If you ever find yourself traveling down to the southern corner of the US state of Florida, you’ll soon discover beautiful, luscious beaches and long, sandy coastlines. Delivering something for partygoers, adventurists, and those simply wishing to relax, there is a beach for every kind of sunseeker. With this much choice, it’s hard to say which is the most popular beach in Miami, but we have a list of ten of the best beaches in Miami for you to consider yourself! Famous for exciting and ritzy scenes, fashion, music, and extravagance – these are our picks for the top beaches in Miami.
BEST BEACHES IN MIAMI 2023
- KEY BISCAYNE, MIAMI Crandon Park Beach
- MIAMI BEACH, MIAMI South Beach
- KEY BISCAYNE, MIAMI Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park
- MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, MIAMI Haulover Park
- OCEAN DRIVE, MIAMI Lummus Park
- MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, MIAMI Sunny Isles Beach
- MIAMI BEACH, MIAMI North Beach
- KEY BISCAYNE, MIAMI Hobie Beach
- MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, MIAMI Historic Virginia Key Beach
- CORAL GABLES, MIAMI Matheson Hammock Beach Park
BEST BEACHES IN MIAMI 2023
Top 10 Destinations
KEY BISCAYNE, MIAMI
Crandon Park Beach
BLUE FLAG
No
SURF
Calm and shallow suitable for families and swimming
FACILITIES
Chairs, umbrellas, BBQs, cabanas, private showers, lifeguard station
POPULAR ACTIVITIES
Paddleboarding, quad biking, tennis, golf, volleyball, kiteboarding
RENOWNED FOR
Families, activities and adventure sports, wildlife
In true Miami style, we’re starting with options, and Crandon Park has them making it one of the top beaches in Miami. Whether you’re at the beach to be active or you’re traveling with little sandy toes in tow, Crandon Park Beach offers adventure sports, golf, shopping, tennis, an abundance of wildlife to enjoy, and cabanas for those long lazy beach days. Originally part of the largest 800-acre coconut plantation in the country, the park boasts two-miles of sandy coastline with shallow waters, making it one of the best beaches in Miami for families. And with adventure sports like quad bike hire and many more, you’ll never be bored. The beach itself is exactly how you imagine it to be – making Crandon Park Beach undoubtedly one of the best beaches in Miami.
MIAMI BEACH, MIAMI
South Beach
BLUE FLAG
No
SURF
Mostly calm, some small surf
FACILITIES
Chairs, umbrellas, watersports, lifeguard stations
POPULAR ACTIVITIES
Surfing, watersports, nightlife
RENOWNED FOR
Day to night nightlife, celebrities, surfing, art deco, dining
No best beaches in Miami blog could be complete without including potentially the most popular beach in Miami, South Beach. This is the playground of the glittering youthful, named as the American Riviera, the term most associated with South Beach is ‘Art Deco’. Living up to its reputation the vibe on South Beach is luxe, cool, and quintessential. It is potentially the most famous of Miami’s beaches and boasts connections to other famous Miami spots such as Ocean Drive. So, if you’re looking for a good time, look no further than South Beach Miami.
KEY BISCAYNE, MIAMI
Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park
BLUE FLAG
No
SURF
Swimming at own risk, no lifeguards, Portuguese Man of War warnings in winter months
FACILITIES
Restroom and shower facilities, picnic benches, accessible amenities, pet friendly
POPULAR ACTIVITIES
Hiking, canoeing, picnicking, camping, historic tours, relaxing
RENOWNED FOR
Calm atmosphere, lighthouse, nature trails, a historic site, and museum
Also, on the Pacific Coast is Champerico, which is famed for its historic wooden pier that’s long served the port’s shipping industry. This Guatemala beach lures surfers from near and far thanks to its challenging waves, with others drawn by its excellent seafood restaurants and laid-back atmosphere. Champerico is just a few hours down the mountain from Quetzaltenango, making it ideal for highland travelers craving a beach escape.
MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, MIAMI
Haulover Park
BLUE FLAG
No
SURF
Open ocean surf
FACILITIES
Chairs, umbrellas, watersports, lifeguard stations, dog park
POPULAR ACTIVITIES
Pristine sand, dog-friendly, clothing-optional
RENOWNED FOR
Turtle watching, sunbathing, swimming
Haulover Park, one of the beaches north of Miami, is conveniently situated and boasts the most extensive remaining undeveloped beachfront stretch in Miami-Dade County. Haulover Beach is noteworthy for its pristine white sands, beautiful coastal vegetation, and access to activities. For those of you traveling to Miami with the entire pack, Haulover Park has a designated bark park where you’ll find two enclosed areas, one for small dogs and one for larger dogs, and all the amenities you could hope for to ensure you and your furry companion have the best day. You can take dogs onto a section of the beach during certain hours to frolic amongst the waves; leashes are optional if your doggy is well behaved.
Haulover Park also features a family-friendly clothing-optional beach section, so please be aware if this isn’t your idea of a beach fun day. However, if you make your way to the stretch of sand between lifeguard towers #12 and #16, you’ll be greeted by volunteers who will let you know all of the etiquettes for tanning on this part of the beach. The variety found at Haulover Park makes it one of the best beaches in Miami, Florida.
OCEAN DRIVE, MIAMI
Lummus Park
BLUE FLAG
No
SURF
Gentle
FACILITIES
Gym, lifeguard towers, showers, chairs, umbrellas, restrooms
POPULAR ACTIVITIES
Bicycle rental, volleyball, roller-skating, exercise
RENOWNED FOR
Gym, volleyball, playground
If Retro Miami Beach vibes are your thing, Lummus Park Beach (where roller-skating is still en vogue) is where you’ll find yourself a good time on a Miami Beach. There are two gym sections for muscle-flexing beachgoers to workout and tan. Every Saturday, there’s a free HIIT boot camp workout for the active vacationer, and volleyball games may or may not look like a scene from Top Gun. An actual playground perfectly complements the adult gym playground for those of you traveling with children, and the gentle surf presents a safe place for all ages to swim. Lummus Park consistently features in any article listing the best beaches in Miami. This fun-filled stretch of sand certainly deserves its place on the main beach in Miami.
MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, MIAMI
Sunny Isles Beach
BLUE FLAG
No
SURF
Calm, swimming, live website beach-cam
FACILITIES
Chairs, umbrellas, watersports, lifeguard stations
POPULAR ACTIVITIES
Fishing, boating, water activities
RENOWNED FOR
Snorkeling, diving, watersports, relaxing, restaurants
Famous for snorkeling and sunbathing, Sunny Isles Beach is a two-mile stretch of peaceful sand, perfect for diving and other water-based activities. It features the classic Newport Fishing Pier, a designated historical site of interest at one of the best beaches in Miami, Florida. On Wednesdays, you can flow with the sunrise by joining a free yoga class and afterward take a renewing dip in the warm ocean waters. Sunny Isles Beach is perfect for travelers wishing to experience a quieter, relaxing atmosphere and explore the underwater world of diving and snorkeling.
MIAMI BEACH, MIAMI
North Beach
BLUE FLAG
No
SURF
Generally calm, some surfing, check conditions
FACILITIES
Concessions, showers, cafes, boardwalk, picnic tables, grills
POPULAR ACTIVITIES
Running, cycling, eating, concerts
RENOWNED FOR
Cuisine, music, relaxed atmosphere
For the more cosmopolitan traveler, North Beach leaves some of the corniness of South Beach behind and brings an urban feel to Miami’s beach options. North and South beach are two of the most famous beaches in Miami. On the Northside you’ll be able to satisfy your appetite for good-value cuisine with homely offerings from Mexico, Cuba, and Salvador, as well as world food from Europe and the Far East. While you enjoy your meal and sip your drink you can enjoy the melodious music of live artists as the sun begins to set, or you could head to the historical open-air theater or the North Beach Bandshell for regular live performances and a sense of Miami community.
KEY BISCAYNE, MIAMI
Hobie Beach
BLUE FLAG
No
SURF
Calm
FACILITIES
Chairs, umbrellas, watersports, dog friendly, showers, restrooms
POPULAR ACTIVITIES
Windsurfing, paddleboarding, water bike rental, kayak rental
RENOWNED FOR
Windsurfing, dog friendly
Also known as Windsurfer Beach due to its popularity with windsurfers and a famous windsurfing concession stand offering private and group lessons, Hobie Beach is also Miami’s favorite dog-friendly beach. The newly refurbished amenities and car park make this one of the best beaches in the Miami area if you’re traveling with children, dogs, and packed beach bags as you won’t have far to walk from the car to the sand. If you are visiting with children or are not the strongest swimmer, bear in mind that there are no lifeguards at this Miami beach.
MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, MIAMI
Historic Virginia Key Beach
BLUE FLAG
No
SURF
Calm waters, ideal for swimming
FACILITIES
Pavilions, lifeguards, chairs, umbrellas, picnic tables, showers, grills, restrooms
POPULAR ACTIVITIES
Biking, nature walks, paddleboarding
RENOWNED FOR
Nature walks, moonlight paddle boarding, relaxation, train, carousel
One of the best beaches near Downtown Miami in Biscayne Bay, the Historic Virginia Key Beach Park has a rich history dating back to 1896 and features an antique carousel. The beautiful sandy beach stretches for a mile of perfect shoreline. Perhaps the best beach in Miami for relaxing, the sand is inviting and the hammock strung nature walk provides sleepy moments not to be missed. If a carousel isn’t enough to satisfy your inner child, you can take a trip on the miniature train and enjoy the wetland excursion. If you like to mix your romance with a little exercise, the moonlight paddle boarding rental options might just be the perfect date to romance your partner at one of the best public beaches in Miami.
The history is sadly one of segregation, but the right to relax at this particular beach was requested by protestors turned away from other ‘white’ beaches. Since then, it has become a happy refuge for the BIPOC community. This beach park is home to one of the state’s largest mangrove forests and is an incredible environmental location offering protection to many endangered flora and fauna. Historic Virginia Key Beach Park is one of the best beaches in Miami for its variety and charm.
CORAL GABLES, MIAMI
Matheson Hammock Beach Park
BLUE FLAG
No
SURF
Calm constructed atoll pool
FACILITIES
Chairs, umbrellas, watersports, picnic areas, concessions
POPULAR ACTIVITIES
Cycling, paddleboarding, fishing, walks
RENOWNED FOR
Nature trails, lakes, atoll pool, botanical garden, relaxation
Matheson Hammock Beach Park spans 630 acres of Miami coastland and is affiliated with the Fairchild Tropical Botanical Garden, making the park another impressive option for visitors wishing to explore nature at one of the most beautiful beaches in Miami. Popular with tourists and locals alike, take a dip into ocean waters or the created atoll pool which provides calm still waters which means Matheson Hammock Park is one of the best beaches in Miami for families and an excellent place for children to learn to swim. You’ll find just as many active options as you will for relaxation at Matheson Hammock Beach Park. Why not take a paddleboard out onto the water or fire up a grill by one of the park’s lakes and take it easy? The beauty of the extensive site will take your breath and your worries away.
BEST BEACHES IN MIAMI
Destination Guide
RAINFALL
December is the driest month to visit Miami’s beaches, with just 2.1″ (52.1mm) of rainfall on average over just seven days.
The wettest month is June when the average rainfall is 8.3″ (210.1mm) over 14.9 days.
TEMPERATURE
In August, ocean temperatures are warmest, with average temperatures of 86°F (30°C).
The coldest month for ocean temperature is March; the average at this time of year is just 75.2°F (24°C).
BEST BEACH MONTHS
For long warm beach days and perfect ocean conditions, July is a great time to head to the beaches of Miami. You’ll experience less rain than in the preceding month of June but still enjoy the benefits of long sunshine-filled days and warm air. Water temperatures also decrease as you head to the later months of the year.
BEST BEACHES IN MIAMI
Traveler's Guide
TIME ZONE: Eastern Standard Time (GMT-5)
CURRENCY: US Dollar
CALLING CODE: +1 786
ELECTRIC VOLT: 110 V
PLUG TYPE: A and B
MAIN AIRPORT: Miami International Airport (MIA)
BEST BEACHES IN MIAMI
FAQs
What ocean is Miami on?
The resort of Miami stretches along the coastline of the Atlantic Ocean, where it merges with the Caribbean Sea, and the sands turn noticeably white. You’ll have to travel down to the Southern tip of Florida to find these beautiful warm waters and exciting beaches, but it will be worth every mile. The Atlantic Ocean begins to turn warm as it merges with the Caribbean Sea’s more pleasant waters, and marine life provides exciting diving opportunities. Watersports are incredibly popular in Miami due to excellent water conditions. Miami Beach is situated on a partly natural and partly human-created barrier island between the Atlantic Ocean and Biscayne Bay, separating the beach from the city of Miami.
What are the main beaches in Miami?
There are purportedly sixteen great beaches of Miami, and we feature some of the best beaches in South Beach Miami amongst our ten. The famous South, Central, and North Beaches can be further split into individual beaches and parks. Featured in this article are ten of the best beaches in Miami; Crandon Park Beach, South Beach, Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park, Haulover Park, Lummus Park, Sunny Isles Beach, North Beach, Hobie Beach, Historic Virginia Key Beach, and Matheson Hammock Beach Park. The beaches of Miami provide recreation and activity for a varied number of interests. Sunseekers will be just as well catered for as nature trail enthusiasts, and there are suitable beaches for partygoers, families, and all age groups. The area is diverse and inclusive, making it a perfect travel spot for all people.
Is Miami Beach safe?
The Miami Beach area is safe for travelers and tourists to visit, but as with any city attraction, there are some instances of pickpocketing. Authorities suggest walking in groups at night and staying in areas that you are familiar with. The most afflicted area is Washington Street due to the street’s busy nature, especially at night. In the water, most beaches have lifeguard stations and professional watersport concessions, making it a safe place to swim and have fun. You’ll find details of lifeguard stations amongst the nice beaches of Miami described in the blog. Another safety consideration is the intense sun – make sure to respect Miami’s proximity to the equator and utilize sunscreen, suitable clothing, shady moments, and staying hydrated.
Can you swim at Miami Beach?
Miami Beach is ideal for swimming, with many beaches to visit in Miami. But as with any ocean, check the flags for daily conditions and pay attention to inclement weather. Most beaches have lifeguard stations, making them an excellent place to swim. In this article, we point out where swimming is particularly suitable for those learning to swim or traveling with children. You’ll find lots of good swimming opportunities at Miami’s best beaches and at Miami Beach itself. It’s worth being aware of the marine life you’ll be swimming with at certain times of the year and be respectful of the environment and the creatures that live in it.
Is the water clear at Miami Beach?
The water at Miami’s beaches has excellent clarity and visibility making it an ideal spot for all water-based activities. In this article, we suggest Sunny Isles Beach for snorkeling and diving in the clear waters, but you’ll find great water conditions at all the beaches. You can also check out the beautifully designed atoll at Matheson Hammock Park, which is naturally filled from the surrounding coastal waters but provides an enjoyable alternative for bathing in Miami, making it one of the best beaches in Miami.
REACH OUT