The Best Beaches in Miami: Beautiful Places for Swimming and Relaxation

Miami is one of the world's most famous resorts, located along the shores of the Atlantic Ocean. Here, you won’t encounter peak tourist seasons, and it’s possible to lounge on the beach year-round. The warm Gulf Stream current softens the subtropical climate, which is known for its frequent rains and strong winds from late spring through autumn.

The coastline stretches for many kilometers, offering excellent opportunities for a fulfilling vacation. Miami’s beaches boast wide expanses of fine, white sand, with very few shells, while the waters near the shore are almost perfectly calm, clear, and warm. The best beaches in Miami are sure to satisfy the needs of every visitor.

Entertainment on the beaches of Miami Beach

Among Miami’s many beaches, a ranking system naturally emerges. Miami Beach holds the top spot on the list. What makes it so special? Just 20 minutes from the local airport, this cozy town offers easy access, where locals and tourists enjoy leisurely bike rides and strolls along the boardwalk, which transitions seamlessly into soft, warm sand.

South Beach

• Address: Ocean Dr, Miami Beach, FL 33139
• Website: miamibeachfl.gov

South Beach is arguably the most famous beach in Miami and one of the best in the world. It’s known for its iconic white sands, turquoise waters, and vibrant nightlife. Historic Art Deco hotels along Ocean Drive create a lively backdrop, attracting visitors from around the globe.

Key highlights:

• Prime location
  Right in the heart of Miami Beach, surrounded by top restaurants and shops.
• Miami Beach Boardwalk
  The iconic Ocean Drive with its colorful Art Deco buildings.
• Nightlife and Parties
  A hub of excitement with numerous clubs and events.

Hollywood Beach Boardwalk

• Address: Hollywood Beach Broadwalk, Hollywood, FL 33019
• Website: hollywoodfl.org

Located just a 30-minute drive from Miami, Hollywood Beach is famous for its long boardwalk, which offers a perfect balance between active recreation and relaxation. The Hollywood Beach Broadwalk stretches along the ocean, providing an ideal path for walking, cycling, or rollerblading. This scenic coastal walkway is lined with a variety of restaurants, cafes, and shops, making it a favorite destination for families and beachgoers looking for both activity and leisure.

Key Features of Hollywood Beach:

• Hollywood Beach Broadwalk
  A 2.5-mile-long (4 km) walking and cycling path along the beach, perfect for a leisurely stroll or a bike ride with beautiful ocean views.
• Variety of Dining Options
  From casual snack bars to fine dining, the boardwalk offers a range of culinary experiences with oceanfront views.
• Family-Friendly Atmosphere
  Hollywood Beach is known for its quiet, cozy atmosphere, perfect for families looking for a peaceful beach day away from the hustle of larger tourist hubs.

This spot offers a serene experience while still providing plenty of options for those who enjoy a mix of activity and relaxation.

Sunny Isles Beach

• Address: 17425 Collins Ave, Sunny Isles Beach, FL 33160
• Website: sunnyislesbeachmiami.com

Sunny Isles Beach stretches across 5 kilometers of pristine coastline, lined with luxury condominiums, shopping centers, and souvenir shops. This beach is renowned for its clean, soft sand and calm, inviting waters, making it an ideal getaway for families and those seeking a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of Miami. The gentle waves and serene atmosphere create the perfect setting for relaxation, sunbathing, or a long beach walk.

Key Features of Sunny Isles Beach:

• Sandy Shores
  The beach boasts miles of white sand, perfect for lounging or taking scenic strolls along the shoreline.
• Luxury Resorts
  Sunny Isles is home to some of Miami's finest resorts, including Acqualina and Trump International Beach Resort, offering premium services and amenities for guests.
• Peaceful Vibe
  Unlike the lively South Beach, Sunny Isles maintains a quieter and more laid-back environment, ideal for travelers who prefer a tranquil retreat. The lack of loud parties makes it a favorite spot for those seeking rest and relaxation.

This family-friendly beach is a hidd

Bal Harbour and Surfside Beaches

• Address: 9701 Collins Ave, Bal Harbour, FL 33154
• Website: balharbourflorida.com

Bal Harbour and Surfside, two neighboring suburbs, are located in an upscale area where luxury abounds. These beaches are often chosen by those looking for a more private and peaceful retreat away from the bustling tourist zones. The beach setting here perfectly combines with high-end shopping at Bal Harbour Shops, a world-renowned shopping mall featuring luxury brands.

Key Features of Bal Harbour and Surfside Beaches:

• Serene Atmosphere
  Unlike the more crowded Miami Beach, these beaches are quieter and less populated, offering a peaceful environment ideal for relaxation and meditation by the water.
• Luxury Shopping and Dining
  The area is known for its upscale boutiques and gourmet restaurants, catering to tourists with refined tastes.
• Promenade for Walks
  A beautifully maintained walkway runs along the beach, making it a great spot for leisurely strolls, cycling, or simply enjoying the fresh sea breeze.

Whether you're looking for a tranquil day by the ocean or a mix of shopping and beach relaxation, Bal Harbour and Surfside provide the perfect escape.

Key Biscayne Beaches

• Address: 1200 Crandon Blvd, Key Biscayne, FL 33149
• Website: floridastateparks.org

The beaches of Key Biscayne are known for their stunning natural beauty and historical landmarks. Here, visitors can explore the old lighthouse and enjoy the tranquility of this secluded island. The crystal-clear waters and lush greenery create a picturesque setting that makes it a must-visit destination for anyone seeking untouched nature.

Key Highlights of Key Biscayne:

• Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park
  This park is home to the historic lighthouse and pristine beaches where visitors can relax, go kayaking, or simply take a leisurely walk through the park. The park is equipped with picnic pavilions, barbecue facilities, and all the essentials for a perfect family day out.
• Secluded Beaches
  Key Biscayne offers quiet, less crowded beaches with stunning ocean views, ideal for those looking for a peaceful retreat. Nearby Virginia Key Beach is more popular, especially with locals and their pets, being just a five-minute drive from downtown Miami.
• Opportunities for Active Recreation
  Besides kayaking and swimming, Key Biscayne is also a popular spot for cycling and hiking, with scenic trails offering breathtaking views.

A Few More Beautiful Spots

Beaches in Park Zones

• Crandon Park
  A favorite for children due to its unique lagoon shape. This location features a sandbar, park attractions, picnic areas, and small shops offering a variety of goods. It's the perfect place for a family day out.
• Matheson Hammock Park
  One of Miami’s oldest recreational areas, established in the 1930s. The park offers an artificial lagoon and shaded mangrove forests, making it ideal for sunbathing and surfing practice. The lagoon starts shallow and expands into a broad beach with plenty of space for picnics.
• Oleta River State Park
  Known for its beautiful trails, perfect for biking and rollerblading. It's also a popular spot for fishing, picnicking, and kayaking enthusiasts.
• Lummus Park
  Located adjacent to the park, this area offers water sports equipment rentals, including bicycles, making it easy to explore the surrounding area. Volleyball courts, playgrounds with rubber surfaces for kids, and other outdoor activities are available.
• South Pointe Park
  Part of a shaded park with picnic spots and playgrounds for young children. The beach here is near a fishing pier with stunning views of luxurious cruise liners — an ideal retreat from the urban hustle and bustle.
• Hobie Beach
  This beach is especially popular with fans of water sports like kite surfing and windsurfing. It's also one of the few beaches in Miami where dogs are welcome.

Nudist Beaches in Miami

• Haulover Beach
  A unique spot. Haulover is Miami Beach’s official nudist beach, perfect for those seeking the ideal tan. The white sandy area stretches for miles, seamlessly blending with the ocean’s waves and vibrant nature. Nearby, the beach is great for surfers, and the adjacent Haulover Park is a peaceful retreat.
• Virginia Key Beach
  Though not officially designated as a nudist beach, many visitors appreciate its seclusion and natural beauty. Virginia Key Beach is slightly removed from the usual tourist spots, making it attractive for those who prefer a quieter, more serene place to relax. The beach is less crowded, offering the opportunity to unwind in the shade of palm trees or swim in the crystal-clear waters.

A Few Unique Features of Miami Beach

Collins Avenue runs from north to south, with small streets from 1st to 192nd cutting across from east to west. All beach access points are equipped with restrooms and showers.

• Mid-Beach
  A wide, relatively quiet beach located in the heart of the city. Budget-friendly hotels and restaurants, along with relaxing music, make this spot appealing for family outings. A city parking garage is conveniently located near 42nd Street.
• Between 53rd and 63rd Streets
  A pleasant stretch of coastline that’s usually not crowded, making it a favorite family spot close to the vibrant and lively Collins Avenue.
• The Beach Between 21st and 35th Streets
  Popular among joggers, with Miami Beach’s boardwalk smoothly transitioning into paved paths. Equipped with lifeguard towers, beach bars, tropical cocktails, and gourmet snacks.
• North Shore Park (near 85th Street)
  A peaceful, secluded area favored by those seeking solitude. Shady alleys, various fitness equipment, BBQ grills — all surrounded by sand dunes.

Activities on Miami Beach

Miami Beach isn’t just a paradise for sunbathers and ocean lovers; it's also the epicenter of vibrant activities that cater to every interest. Whether you're after an adrenaline rush or a relaxing stroll along the shore, Miami Beach offers something for everyone.

• Skydiving
  For thrill-seekers, skydiving is the perfect way to experience the Miami coastline from a bird's-eye view. A parachute jump over the ocean provides unforgettable memories, allowing you to feel the full force of the open skies.
• Parasailing
  Water sports lovers will appreciate parasailing — gliding above the waves while tethered to a speedboat. This adventure offers stunning aerial views of the coast, letting you soar freely over the Atlantic Ocean.
• Kitesurfing & Wakeboarding
  These high-energy water sports have become a staple of Miami’s beach life. Try your hand at kitesurfing, harnessing the wind to glide across the waves, or wakeboarding, where a powerful boat creates the ideal wave for you to ride.
• Jet Skiing
  The waters of Miami Beach are perfect for exciting jet skiing adventures. No matter your skill level, you can rent a jet ski and speed along the coast, feeling the sea breeze and a surge of adrenaline.
• Yacht & Boat Charters
  If you prefer a more relaxed, luxurious experience, you can rent a yacht or boat along Miami Beach. Enjoy a romantic cruise or spend the day sailing, taking in breathtaking ocean views and sunsets.
• Volleyball & Soccer Courts
  For team sports enthusiasts, Miami Beach has volleyball and soccer courts right on the beach. It’s a great way to stay active and have fun with friends or fellow beachgoers.

Family Zones & Comfort

Miami Beach takes safety and comfort seriously for all its visitors. Every stretch of beach is equipped with children’s zones featuring soft, rubberized surfaces, making them ideal for safe play. Additionally, you can rent umbrellas and loungers to make your stay under the sun as comfortable as possible.

Bars offer eco-friendly water and light snacks, though alcohol is prohibited. The beach areas are routinely cleaned, and there are public restrooms and showers throughout. For those who enjoy sunbathing topless, there are designated areas where this is permitted.

Flag System on Lifeguard Towers

All Miami beaches are equipped with a flag warning system to inform visitors about water conditions:

• Green — Safe for swimming.
• Yellow — Caution, conditions may be dangerous.
• Purple — High presence of marine life, such as jellyfish or fish.
• Red — Swimming is strictly prohibited.

Lifeguard towers are an essential feature on these beaches. The areas are fenced off, and signs usually indicate that the beach is open for visitors from 5:00 AM to midnight.