Start here to plan your beach vacation in Greater Miami & Miami Beach. People-watch at the famous South Beach, explore Key Biscayne's nature preserves or enjoy family-friendly Surfside. Find your perfect spot with our guide to the best Miami beaches.
LessSouth Beach promises a perfect coastal getaway. This Miami neighborhood is an irresistible attraction for beach vacationers. Known for its glamorous nightlife and iconic Art Deco architecture, this world-famous stretch of sand offers a perfect blend of sun and surf. Enjoy white sands with turquoise waters, lounge on luxurious beach chairs or explore nearby Ocean Drive, lined with cafes and boutiques.
If you're looking for a Miami beach with a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere, add Surfside Beach to your list. This picturesque beach offers a serene and uncrowded setting, making it ideal for those looking to unwind and enjoy a peaceful day by the sea. Surfside's paved paths provide a wide-open space for sightseers, joggers and cyclists to roam the beach and take in the beautiful oceanfront view.
Haulover Beach Park is known for its stunning blue waters and abundance of beach activities. Highlights include a clothing-optional stretch, a leash-free "bark park," onsite food trucks, a kite rental and so much more. Haulover Beach is also a perfect spot for visitors with mobility challenges. In fact, they offer free beach wheelchair rentals, so that visitors can fully enjoy park features.
Sunny Isles Beach offers a serene two-mile stretch of sand. This coastal haven is clean, uncrowded and lined with towering residential condominiums, earning it the nickname "Florida's Rivera." Make your way to the beach through the paved paths of Samson Oceanfront Park or take in the breathtaking views at Newport Fishing Pier. You might even spot a pelican or sting ray.
Discover Historic Virginia Key Beach Park, a family-friendly park featuring pristine shores, swaying palms, a vast mangrove wetland, and a captivating history. In 1945, the park was declared "Miami's Colored-Only Beach," and served as a welcoming retreat for African Americans during segregation. Today, it's a cherished National Historic Landmark with sandy beaches, coastal trails and fun activities for kids including carousel rides.
Crandon Park Beach is the ideal destination for watersports and outdoor activities. Conditions are usually perfect for sports like kiteboarding, stand-up paddleboarding and kayaking. Nature lovers can enjoy plenty of green spaces for observing wildlife, along with naturalist-led tours and a mangrove-lined boardwalk leading to a fossilized reef overlook.
Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park is a hidden gem nestled at the tip of Key Biscayne. This natural paradise boasts rugged dunes, pristine white-sand beaches and endless ocean vistas. Enjoy calm waters due to the barrier reef located six miles offshore. Explore the historic lighthouse, meander along nature trails that wind through the park and indulge in fresh seafood from on-site eateries like Boater's Grill.
Explore Matheson Hammock Park, a sprawling 630-acre oasis, nestled along Biscayne Bay. Gifted to the county in 1930 by conservationist William J. Matheson, this park was designed to preserve Miami's wild and pristine beauty. Experience the unique ecosystem known as a "hammock," characterized by dense trees just above sea level, surrounded by tropical wetlands. Enjoy the oceanfront beach or embark on scenic hikes along hammock trails.