Miami, a city synonymous with sun-kissed shores and vibrant energy, boasts a stunning collection of beaches, each offering a unique slice of paradise. From the iconic Art Deco glamour of South Beach to the tranquil escapes of Key Biscayne, this guide unlocks the secrets to Miami’s diverse coastline, helping you discover the perfect stretch of sand for your ideal beach getaway.
Discover Miami’s Diverse Beaches
Miami Beach Variety: From Party Hubs to Family Escapes
South Beach might be Miami’s, if not America’s, most iconic beach, known for its lively party scene. However, the Miami area offers a wide array of beaches, each with its own unique atmosphere, from pristine nature preserves to family-friendly oceanfront spots. This guide helps you navigate Miami’s best beaches for the perfect sun and sand experience.
South Beach: Art Deco & Entertainment
South Beach, located at the southern tip of Miami Beach, stretches from South Pointe Park to Collins Park and is anchored by Lummus Park. The energy here is vibrant, attracting a young and lively crowd seeking entertainment and sun.
America’s Party Place, located at the southern tip of Miami Beach, stretches from South Pointe Park all the way to Collins Park and is anchored by Lummus Park. At the north end sits the opulent Bass Museum of Art and W South Beach resort. The energy of the beach scene increases as visitors head south along the shore, fueled by a young, lively and ever-present crowd seeking entertainment and a great tan. South Beach is the site for street festivals, including the South Beach Wine and Food Festival, Art Deco Weekend, Miami Swim Week and Urban Beach Week, all of which are held on Ocean Drive or in the sand.
South Beach’s Unique Features
South Beach offers more than just parties. It’s known for its gay-friendly 12th Street Beach, the people-watching at Lummus Park, and the stunning Art Deco architecture. South Pointe Park Beach provides a family-friendly alternative.
The 12th Street beach is extremely LGBTQIA+ friendly, marked by rainbow pride flags and nearby Lummus Park is considered by Miamians as one of the best beaches for people-watching. The people aren’t the only thing worth gawking at, however. South Beach is the epicenter of the Art Deco movement, and the colorful architecture is striking. Locals with families often opt for South Pointe Park Beach, which features kid-friendly facilities, a mini splash and play area and the South Pointe Park Pier. Don’t forget to take a photo of one of the famous multi-colored South Beach lifeguard stands.
Explore Central Miami Beach (Mid-Beach)
Mid-Beach: Strolls, Resorts & MiMo Architecture
Mid-Beach, located in central Miami Beach, offers a more relaxed atmosphere with its elevated boardwalk, perfect for strolling, jogging, and skating. This area is also famous for its towering beachfront resorts and the Miami Modern (MiMo) architectural style.
From 21st Street north to 78th Street, central Miami Beach is a popular stretch for strolling, jogging and skating thanks to the elevated boardwalk. Sidewalk cafes, bars and unique, eclectic shops can be found within walking distance and umbrellas and beach chairs are available for rent near Collins Park and Indian Beach Park for a nominal fee. Famous for towering beachfront resorts, the district showcases extravagant Miami Modern (or MiMo) architecture, characterized by modern forms and flamboyant details. The Fontainebleau Miami Beach and Eden Roc Miami Beach are lasting icons of MiMo design and harken back to the glamorous era when they were the playgrounds for stars like Frank Sinatra, Elvis and Elizabeth Taylor. As a result, Mid-Beach tends to take on a much more relaxed and sophisticated atmosphere than busy South Beach.
Northern Miami Beach: Sunny Isles Beach
Sunny Isles Beach: Water Sports & Family Fun
Sunny Isles Beach, Miami’s northernmost beach, is a two-mile stretch of white sand and turquoise water popular for snorkeling, diving, and water sports. It also offers family-friendly attractions like Samson Oceanfront Park.
As Miami’s northernmost beach, this two-mile stretch of powder-white sand and sparkling turquoise water is popular for snorkeling, diving and water sports. At its center is the classic Newport Fishing Pier, a popular local landmark built in 1936 that is free to the public and home to The Beach Bar, which offers seafood and steaks served alongside breathtaking ocean views. Samson Oceanfront Park is another great place for families, thanks to a children’s play area and a summer outdoor concert series. Plus, there are many small cafes and restaurants just a short walk from the beach.
Escape to Key Biscayne & Crandon Park
Key Biscayne: Natural Beauty & Activities
Key Biscayne, located south of Downtown Miami, offers a different beach experience with its clear, shallow waters, lush palm trees, and emphasis on nature preserves. Crandon Park, at the entrance to the island, is a popular destination for families.
A few miles south of Downtown Miami, across the Rickenbacker Causeway and just beyond Virginia Key is Key Biscayne, one of Miami’s great treasures. Crandon Park is a sprawling campus of beaches and amenities situated at the entrance to the island. Perfect for families, the waters are shallow and clear and offer some of the most picture-perfect ocean views in the area. Countless rows of lush palm trees are a stark contrast from the rest of Miami’s many beaches, where condos and hotels clutter the skyline. Here ecosystems of dunes, mangroves, coastal hammocks and sea-grass beds are home to diverse species of plants, fish and wildlife. There’s even Bear Cut Preserve, a natural Environment Study Area where naturalist-guided tours are available. Thrill-seekers can rent kite-boarding, kayaking and stand-up paddle-boarding equipment, and Eco-Adventure Tours are also available. Explore the Family Amusement Center, beach volleyball, on-site grills and even a place to rent cabanas, which have showers, exclusive picnic tables on the beach and an assigned parking space.
Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park: History & Views
At the southern tip of Key Biscayne lies Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park, home to beautiful beaches and the historic Cape Florida Lighthouse, offering panoramic views of the city and Biscayne Bay.
Make your way to the southern tip of Key Biscayne to Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park. Its wide beaches consistently make it to the national top-10 list for best beaches. It’s also home to the Cape Florida Lighthouse, built in 1825—the oldest building in South Florida. Climb to the top for a magnificent view of the city and Biscayne Bay. Free guided tours are available, and the Lighthouse Café is the ideal place to pick up snacks and drinks for a beach picnic.
