South Beach may be Miami’s most famous shoreline, but it’s far from your only option for a day of swimming and sun. Miami-Dade County has about 17 miles of beaches, so aside from remembering the sunscreen, your biggest challenge will be picking the right stretch of sand.
Whether you’re after a quiet escape into nature or a full-on party, Miami has the perfect beach for you. Here’s our guide to the best beaches in Miami for every kind of beach day.
Best for families
Crandon Park Beach
On Key Biscayne, Crandon Park Beach is a popular choice for families, with a sandy shoreline, shallow water, picnic areas, grills and cabana rentals. The park also has a children’s play area and a historic carousel.
Lifeguard coverage is provided in designated swimming areas, but conditions can change, and children should always be closely supervised. The beach is reached via the Rickenbacker Causeway, which has a toll, and parking is paid. Lots can fill up on weekends and holidays, so arriving early is a good idea.
Best for the scene
Lummus Park Beach
Lummus Park is one of South Beach’s most famous sections, with colorful lifeguard towers and easy access to restaurants and hotels. Running along Ocean Drive from 5th Street to 14th Place, this is the beach to go to for a lively vibe and excellent people-watching.
Expect crowds, especially on weekends and during busy travel periods. Parking along Ocean Drive is limited and restricted in places, so walking, public transportation, or rideshare can be more convenient than driving directly to the beach.
Best for amenities
North Beach Oceanside Park
This beach and park combo offers a greener, more relaxed setting than busier parts of South Beach. Located along Collins Avenue between 79th and 87th Streets, the park includes a playground, dog park, picnic facilities, and rentable pavilions with grills, electricity and restrooms.
Best for quiet and nature
Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park
At the southern end of Key Biscayne, this state park offers a more natural setting than Miami’s heavily developed beaches. The park has more than a mile of Atlantic shoreline, shaded areas, walking routes, and opportunities to explore the historic Cape Florida Lighthouse.
There are no lifeguards at the park’s beach, and swimming is at your own risk. The park opens at 8 a.m. and closes at sundown, with an entrance fee.
Best for dogs
Haulover Beach Park
As one of the few dog-friendly and undeveloped beaches in Miami, Haulover Beach Park is a popular destination for pups. Dogs are allowed on the beach in a designated section between lifeguard towers 2 and 3, where they may be off-leash. Elsewhere in the park, dogs must stay on a leash.
The county limits visitors to two dogs per person and does not allow puppies under 6 months old. Haulover also has a Bark Park with separate enclosures for small and large dogs.
Best for accessibility
South Pointe Park
At the southern tip of Miami Beach, this park combines ocean views, landscaped paved pathways, picnic areas and an accessible playground. It’s also a useful starting point for exploring the paved Beachwalk that follows the Miami Beach shoreline.
Manual beach wheelchairs are available free of charge at South Pointe Park on a first-come, first-served basis, subject to availability. These chairs generally require someone to assist with pushing, so contact the city in advance to confirm arrangements and any requirements.
Best for water sports
Hobie Beach
The shoreline along the Rickenbacker Causeway near Virginia Key, is also known as Windsurfer Beach. Its location makes it a popular area for windsurfing and other water-based activities, depending on wind, weather and water conditions.
Equipment rentals and lessons are available through local watersports operators in the Virginia Key area.
Best for swimming
Matheson Hammock Park
Located south of Coral Gables, this beach has a distinctive man-made atoll pool that exchanges water with Biscayne Bay through tidal action. Its relatively sheltered setting makes it a popular choice for families who prefer a calmer experience than the Atlantic beaches. It’s also home to a large marina, if you feel like chartering a boat after your swim.
Lifeguards are staffed on weekends and holidays.
