Coral Gables FloridaBEACHES & WATERFRONT ESCAPES
Listed below are the best beaches and waterfront escapes near Coral Gables, Florida.
1. Venetian Pool
HISTORIC MEDITERRANEAN-STYLE OASIS
The Venetian Pool is a beautiful oasis inspired by Mediterranean architecture featuring swaying palm trees, coral rock formations, whimsical waterfalls, and interesting caves to explore. This unique part of Greater Miami history was transformed from a former rock quarry into a swimming pool in 1924, now holding 820,000 gallons of fresh water from an underground aquifer. Scheduled to reopen in summer 2025, it offers a perfect place to cool off with admission rates varying by season.
2. Matheson Hammock Park Beach
TRANQUIL ATOLL POOL
Matheson Hammock Park Beach features a man-made atoll pool that is flushed naturally by the tides of nearby Biscayne Bay. The calm, shallow waters make it an ideal spot for families with small children to enjoy swimming in a safe environment. Beyond the beach area, visitors can explore the surrounding tropical hardwood forest, dine at the park's seaside restaurant, or enjoy activities like kayaking and paddleboarding.
3. Crandon Park Beach
PRISTINE KEY BISCAYNE SHORE
Crandon Park Beach offers two miles of pristine beachfront with calm waters and soft white sand just minutes from Coral Gables. The beach features picnic areas, cabana rentals, a nature center, and various water sports activities including kayaking and paddleboarding. Its gentle waves and offshore sandbar create an ideal environment for families looking for a safe and relaxing beach experience.
4. South Beach
ICONIC ART DECO PLAYGROUND
South Beach is Miami's iconic shoreline known worldwide for its vibrant atmosphere, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and fine white sand. Visitors can enjoy the beach scene against the backdrop of colorful Art Deco architecture while experiencing numerous dining options, shopping, and entertainment along Ocean Drive. The energetic beach attracts a diverse crowd from celebrities to tourists seeking both relaxation and the famous Miami nightlife experience.
5. Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park
HISTORIC LIGHTHOUSE BEACH
Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park features more than a mile of Atlantic beachfront and is home to the historic Cape Florida Lighthouse, the oldest standing structure in Miami-Dade County. The park offers swimming, snorkeling, fishing, and picnicking opportunities in a more secluded and natural setting than many Miami-area beaches. Visitors can climb the lighthouse, explore nature trails, or simply relax on the beach that consistently ranks among the top beaches in the United States.
6. Hobie Beach
WINDSURFER'S PARADISE COVE
Hobie Beach, also known as Windsurfer Beach, is a popular destination for water sports enthusiasts located along the Rickenbacker Causeway. The shallow waters and consistent breezes make it Miami's premier spot for windsurfing, kiteboarding, and paddleboarding, with equipment rentals and lessons available on-site. This dog-friendly beach also offers picnic areas and spectacular views of Miami's skyline across the bay.
7. Haulover Park Beach
DIVERSE RECREATION DESTINATION
Haulover Park Beach offers a 1.4-mile stretch of beautiful white sand coastline with designated areas including a clothing-optional section, making it unique among Miami beaches. The beach features excellent swimming conditions with lifeguards on duty, along with picnic areas, concession stands, and beach chair rentals. Visitors can also enjoy the park's marina, golf course, tennis courts, and the famous kite-flying field that hosts colorful kite festivals throughout the year.
8. Virginia Key Beach Park
HISTORIC NATURAL RETREAT
Virginia Key Beach Park is a historic beach that once served as Miami's designated "colored only" beach during segregation and now stands as a cultural landmark and natural paradise. The mile-long shoreline offers swimming, picnicking, mountain biking trails, and a historic carousel and miniature train for families to enjoy. Its relatively secluded location provides a quieter beach experience with beautiful views of downtown Miami and Biscayne Bay.
9. Oleta River State Park
URBAN WILDERNESS WATERFRONT
Oleta River State Park is Florida's largest urban park featuring a sandy beach area on Biscayne Bay and extensive mangrove forests along the Oleta River. Visitors can enjoy swimming, kayaking, canoeing, and paddleboarding through the river's peaceful mangrove-lined waterways, with equipment rentals available on-site. The park also offers fishing opportunities, miles of mountain biking trails, picnic facilities, and rustic cabins for overnight stays in this surprising wilderness oasis within the city.
10. Sunny Isles Beach
FLORIDA'S RIVIERA EXPERIENCE
Sunny Isles Beach offers two miles of pristine white sand bordered by the turquoise waters of the Atlantic Ocean, earning its nickname as Florida's Riviera. The beach is lined with luxury high-rise hotels and condominiums that provide an upscale atmosphere while still maintaining public beach access points throughout. Visitors can enjoy swimming, jet skiing, parasailing, and beachfront dining, all within a more relaxed setting than the bustling South Beach area.