2024 Miami Beach Beaches Guide
Miami is a truly amazing city. Diverse in culture, Miami celebrates life and nowhere is that more apparent than on the beautiful beaches of Miami Beach. Miami and South Florida offer some of the best beaches in the world.
Definitely one of the most popular attractions for visitors to Miami. From North Beach to Homestead Bayfront Park, you can definitely find some sand. Beachcombing Miami is an adventure in itself. You’ll find sun, sand, gin-clear water, and some of the best people-watching in the world.
“As I sit on the beach in the cool and moist sand, barefoot and at peace with all that’s important, I stare at the ocean and think to myself, damn, that is a lot of water.” – Jim
Miami and South Florida offer some of the best beaches in the world and an unlimited number of ways to enjoy them! Whether you are looking for relaxation in the sun, a great day out with the entire family, recreation and water-sports, or you just want to watch the beach scene, Miami beaches offer all that and more.
When we have friends and family come to visit, we want to show off our new area and we give them the choices of what they would like to see – South Beach (the most popular of the Miami beaches) always being at the top of everyone’s list.
When you go to the beach, be prepared. Carry extra clothing to cover up, extra water to stay hydrated, extra bug spray in case the no see-ums are out, a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Avoid alcohol. The sun, heat, and humidity will do bad things to an overindulgent innocent. Also, read up on some beach etiquette if you’re not familiar with the lay of the land!
Miami North Beach
Collins Ave. – 46th St. to 78th St.
Here you will find a nice shaded grassy area. All the amenities are available and you are very close to the sidewalk cafes and fast food joints. Parking fee.
This relatively quiet park is defined by sidewalk cafes, a community center, and the North Beach Bandshell, a popular Miami Beach music venue. The beach is expansive and strewn with soft sand, and concessions and showers ensure a pleasant visit.
Miami Central Beach
Collins Ave. – 21st St. to 46th St.
Sidewalk cafes line the beach along Collins Avenue. Raised boardwalks for jogging and strolling are offered. There are concession stands, showering facilities, walking trails, volleyball, water sport rentals, and lifeguards on patrol. Located at 21st St. to 46th St. on Collins Avenue. All amenities available here. You are just across Collins Ave. from the sidewalk cafes and clubs. There is a raised boardwalk here that is popular for walking and jogging! Parking fee.
The elevated boardwalk that runs through the heart of Miami Beach is ideal for strolling, jogging, and skating. This beach is near sidewalk cafes, bars, and concession stands that characterize classic Miami Beach, as well as heritage landmarks like the Fontainebleau Miami Beach hotel. It is less congested and calmer than South Beach.
South Beach Miami
Ocean Drive & 5th St. to Collins Ave. & 21st St
World-famous South Beach! You will find people from all over the world here. The entrance to the beach is through the park at 1 Washington Ave. Great place to watch people, cruise ships sailing out to sea, and the day goes by. Located on Ocean Drive & 5th St. to Collins Ave. & 21st St. Entrance is at 1 Washington Ave. Features food and drink stand, showering facilities and restrooms, walking trails, volleyball, water sport rentals, beach chair/umbrella rentals, and lifeguards on duty. Parking fee.
At the southernmost tip of Miami Beach, you’ll find legendary South Beach: a hotspot for models, celebrities, and want tobes. It is consistently ranked as one of Miami’s best beaches.
Take a walk to appreciate the Art Deco architecture, watch cruise ships sail away, and take a selfie with the legendary multi-colored lifeguard stands.
When you’ve had your fill of the beach, the cafés lining Ocean Drive will be waiting to rehydrate you. There are several public parking lots nearby.
North Virginia Key Beach
North of Rickenbacker Causeway on Key Biscayne
The north side of this historic beach can be found at 3701 Rickenbacker Causeway, Key Biscayne, just past the Rickenbacker Causeway and across from the Miami Seaquarium. You have great views of Miami’s skyline from here. Most amenities are available with Windsurfing and ultra-light seaplane rentals also. When you arrive, a large wooden sign will announce your arrival. There is a $5 admission fee for cars and a $2 fee for pedestrians.
South Virginia Key Beach
South of Rickenbacker Causeway on Key Biscayne
This is a pretty cool place to be. Pet-friendly and reasonably secluded with nature trails and a nearby bird sanctuary.
Crandon Park Beach
4000 Crandon Blvd. on Key Biscayne
This three-mile-long lagoon style beach is protected by 13 lifeguard towers. Beach wheelchairs, watersport rentals, and most concessions are available. Children’s carousel, playgrounds, and picnic areas. Ideal for families. Shower facilities, restrooms, and shelters. Parking fee.
Crandon Beach is more than just a beach; it also has a Family Amusement Center, a Nature Center, and a place to rent cabanas. You can participate in a game of beach volleyball. Bring the whole family for a picnic; the Park has grills on-site.
Crandon is home to a plethora of ecosystems, including dunes, mangroves, a coastal hammock, and sea grass beds. The Nature Center features exotic plants, rare fish and wildlife, as well as the Bear Cut Preserve, a natural Environment Study Area. Take the tour with a naturalist to gain a better understanding.
Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Beach
1200 S. Crandon Blvd. on Key Biscayne
Located on the south tip of Key Biscayne, this place has it all. Walking and bicycle trails, a historic lighthouse and all kinds of concessions from food to watersports rentals. Restrooms, picnic tables and shower facilities available. Parking fee.
The oldest standing building in Miami-Dade County, a historic lighthouse, towers above the beach and offers scheduled tours.
While it is peaceful, it is far from boring: there are walking and bicycleke trails, fishing, and two onsite restaurants, the Lighthouse Café, which faces the beach, and Boaters Grill, which is situated on a quiet lagoon. Restrooms, picnic tables, food stands, and showers are among the amenities.
Homestead Bayfront Park
9698 SW 328th St, Homestead
This beach area is shaded in palms and sits on Biscayne Bay next door to Biscayne National Park. Nice swimming area for the kids and plenty to do. HBP has most amenities and is a nice place to go for some R&R. Homestead Bayfront Park is a great place to kick back and catch some sun! It’s great for the whole crew! Swimming, tanning, games, and boating are a few of the things the park has to offer. It’s located in the beautiful Biscayne Bay. Here the clear waters offer the amazing corals reefs of Key Biscayne National Park and the Florida Keys Sanctuary. The park has a beautiful beach surrounding a natural atoll. There is a large playground for the youngsters, picnic tables and pavilions, grills, and areas to fish.
Miami Beaches Etiquette
Heading for the sun and sand? Be sure to pack your beach etiquette right on top. Miami beaches are a place where you definitely want to be at your best.
A little bit of etiquette goes a long way in this old world. Contrary to popular belief, most people still appreciate respect. Showing a little bit of beach etiquette will help to insure that everyone including your beach neighbors enjoys a relaxing day in the sun! Remember the golden rule. Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.
Camera Courtesy
If you are shooting people at the beach, get their permission. Many people visit the beach for the solitude it provides. Respect their privacy.
Sand Issues
Flying sand and deep holes cause a hazard for everyone. Minimize the airborne sand and fill in the holes after the sandcastle is built.
The Little Ones
Monitor your kids. It’s just too dangerous not to. It is amazing how many toddlers and young kids are found playing in the water with no parent in sight. Please don’t expect others to babysit.
Pets
As far as I know, there is only one pet-friendly beach in Miami. If you are at a pet-friendly beach and have brought along “Fido”, clean up after him. Keep him on a leash, and don’t let him bark at other beach lovers.
Good Housekeeping
Keep a clean house while at the beach and when you leave, take it “all” with you. Try to leave the beach a little cleaner than you found it. It’s a good life practice.
Smoking
Personally, I have no problem with smokers. But many people do. Again, it’s just a matter of courtesy. If you want to smoke, just move off for a few minutes where you won’t bother others.
Monitor the Noise Levels
While you may be in party mode, remember it’s the beach. Most people are there to relax, catch some sun and read a book!
Our Mother Earth
Be careful not to harass the local wildlife. Beaches are home to birds, animals, and other assorted critters. Respect the flora and fauna where ever your travels take you.
Avoid Crowding the Neighbors
Try to leave five or six-foot between groups when setting up. Ten feet is much better if possible.
Mind The Vocabulary
Be mindful of your neighbors and watch your language. Vulgarity just doesn’t work for the masses.
It’s Everyone’s Landscape
When you set up, try not to cut off others’ view to the water. Part of the beach experience is the water view.
Playing Games
Try not to bother those around you while playing frisbee and such. Move your game to a more open area and set up some boundaries.
Playing in the Water
Be careful when in the water. Watch for others, and maintain control of your surfboards, boogie boards, and other water toys to make sure everyone has a safe day at the beach.