The 16 Best Beaches in Miami: Your Complete Guide

Miami isn’t short on beaches. From the iconic stretch of South Beach to quiet hidden gems in Key Biscayne and beyond, there’s a spot for every vibe—people-watching, family fun, watersports, seclusion, or just soaking up the sun. Here are the 16 main beaches in the Miami area, listed roughly from north to south, with key details to help you pick the right one.

1. Bal Harbour Beach

Location: Collins Ave. from 96th St. to Haulover Inlet, Bal Harbour, FLA beautifully maintained, palm-shaded mile-long beach with a scenic jogging path winding along the sand. A jetty at the north end is popular for fishing. Metered parking is available beneath Haulover Bridge. No lifeguards or showers.Info: (305) 866-4633

2. Haulover Beach Park / Nude Beach

Location: 10800 Collins Ave., Miami Beach, FLSpacious beach with shady picnic areas, barbecue grills near the dunes, and pedestrian tunnels linking to the park and marina on Biscayne Bay. Beach wheelchairs available for rent. Features a nine-hole golf course, tennis courts, kite-flying area, and kite shop. Parking fee. The far north end is Miami’s only clothing-optional beach.Info: (305) 944-3040

3. North Shore Open Space Park

Location: Collins Ave. from 78th to 87th Terrace, Miami Beach, FLLushly landscaped park with a boardwalk right on the sand. Picnic tables, restrooms, showers, and parking available. Located in the quieter North Beach area—ideal for families. Parking fee.Info: (305) 993-2032

4. Surfside Beach

Location: Collins Ave. from 88th to 96th St., Surfside, FLA mainly residential stretch with limited facilities and parking. Amenities available at the 93rd Street Community Center for a fee.Info: (305) 861-4863

5. Sunny Isles Beach

Location: Collins Ave. from 157th to 193rd St., Sunny Isles Beach, FLRecently renourished two-mile-long wide white-sand beach with a landmark fishing pier at the south end (concessions available). Parking fee.Info: (305) 947-0606

6. Oleta River State Park

Location: 3400 NE 163rd St., North Miami Beach, FLSandy beach on Biscayne Bay inside a shady park with mountain bike trails and recreational activities. Popular for boating and kayaking along the nearby Snake River. Parking fee.Info: (305) 919-1846

7. Miami Beach – North Beach

Location: Collins Ave. from 46th to 78th St., Miami Beach, FLCommunity center and old-fashioned bandshell in the adjoining park at the north end. Palm-shaded grassy area with easy access to sidewalk cafés and fast-food spots. Lifeguard towers, food/drink concessions, beach chair/umbrella rentals, showers. Metered parking.Info: (305) 673-7714

8. Miami Beach – Mid Beach

Location: Collins Ave. from 21st to 46th St., Miami Beach, FLRaised boardwalk over the dunes—popular for strolling and jogging. Lifeguard towers, food/drink concessions, beach chair/umbrella rentals. Parking fee.Info: (305) 673-7714

9. Miami Beach – South Beach

Location: Ocean Dr. from 1st to 12th St., Miami Beach, FLThe world-famous stretch with brightly painted lifeguard stands. Walk, jog, or skate along the concrete promenade that borders the beach. Right next to Ocean Drive sidewalk cafés. Topless sunbathing is permitted. The gay and lesbian beach is from 8th to 12th Streets. Metered parking.Info: (305) 673-7714

10. South Pointe Park

Location: Ocean Dr. at 1st St. (entrance through park at 1 Washington Ave.), Miami Beach, FLAt the southern tip of South Beach. Fantastic spot to watch cruise ships sail out to sea. Parking fee.Info: (305) 673-7714

11. Hobie Beach / Windsurfer Beach

Location: South end, north side of Rickenbacker Causeway, Key Biscayne, FLPopular windsurfing beach on a secluded inlet. Dogs allowed. Watersports rentals, food/drink concessions, beachside parking. Great views of Brickell Avenue and the downtown Miami skyline.Info: (305) 361-2833

12. Virginia Key Beach – North

Location: North of Rickenbacker Causeway, east of Biscayne Bay, Key Biscayne, FLGreat for windsurfing, kiteboarding, and ultralight seaplane rentals. Food/drink concessions and restrooms. Parking fee.Info: (305) 575-5256

13. Virginia Key Beach – South

Location: South of Rickenbacker Causeway, east of Biscayne Bay, Key Biscayne, FLUltra-secluded beach close to Key Biscayne. Shady areas, nature trails, and a nearby bird sanctuary. The only beach in Miami-Dade County where dogs on leashes are allowed.Info: (305) 361-2833

14. Crandon Park Beach

Location: 4000 Crandon Blvd., Key Biscayne, FLThree-mile-long lagoon-style beach protected by 13 lifeguard towers. Beach wheelchairs for rent. Children’s carousel, playgrounds, and picnic areas. Ideal for families. Showers, restrooms, shelters, and lifeguards. Parking fee.Info: (305) 361-7373

15. Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Recreation Area

Location: 1200 S. Crandon Blvd., Key Biscayne, FLScenic beach at the southern tip of Key Biscayne. Walking and bicycle trails wind through natural vegetation. Historic lighthouse and food concession. Restrooms, picnic tables, and showers. Parking fee.Info: (305) 361-5811

16. Homestead Bayfront Park

Location: 9698 SW 328th St., Homestead, FLPalm-shaded sandy beach on Biscayne Bay in South Miami-Dade County, adjoining Biscayne National Park. Parking fee.Info: (305) 230-3034

Beaches Near Miami (2026 Update)

‍Miami’s beaches remain world-class, but parking and crowds have only grown. Use apps like ParkMobile for real-time spots. Lifeguard coverage is strong, but always check flag warnings (double red = no swimming). Water remains swimmable year-round, though riptides and jellyfish are still the biggest risks. Haulover’s clothing-optional section and Key Biscayne’s quieter beaches are still favorites. Enjoy responsibly—sun, sand, and Miami magic await!

Editor’s Note: Originally published in September 28, 2005. Updated in 2026 with current information.