Featuring more than 35 miles of beachfront, Miami is perhaps the world's best beach destination. The best Miami beaches are known for more than just their soft white sands and azure waters; they are defined by their cosmopolitan ambience, luxurious amenities and glamorous appeal. From the colorful Art Deco Historic District hotels that line the beaches to the mangroves that seem to crawl on top of the water, the top Miami beaches offer a glimpse into the past and a promise of an electric, shimmering future.
Whether you are planning your first trip to Miami or your annual getaway, you will want to check out the best beaches in Miami:
1. South Beach
When you think of the best beaches in Miami, South Beach is usually the first one that comes to mind. With the Atlantic Ocean in the foreground and pastel-colored Art Deco architecture lining Ocean Drive, this beach pays homage to the city's golden days and is a hotbed of activity throughout the year.
On any given day in South Beach, you will be able to stretch out in a luxe lounge chair as the shade of an umbrella protects you from the blaring heat of the Miami sun. Eclectic dining is always just a few streets away, with many visitors opting to grab a quick meal at one of the many sidewalk cafes in South Beach. With lively music permeating the air and plenty of Miami attractions nearby, this beach has a vibrant atmosphere — one in which everyone feels relaxed, at ease and ready to have a good time.
2. Haulover Park
Haulover Park is an undeveloped beach, giving it a natural and authentic vibe that appeals to people who are looking for a quieter atmosphere and fewer crowds. It's also preferred by those who prefer less clothing. As the oldest clothing-optional beach in Florida — and the only public beach of its kind in Miami — it draws a niche crowd who prefers an au natural approach to a day in the sun.
While there's no defined perimeters at Haulover Park, visitors will find that there's an area designated for families and another part that is best for adults only. There's also a small section of the beach between lifeguard stations 2 and 3 where dogs can run off-leash, making this a favorite beach among locals who want to bring their four-legged pals along.
Keep in mind that Haulover Park is undeveloped, so you will want to bring along any snacks or supplies that you may need.
3. Historic Virginia Key Beach Park
Considered a hidden gem in Miami, Historic Virginia Key Beach Park is on a small stretch of the Rickenbacker Causeway. This scenic beach is known not only for its beautiful vistas, but also for its rich sense of history. Virginia Key Beach Park was once an exclusive getaway for Black residents in Miami. Despite the fact that the city had been built, settled and established by a large population of Black Americans, almost all of the developed beaches in the early 20th century were segregated during the Jim Crow era. Virginia Key Beach remained an exception, transforming it into a cherished space for relaxing, celebrating and worshiping.
Today, visitors can delight in the authentic culture of Historic Virginia Key Beach Park, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. One of the highlights of the beach is an antique carousel, which adds a touch of whimsy and magic to this already spectacular beach.
4. Mid-Beach
Bridging the gap between South Beach and North Beach, Mid-Beach offers the perfect blend of lively spirit and effortless relaxation. Given the fact that it's less touristy than its southern counterpart, Mid-Beach tends to draw a mix of local beach lovers and avid travelers, but it's primarily known for its sense of style. Some of the top hotels in Miami are situated on Mid-Beach and those who are relaxing on the soft white sands are typically donning club-style swimwear and sipping on exotic beverages. It's not a party beach, but its visitors know that sophistication still reigns supreme, even if you are spending the day on the ocean.
5. North Beach Oceanside Park
Offering a more mellow vibe than some of the beaches that rest south of it, North Beach is a favorite among families who want to spend a day on the ocean in Miami. With plenty of beachfront space — and far fewer crowds — this is easily considered to be one of the nicest Miami beaches to visit.
Sea grape trees provide plenty of natural shade on this beach, but families and groups looking to gather will appreciate the fact that there are many picnic tables and pavilions as well. Winding paths, outdoor workout stations and playground equipment make this one of the most engaging and interactive beaches in Miami as well. For something that feels a little bit less like a tourist destination and a little more like a small town beach, North Beach is the perfect option.
6. Surfside Beach
Often referred to as Miami's Uptown Beach Town, Surfside Beach is a small, oceanfront town on the outskirts of the city proper. Spanning just more than a mile, this tiny town packs in plenty of potential. It was once a playground for the Hollywood Elite in the years leading up to World War II, and the community retains much of its retro charm.
When you aren't relaxing on the surprisingly private beach in Surfside, you may find yourself strolling down the town's famous Turtle Walk. Throughout the town, you will find 13 colorful turtle statues on display, all designed by local artists in an effort to raise awareness about the turtle nesting season in the region.
7. Matheson Hammock Park
Established in 1930 to protect and preserve the city's wild, natural beauty, Matheson Hammock Park is one of the top Miami beaches for those who want to experience the local ecosystem firsthand. The beach here has warm and shallow waters and the gentle breeze that is constantly flowing makes it one of the best beaches for paddling and kiteboarding in Miami.
Perhaps its most famous attraction, however, is the atoll pool. This human-made pool was recently renovated and strengthened in order to protect it from future flood events. It fills each day with the waters of the tide, ensuring a saltwater pool in the local area that visitors can easily enjoy.
8. Crandon Park
Recreational enthusiasts who believe that the beach is for playing and not for relaxing often find themselves at Crandon Park, which is considered to be one of the most active and energetic beaches in the city. Some of the amenities at this beach include volleyball nets, a golf course and tennis courts, but the local area also serves as a hotspot for ecoadventures, such as kayaking and paddleboarding tours.
9. Bal Harbour
Miami boasts over 35 miles of beachfront, making it a top global destination. Its beaches are known for their white sands, clear waters and convenience to cultural amenities. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a regular, exploring the best beaches in Miami is a key part of experiencing the city.
Planning Your Trip to Miami
When thinking of the best time to visit Miami it’s important to know that AAA members can access perks and take advances for vacation planning such as getting the best discounts on hotels, rental cars and entertainment tickets.