12 Best Beaches Around Miami

Make your way to South Beach if you're in search of a lively Florida beach with some glitz and glam. Many people flock to “SoBe” to see and be seen, but there's also a ton of stuff to do including yachting, snorkeling, stand-up paddle boarding, and kite surfing.

Nearby, you can explore the vibrant Art Deco district or stop by the museums, art galleries, and shops lining the streets. Enjoy a cocktail at an Ocean Drive bar before returning to the beach to party all night long. South Beach embodies the Miami you know from TV and movies, so take the opportunity to rent a lounger and soak up the atmosphere.

Surfside Beach is best known for its upscale resorts and pristine sandy shores. Located between Bal Harbor and North Beach, this small stretch of sand is a local favorite for a relaxed day in the sun as it's one of the less crowded beaches near Miami. A popular spot to check out is The Surf Club at the Four Seasons Hotel, which was a favored hotspot for celebrities like Frank Sinatra and Elizabeth Taylor.

Snag some takeout from one of the local delis and grab a picnic blanket for a low-key day. If you happen to be in town on the first Friday of the summer months, stop by Surfside for a communal beach picnic.

Haulover Dog Beach is a designated off-leash beach located in the 177-acre Haulover Park: perfect for your pup to enjoy a day running around in the sand. This area, situated between lifeguard houses 2 and 3, is completely open for your furry best friend to splash in the sea, bask in the sun, and dig all the holes they could ever want.

If you see people here without dogs, chances are they’re taking advantage of the amazing waves, which are ideal for beginner surfing and bodyboarding. If you’re looking for a fenced-in area, there’s a nearby Bark Park with a designated space for big dogs, plus one for dogs under 35 lb.

Located directly between North Beach and South Beach, Mid-Beach in Miami is a little quieter, and offers the best of both worlds. Stroll along the shoreline to check out some of the most stylish hotels in Miami or simply grab a spot in the sand for an ideal place to relax by the ocean. Indian Beach Park is a great option if you want to take the kids somewhere to run around, as it has 2 fun nautical themed playgrounds.

If you’re looking for a bite to eat, check out classy restaurants like Cecconi’s Miami and Mirabella at Fontainebleau. For a livelier experience, bar-hop along Mid-Beach at trendy bars like Broken Shaker and the Wunderbar.

North Beach is nestled just between Mid-Beach and Surfside and offers the perfect laid-back atmosphere to enjoy a chill day at the beach. For those traveling with kids and looking for a family-friendly destination, North Beach is a great option. With shaded paths to take a stroll, a dog park, playgrounds, and even picnic pavilions with grills, there’s plenty to do to keep you and the family occupied all day.

If you happen to be visiting on the third Thursday of the month, make sure to check out the North Beach Social at the Bandshell. This open-air amphitheater is a popular live music spot in Miami that hosts events almost every night of the year.

Sunny Isles Beach is a pristine beach located in South Florida, between Miami and Fort Lauderdale. Lined with luxury condos and skyscraping resorts, this stunning 2-mile-long beach is a local favorite for spending a peaceful day in the ocean.

With more than 10 public parks, Sunny Isles is a great place to explore. From butterfly gardens and playgrounds to dog parks and sandy volleyball courts, each park is unique and offers some great activities the whole family will enjoy. A must-see when visiting Sunny Isles is the iconic Newport Fishing Pier. For a small fee, you gain access to restrooms, showers, the pier, a restaurant, bike racks, and more.

Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park Beach is a stunning undeveloped beach famous for its historic lighthouse. Located at the tip of Key Biscayne, this beach only 9.5 miles north of downtown Miami. With rugged sand dunes and bright blue ocean views, this mile-long beach truly captures the natural beauty of Florida’s coastline.

If you’re looking to explore the park, rent an individual bike or ATV from the concessions stand located next to the Lighthouse Café or simply take a stroll along the winding nature trails. Grab a bite to eat at the café or pack your own lunch and enjoy a meal at one of their 18 covered pavilions with striking views of the ocean.

Located on Key Biscayne, Crandon Park Beach is a beautiful beach known for attracting those who enjoy being active outside. This beach is truly an outdoor lover’s paradise, with a tennis center, golf course, windy boardwalk, and plenty of volleyball courts. If you love water sports, Crandon Park Beach has some great options. Take lessons in kiteboarding, paddleboarding, and kayaking or simply rent a board or kayak and explore on your own.

While there’s plenty to do to get active, the picturesque beach is also great for lounging in the sun on a beach chair, or if you’re planning to spend the whole day there you can rent a 100-sq-ft cabana complete with your own parking spot and shower.

Historic Virginia Key Beach Park is a unique beach famous for its rich cultural history and impressive views of both the bay and the Atlantic. If you’re looking for a unique experience, rent a kayak and explore the stunning plants and animals living among the mangrove wetlands in the park.

While there are vending machines on the island, food tends to be a bit limited, so you’ll want to pack a lunch to enjoy at the picnic tables or on the beach so you can take advantage of a full day on Virginia Key. You can find Historic Virginia Key Beach Park on Virginia Key, just across the William M Powell Bridge from downtown Miami.

Bal Harbor Beach is easily one of the swankiest beaches in South Florida. Located just north of Surfside, it's also an upmarket shopping hub, boasting famous designer names like Chanel, Fendi, Valentino, and Rolex.

Take a stroll along the pristine beach and snag a reservation at one of the 5-star restaurants for an elegant afternoon to remember. Parking can be a bit hard to find at Bal Harbor, so if you can’t find a spot under the bridge or along the street, you may want to park in nearby Surfside and walk along the scenic beach path.

Oleta River State Park is a massive urban park located just west of Haulover Beach. Boasting over 1,000 acres of green space, this park is a nature lover's dream, with plenty of space for outdoor activities year-round.

Located on Biscayne Bay, here you can enjoy kayaking, canoeing, and paddleboarding. Take a short stroll or spend your whole day exploring the beautiful mangroves that make this park truly unique. If you’re looking to take a dip in the water, the best way to reach the beach is by hiking along the southwest curve of the peninsula.

As the scenic part of South Beach, South Pointe Beach blends striking seascapes with a host of fun recreational activities. There’s a fishing pier where you can enjoy quiet walks over the waves, while a vast urban green space nearby offers fun spaces to bike or skate.

You can head down to an observation deck for better views over the coastal area, while wave riders can find a fun surfing playground at the beach breaks before the pier. If your kids need somewhere to cool off, they'll love the water playground, and we won't tell anyone if you want to have a splash, too.