Miami is a beautiful place when it comes to beaches; picture the ultimate mix of busy public beaches with art deco architecture and water sports and quiet stretches of white sand beaches. You can have luxury hotels and party culture or natural beauty and wildlife. It is easy to see why having a beach day is one of the best things to do in Miami.
And these best beaches in Miami are also some of the best spots in Florida and beyond. After visiting Miami several times we always tell people to keep their expectations high because these beaches are well worth venturing out of Downtown Miami for. Whether you want to go snorkeling with a manatee or a game of beach volleyball amongst new friends, there’s a Miami beach for you.
In this guide, we will introduce you to the best beaches in Miami that we have been lucky enough to visit. It is no secret that Miami’s beach scene is special; you can venture out to nearby cities and barrier island getaways to experience even more incredible spots. These are the most beautiful beaches in Miami so, take advantage of this.
1. Virginia Key Beach Park
Virginia Key Beach Park is a beautiful barrier island park spanning 82.5 acres. The park isn’t just a beach; it has a network of walking and biking trails, plus picnic tables where you can sit and enjoy refreshments while admiring the scenery. Historic Virginia Key Beach Park feels like it should be one of the best weekend breaks from Miami.
However, it is just a 12-minute drive from Downtown Miami or 50 minutes on the bus. Virginia Key Beach Park has this beautiful, removed appeal, with shallow waters and coastal flora that is ideal to explore by kayak or paddleboard. It is an oasis of natural beauty with all the convenience of being just a short distance from Downtown Miami. And for this reason, we just had to add it to this guide.
The main beach in Virginia Key Beach Park is Virginia Beach, a peaceful white sand beach with gorgeous views over Miami’s skyline and the Atlantic Ocean. Quiet and scenic, this is easily one of the best Miami beaches for travelers who want to get off the so-called beaten track. It also has a dog park on one of its beaches – a massive hit amongst locals.
2. Hobie Island Beach Park
For tourists, a visit to Hobie Island Beach Park is ideal as it is quieter than the major beaches in Miami. It also has stunning views of the Downtown Miami skyline and water sports equipment rentals if you want to make the most of shallow waters. The waters at Hobie Island are perfect for trying stand-up paddle boarding. The mixture of skyline views and local crowds make it an excellent recommendation as a peaceful spot.
3. Cape Florida Beach
This historic and scenic element of Cape Florida Beach pairs really nicely. You can visit the lighthouse on your beach day and soak up the relaxing atmosphere. Cape Florida Beach is another beach that has managed to avoid celebrity status and, as such, the obnoxiously loud crowds.
To get to Cape Florida Beach, it is just a 30-minute drive from Miami’s Downtown. Alternatively, you can catch a bus and reach the beach in approximately an hour and 20 minutes.
4. Sandy Beach at Oleta River State Park
Oleta River State Park is the largest urban park in Florida and a great place to explore and combine with a morning on the beach. The park has miles of walking and biking trails, plus access to the 1,515-mile Florida Circumnavigational Saltwater Paddling Trail. The best way to reach the park is by car, and you can drive there from Miami’s Downtown in just over 30 minutes.
5. Surfside Beach
There’s plenty of nearby green space, including North Beach Oceanside Park. And there’s the Surfside Walking Path, a beautiful walk to appreciate the quiet scenery and water views. It is easy to see why Surfside Beach made our list. It is a little community haven of a beach.
To reach Surfside, it is an approximate 30-minute drive from Miami or just over an hour on public transport. It is more convenient to stay near Miami Beach, taking just 20 minutes by car or 30 minutes on a single bus.
6. Mid Beach
Mid Beach is a breeze to reach if you are staying on the barrier island, and even if you are on the mainland, it is just a 30-minute drive. Its luxury personality made it stand out, and it is an excellent option for anyone choosing luxury Miami condos.
7. Dr Von D Mizell-Eula Johnson State Park
However, it is one of the greatest nearby beaches to visit. Dr. Von D Mizell-Eula Johnson State Park is home to sea turtles and even manatees in its neighboring canal. If you want a beach experience with reserve-style wildlife, it is the place to go from Miami.
8. South Pointe Beach
It is just a 20-minute drive or 35-minute public transport journey to reach South Pointe Beach from central Miami. But if you stay in the Miami Beach region, you can just walk there.
9. Bal Harbour Beach
10. Hollywood Beach
To reach Hollywood Beach, it is around a 40-minute drive from Miami. It is located between Miami and Fort Lauderdale, making it more of a day trip-style beach since you’ll be traveling to get there. If you drive from Miami Beach, it is a stunning route, though, and you can stop off at other beaches like Bal Harbour and Sunny Isles along the way.
11. Matheson Hammock Park
It is only 40 minutes from Miami’s Downtown by car. We’d definitely vote that it justifies renting a car, and you can combine it with a visit to the nearby gardens, including Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden.
12. Hallandale Beach
Hallandale Beach is best reached from Miami Beach and takes just under 40 minutes when driving. You’ll take the scenic stretch of road, heading straight up the coastline and past Miami’s best beaches, including Bal Harbour Beach and Haulover Beach. This means you can quickly turn a visit to Hallandale Beach into a road trip or beach hopping experience.
13. Crandon Park Beach
Crandon Beach is closest to Miami’s Downtown and is just under 20 minutes away by car or an hour by bus. You’ll be crossing the William M Powell Bridge and passing beautiful viewpoints of the Miami skyline and the beautiful Virginia Key – so take your time and allow a whole day to enjoy Crandon Beach despite its convenient location.
14. Samson Oceanfront Park
Samson Oceanfront Park is closest to Miami Beach and is located further north on the chain of barrier islands. You can reach the park by bus in 40 minutes or drive there in 30 minutes; either way, you’ll take the scenic coastal route.
15. Haulover Beach
Haulover Beach is closest to Miami Beach and is located on the barrier island chain off central Miami and the mainland. From Miami Beach, it is just over a 20-minute drive, while it takes around 40 minutes on the bus.
16. Sunny Isles Beach
The Newport Fishing Pier along Collins Avenue is something to note if you like fishing. It is a great spot to test your skills and practice ocean fishing.
17. South Beach
If you stay near Miami Beach on the barrier island, it is an easy walk to South Beach. South Beach is the hub of Miami’s beach scene and an absolute must-visit.
18. North Beach
You can easily walk to North Beach while staying centrally on the Miami Barrier Island. It is an accessible beach with a beautiful atmosphere that justifies a place on this list.
Best Beaches in Miami: FAQs
What is the nicest beach in Miami?
Virginia Key Beach Park is the nicest beach in Miami if you want natural beauty. The 82.5-acre park is full of walking trails and picnic tables, and it has both beaches with city views and a scenic boardwalk over marshlands.
What is the cleanest beach in Miami?
Crandon Park Beach has by far the cleanest waters of all the beaches in Miami. These crystal-clear waters are where to head if you want a clean beach experience.
Which part of Miami Beach is best?
South Beach is impossible not to love. It is by far the best part of Miami Beach if you want that classic experience with art deco architecture and beach chair arrangements. This is the beach that most people think of when they think of Miami.
What is the best beach in Miami for locals?
Hobie Island Beach Park is the best Miami beach for locals. This shallow snippet of the beach is located just off the Rickenbacker Causeway. It is a dog-friendly beach with water sports rentals. It is scenic and easygoing and avoids the throngs of tourists that other Miami beach’s attract.
Are you looking for more inspiration? Check out our guides on where to stay in Miami and how to enjoy the Miami to Key West Drive. Hotels and day trips are two things that can make all the difference when you visit Miami. Do your research and reap the rewards.
