have a fun beach day. The best thing about Miami beaches is that they are all open to the public.
Whatever type of beach experience you are looking for, you will find it in one of these best beaches in Miami.
Most of the beaches in Miami offer the protection of trained lifeguards to ensure everyone’s safety. Since strong winds and tides can get pretty dangerous here, thankfully, there is a flag system that warns people about the sea conditions.
There are also many public parks that stretch along the shoreline. These feature a variety of facilities such as:
- Restrooms,
- Picnic areas,
- On-site grills,
- Children’s playgrounds,
- Dog parks,
- Cafes,
- Restaurants,
- Bars
And, if you end up getting a bit bored during your stay, almost all Miami beaches offer some exciting water activities.
If you’re planning a visit to Miami’s beaches, it’s worth noting recent efforts to enhance beach safety and accessibility.
In response to changing climate patterns and sea-level rise concerns, Miami-Dade County has invested in beach nourishment projects and improved infrastructure to mitigate erosion and maintain pristine shorelines.
Also, the city has expanded its lifeguard programs and emergency response capabilities to ensure a safer beach experience for locals and tourists.
The 10 Best Beaches in Miami
1. Mid-Beach (21st–45th Street Beach)
21st–45th Street Beach, also known as Mid-Beach, is a quaint beach that can be considered one of the smaller beaches Miami offers. It’s located within walking distance of some of Miami’s most luxurious hotels and beach clubs.
When at the entrance of the beach, you will see a small art deco snack shack and a few outdoor showers.
A great thing about Mid-Beach is that it offers a large parking lot which is very close by and costs only a dollar fifty per hour. If your goal for the day is to relax at a quiet beach that is easy to get to and rarely attracts big crowds of visitors, 21st–45th Street Beach is the one to go for.
2. Lummus Park Beach
You can find Lummus Park Beach on the eastern side of Ocean Drive in Miami Beach. It is the perfect destination for activities that don’t require much energy, like people-watching and sunbathing.
Lummus Park Beach is also a trendy place for photo shoots and even filmmaking. Film studios shoot many scenes from popular TV shows and movies here.
You can walk along the gorgeous promenade, which separates the grass from the beach. After this, we recommend having lunch at one of the many seafood restaurants on the boardwalk.
If you are window shopping for beach cities to move to with your family and fall in love with Lummus Park Beach, you should know that Miami Beach is a great area for all ages.
There are many benefits to living in Miami Beach, like fun beaches such as this one and entertainment facilities for the whole family to enjoy.
In addition, Miami Beach has recently implemented eco-friendly initiatives to preserve its coastal ecosystems and promote sustainable tourism.
Programs such as beach clean-ups, dune restoration projects, and plastic reduction campaigns aim to protect the natural beauty of beaches like Lummus Park and ensure their enjoyment for future generations.
3. South Pointe Park Pier
South Pointe Park Pier is a beach that is part of a 17-acre park. It also features a playground for kids, a fishing pier, and several picnic areas. It’s the perfect place for people who want to escape from busy downtown Miami.
We strongly advise bringing a camera because vacationers here can enjoy the spectacular views of nearby Fisher Island and Biscayne Bay. On a clear day, these two are perfect for photographing.
If you love out-of-the-box snacks, we recommend buying a bag or two of crab claws during the crab season.
4. South Beach
South Beach is one of the most popular beaches in Miami, and for a good reason. Many celebrities call it their favorite, and it’s located across the street from some of Miami’s most famous nightclubs.
South Beach attracts many visitors, many of whom come to check out the historic Art Deco architecture and eat at some of the best restaurants in the state.
One of the bigger caveats would be that the accommodation near South Beach is not the most budget-friendly. Budget travelers are advised to stay elsewhere and travel here for the day.
5. Haulover Beach
Very near South Beach, you can pop over to Haulover Beach. The thing that makes this one of the best beaches in Miami is that it offers so many different activities. One of the most notable is surfing.
If you are traveling with your dog, you’ll be happy to know there’s a bark park and designated dog beach between lifeguard stations #2 and #3. Haulover Beach is considered one of the city’s most scenic beaches. From landscaped dunes to multiple picnic areas and dozens of lifeguard towers.
6. Fort Lauderdale Beach
What Fort Lauderdale Beach has to offer does not stop at the sandy strip with wonderfully clear water for swimming. It also features a lovely promenade, perfect for activities like cycling, skating, and jogging. You can find coconut palms and amazing blue ocean views here as well.
You can find many luxury properties dotting the coastline. This beach used to be a college area. However, over time it has transformed into a chic beach destination in Miami for everyone.
7. Sunny Isles Beach
Sunny Isles Beach comprises a two-mile stretch of public beaches, surrounded by upscale hotels and dozens of souvenir shops. This area used to be a low-rent beach community, but over time it was gentrified, and today it’s home to the Trump International Beach Resort and similar luxury beachfront properties.
It is also famous for a plethora of other attractions such as:
- World-renowned restaurants,
- Theatres,
- Nightclubs,
- Museums,
- Sports Stadiums,
- Tennis Courts,
- Shopping Malls
In response to changing travel preferences, Sunny Isles Beach has also seen a rise in demand for luxury residential properties with integrated resort-style amenities.
Developers are capitalizing on this trend by unveiling ambitious mixed-use projects that combine upscale condominiums, boutique hotels, and exclusive beach clubs, catering to discerning buyers seeking a lavish coastal lifestyle.
8. Surfside
If you’re looking for a small and one of the best beaches in Miami town vibe, Surfside is the place to go. It has around 6,000 residents, which makes it a small oceanfront community. Experts from moving companies such as City Movers categorize this community as one of the best places to move for families who seek beach living.
The beach offers several entertainment options, including the Surfside Community Center, which houses one of the most well-known water parks in the city.
There is a picnic area right on the beach, and as a visitor, you should expect to mingle with locals who come here to listen to live music, hang out on the beach, and have drinks at one of the several bars nearby.
9. Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park
This state park offers several beautiful beaches on the southern side of Key Biscayne. Besides lying in the sun all day long, you can also explore the neighborhood and check out some of the popular attractions this state park offers.
One of the most famous attractions is the Cape Florida Lighthouse, the oldest South Florida building and consider as one of the best beaches in Miami.
For people who particularly enjoy water activities, fishing, windsurfing, and kayaking are options. Thanks to its secluded location, Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park is the perfect place for tourists looking for peace and tranquility.
In addition, the state park management has introduced educational programs and guided nature walks to raise awareness about conservation efforts and local wildlife conservation.
Visitors can now participate in hands-on experiences like mangrove planting or bird watching, fostering a deeper appreciation for the fragile ecosystems surrounding Miami’s pristine beaches.
10. Crandon Park
Crandon Park is located on Key Biscayne, and it gets its fame from the crystal-clear and shallow waters it offers. However, that is not the only thing that makes it one of the best beaches in Miami. It’s also the perfect destination for families with children and features both a nature center and a family amusement center.
Of course, the beach is still the main attraction at Crandon Park. While taking a break from swimming, you can go for a game of beach volleyball with friends or have a real feast by utilizing one of the on-site grills.
Lastly, Miami-Dade County has rolled out initiatives to enhance accessibility and inclusivity at its public beaches, ensuring that individuals of all abilities can enjoy the sun, sand, and surf.
Recent upgrades include installing ADA-compliant beach access points for wheelchairs and sensory-friendly amenities, making Crandon Park and other beaches more welcoming and accommodating for everyone.
Final Thoughts… Best Beaches in Miami
There are way too many great beaches to choose from in beautiful Miami. But, we hope this list of the 10 best beaches in Miami has helped you narrow it down.
Of course, if you do your best to pack lightly by making the best choices when it comes to clothes and other necessities, you can even take a road trip from place to place and visit them one by one.
