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Miami Area Beaches
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Beaches and parks are listed geographically from north to south.
Miami is where the Atlantic Ocean merges with the Caribbean Sea; where sands turn soft and white and the waters from light blue to nearly-clear aqua. There are more than a dozen areas in this part of the state, ranging from the more subdued North Miami Beach to the world-renowned South Beach, the southern city that doesn’t sleep. So whether you are looking for a lazy day on the beach or feeling the need for some serious partying, this is the place to visit.
 Sunny Isles Beach
Sunny Isles Beach was incorporated in 1997 making one of Miami-Dade County's newest cities. This is a thriving town where you’ll notice many young families. There are 13 beach access points along the shore. Sunny Isles Beach and Pier features a mix of entertainment and relaxation. From the pier you can gaze over the azure ocean and perhaps see a sea turtle below. Swim, fish or sun on these warm beaches. The more than two-acre Gilbert Samson Oceanfront Park has showers, restrooms, a volleyball court and picnic tables.
Oleta River State Park
Located at the northeast corner of Miami-Dade County, Oleta River State Park is the largest urban park in the state at 1,043 acres, and there is definitely something for each member in your family to do. Canoe and kayak the river and the Intracoastal Waterway, fish off the pier or bike through a tree hammock. There are also 14 primitive cabins where you can spend the night.
Haulover Beach
This 180-acre park features a 1 ½-mile beach with lifeguards, picnic areas and beautiful vistas of tropical shoreline. This area is perfect for swimming, surfing and sunbathing. The park has a marina, concessions, picnic facilities and restrooms. Keep in mind that the northern part of the park is considered clothing optional.
North Shore Open Space
This lush park features a boardwalk, picnic table, showers and restroom. This quieter part of Miami is ideal for families avoiding the crowds.
North Miami Beach (46th to 78th Streets)
Small neighborhood beaches can be found along the glimmering shore of North Miami Beach. This beach community offers all of the beauty of turquoise waters and golden sand without the city bustle. There is a community center and a band shell where you might catch a concert. You’ll find there are plenty of restrooms, showers and chair and umbrella rentals for a comfortable day. You are also close to some quaint sidewalk cafés along Collins Avenue.
Bal Harbour
This island to the north of Miami Beach is a mostly private enclave that houses the rich and famous. Two miles of sandy shoreline overlook the city to the south, and jogging and exercise courses can be found along the beach. Nearby, there are upscale shops, spas and restaurants and golf courses.
Surfside Beach
This residential community spans less than 10 blocks. There are limited facilities and parking, but for a fee you can use the facilities at the 93rd Street Community Center. This is one of the more quiet beaches in the area, still perfect for swimming and sunning.
Miami Beach (21st to 46th Street)
The beaches here are wide and soft. Enjoy a walk along the boardwalk that winds along the dunes. It’s a good spot to rollerblade or stroll. There are a number a lifeguard stands, concessions, showers and restrooms along this stretch of beach.
South Beach
Movie stars and models on fashion shoots are just the start of the beautiful sights to be seen on South Beach. Sultry and pulsating, this is non-stop fun from white-sand beaches to international bistros. Palm trees and art deco buildings mesh along the cityscape. South Beach is the center of high fashion and high society in Miami. The beaches are just steps away from trendy restaurants, boutiques and nightclubs. You can’t miss the whimsically painted lifeguard stands. There is a great concrete promenade along the beach where you can rollerblade, jog or simply people watch – definitely the hottest past time here.
South Pointe Park
This two-mile stretch of newly refurbished beach features a fishing pier. This spot at the southern tip of South Beach is the perfect spot to watch the sunrise or those massive cruise ships set out to sea.
Virginia Key Beach (North and South)
Located on Biscayne Bay, this is a favorite local hangout with a calm atmosphere. The south side of the beach is a perfectly secluded spot with shady areas, nature trails and a bird sanctuary nearby. The north side boasts fantastic views of the Miami skyline and features windsurfing and seaplane rentals.
Hobie Beach/Windsurfer Beach
Located along the Rickenbacker Causeway in Key Biscayne, good winds and smooth waters make Hobie Beach the place for windsurfing, sail boarding and sailboats. So if you’ve always wanted to try, go for it. There are beautiful views of the Miami skyline. There are concessions and restrooms, and dogs are allowed.
Crandon Park Beach
Set on the northern half of Key Biscayne, this three-mile county beach is a popular spot in Miami. An offshore sandbar protects swimmers from heavy surf. Take a swim out to the sandbar and then take a walk enjoying a look back at the beach. Crandon Park is popular with families thanks to its marina, picnic facilities, barbecue pits and volleyball rentals, as well as nearby Crandon Amusement Center.
Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park
In 2005, Stephen P. Leatherman, also known as Dr. Beach, voted this the eighth best beach in the United States. The beautiful tropical park is located on the tip of secluded Key Biscayne and is illuminated by its historic lighthouse. The park features biking and hiking trails and has calm shores and emerald-green waters. So bring a picnic and some fishing poles and prepare for a perfect day at the beach.
Matheson Hammock Park
This park has an unusual feature – a man-made island pool, which is flushed naturally with the tidal action of nearby Biscayne Bay. Its tranquil breeze-swept beach is a haven if you need a warm, safe place for your family to play. The park also has beautiful waterside views, a marina and a snack bar and restaurant built into a historic coral rock building, picnic pavilions and nature trails.
Homestead Bayfront Park
Another park that is perfect for your family, with its atoll pool beach, snack bar, barbecue grills, picnic shelter, playground and plenty of palm trees. The sandy atoll pool fluctuates with the tidal action of the Atlantic Ocean.
 Beaches with this symbol have beach wheelchairs available, either provided as a courtesy, or available for (prearranged) rent and delivery from private companies.
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Fort Lauderdale Area Beaches
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Beaches and parks are listed geographically from north to south.
Twenty-three miles of warm, wide beaches and sparkling Atlantic Ocean water draw visitors from all around the world. From Deerfield to Hallandale Beach, this area will appeal to every member of your family. Here you’ll find charming downtowns, funky shops and sophisticated restaurants, old-world elegance and, of course, fantastic beaches.
Deerfield Beach
This area is a respite from some of the more bustling areas of the county. The beaches are wide and serene, but you’ll still find plenty of activity here. Visit the Public Beach and International Fishing Pier. This one mile stretch of beach features lifeguard stations, recreational areas and volleyball nets. The nearby Deerfield Island Park is accessible by shuttle or boat. This park is heavily wooded 56-acre site, which features a nature trail, boardwalk, picnic area and playground.
Pompano Beach
With its 3-½-mile beach, the Intracoastal Waterway, canals and offshore reef, Pompano Beach is an outstanding area for beach-goers, sports fishermen and water lovers alike. The public beach here is 100- to 150-feet wide, one mile long, and made up of fine, white sand running from Atlantic Boulevard north to Northeast 16th Street. The beach features watersports, sand volleyball, swimming, fishing, boating, kayaking, sailing, a playground, a boardwalk and picnic areas. There is also a pier that’s open 24 hours a day.
Lauderdale-by-the-Sea
This tiny town is a haven for divers and beachgoers. Just 100 yards off the beach, you’ll find an amazing three-tier reef ecosystem. Once you’ve finished exploring this underwater paradise, stroll up to Anglin's Pier or over to the charming Pelican Square to check out the quaint shops and restaurants.
Fort Lauderdale
Fort Lauderdale boasts seven miles of warm, soft sand. There are 30 beach access points, but the city’s award-winning "wavewall" and beachfront promenade provide the perfect place to soak up Fort Lauderdale’s flavor. The beachfront is bustling with people checking out the shops, restaurants and sidewalk cafés. On the beach, you can boat, windsurf, Jet Ski, play volleyball, snorkel, scuba dive or do whatever else you may desire. If you’d rather relax, stretch out on your towel and enjoy beautiful views of the Atlantic Ocean.
Dania Beach
Located Between Fort Lauderdale and Hollywood, Dania Beach is a short drive to all the attractions in the area. This family-friendly beach has unique Seminole "chickee huts" for shade and playgrounds on the sand. Dania Beach features several city parks including the very popular Dania Beach Waterfront and Fishing Pier.
John U. Lloyd Beach State Park, Dania Beach
With 2-½ miles of natural beach, this park is a favorite in the area. Lloyd Beach has two boat ramps with easy access to the ocean through the Port Everglades Inlet. Snorkel and see tropical fish or explore nature trails with glimpses of beautiful birds and animals. You can also canoe along the mangroves for more wildlife viewing. The park has concessions, restrooms and picnic facilities.
Hollywood Beach
The coastline here is lined with a five-mile Broadwalk, a 27-foot wide thoroughfare with its own cycle path that parallels the palm-fringed beach. However, there are three distinct areas of Hollywood Beach. North Beach is a haven for shell seekers and families in search of quieter amenities. Three parks, one run by the city, one by the county, and one by the state, create plenty of access to picnic areas, showers, playgrounds, an observation tower and restrooms. Central Beach, considered the bustling center, has boutiques, outdoor cafés and live entertainment. It’s perfect for people-watching. South Beach is the residential area of the city. There are many small bed-and-breakfasts, as well as some high rises and hotels.
Hallandale Beach
The southernmost beach in the area, this small town features a mile of unspoiled coastline. At this public beach, you can rent chickee huts, and relax and watch the ocean. There are concession stands, a playground, bocce ball courts, restrooms and showers.
Beaches with this symbol have beach wheelchairs available, either provided as a courtesy, or available for (prearranged) rent and delivery from private companies.
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