10 Best Beaches in Miami

Miami is known for many things: its nightlife, Michelin-starred restaurants, museums, and luxury hotels. Yet for many travelers, Miami’s biggest draw is its beaches. No two beaches in Miami are alike, which guarantees there’s a perfect spot for every traveler. From the glitz of South Beach to the laid-back shores of Key Biscayne, consider this your locally curated guide to the best beaches in Miami. 

No trip to Miami is complete without a visit to South Beach. Famed for its wide shoreline, colorful Art Deco hotels on Ocean Drive, and vibrant, non-stop energy, South Beach is where you go to see and be seen. Snap photos of the brightly colored lifeguard stands, grab a table at an oceanfront restaurant, and bask in the constant buzz of activity. Book a room at the iconic Clevelander South Beach or the luxurious 1 Hotel South Beach to be close to all the action, or rent a beach chair and umbrella and hang out here for the day.  If you want a little seclusion, get here before 10 a.m., but really, the people watching is all part of the fun. 

Located between 24th Street and 60th Street, between South and North Beach, Mid-Beach offers a calm, exclusive atmosphere that contrasts sharply with the action of South Beach. This beautiful stretch of beachfront is defined by the ultra-luxury hotels and stylish restaurants. Visitors will find trendy hotels like the Eden Roc Miami Beach and the Faena Hotel Miami Beach. Mid-Beach is perfect if you want access to a tranquil beach, world-class dining, and cultural spots without the party scene. 

For an even quieter experience, head to Miami’s North Beach neighborhood, which offers a much more laid-back, local vibe than its southern neighbors. Specifically, head to North Beach Oceanside Park, which backs onto a beautiful, tree-lined park with shaded paths and picnic tables. The park is also dog-friendly, with two large dog runs at the north end. While the beach prohibits pets, visitors can expect classic soft sand and clear water. 

For a spot favored by locals, consider Crandon Park on Key Biscayne, one of Miami’s barrier islands. Located on the northern end of Key Biscayne, Crandon Park is well-maintained and has biking paths, tennis courts, and a vintage carousel for kids. But the star of the show is the park’s two-mile stretch of beachfront. The beach is a favorite of Miamians who come here to kayak, paddleboard, and snorkel, and there are stands or equipment rentals along with concession stands for snacks. If you’re looking to stay for the day, there are also picnic shelters and pavilions throughout the park, available on a first-come, first-served basis. 

Bal Harbour Beach is one of the most exclusive beaches in Miami. The area is home to the Bal Harbour Shops, which include high-end boutiques like Prada, Gucci, and Chanel, and luxury resorts like The Ritz-Carlton Bal Harbour and the St. Regis Bal Harbor Resort. Bal Harbour Beach is pristine, quiet, and meticulously maintained, offering a peaceful atmosphere. It’s perfect for those seeking high-end shopping, followed by an afternoon of uninterrupted sunbathing and ocean views without the hustle of other tourist hubs. 

If luxury and quiet are your goals, Sunny Isles Beach is the place to be. This serene two-mile beach, located on a barrier island, is lined with resorts and high-rise condos. Sunny Isles Beach is also significantly less frequented than South Beach or even Mid-Beach. The beach is home to the Newport Fishing Pier, perfect for long strolls, and you’ll also find several great restaurants serving Greek, Italian, and Japanese cuisine. The beach itself is great for uninterrupted walks, peaceful sunbathing, and enjoying beautiful views of the Atlantic without the loud party scene. 

Another beach on Key Biscayne is Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park. Situated on the southern tip of Key Biscayne, this beach is a designated state park. Its main attraction is the historic Cape Florida Lighthouse, built in 1825, which offers panoramic views of the water and skyline. The beach features natural dunes and clear, tranquil water, and often ranks among the best beaches in the U.S. The park is also a fantastic spot for cycling, fishing, and enjoying a quiet sunset away from the typical Miami crowds.

Located just north of Bal Harbour, Haulover is a mile-and-a-half-long beach known for its soft sand and wide, expansive shores. This beach is also famous for its unique status: the northern section is Miami-Dade’s only official clothing-optional beach, attracting visitors seeking freedom and privacy. The southern end is “clothing-required” and is popular for kite-flying, picnics, and fishing. Unlike the dense urban beaches, Haulover feels wilder and more secluded, providing a sandy haven, ideal for those who value nature.

Situated along the Rickenbacker Causeway leading to Key Biscayne, Hobie Beach is also known locally as Windsurfer Beach because, for the past 20 years, it’s been home to a locally run windsurfing rental concession.  The beach offers fantastic, protected areas for windsurfing, paddleboarding, and kayaking, shielded from open-ocean waves. Hobie Beach is also Miami’s premier spot where dogs can run and swim off-leash. Beyond being a haven for furry visitors, the shore offers one of the most stunning, uninterrupted postcard views of Downtown Miami's skyline, making it an essential, unique stop for photographers and pet owners alike.

Located just offshore from mainland Miami on the barrier island of Virginia Key, this park holds immense historical significance as the only beach in Miami-Dade County designated for use by African Americans during segregation. Reopened as a county park, it now offers a peaceful escape with a long stretch of beautiful shoreline, preserved wetlands, and nature trails. For little ones, there’s also an antique carousel, miniature train, and playground. Visitors come here for the tranquil setting and the quiet chance to connect with both nature and a pivotal part of Miami's past.