Miami Beach FloridaBEACHES & WATERFRONT ESCAPES
Listed below are the best beaches and waterfront escapes near Miami Beach, Florida.
1. South Beach
ICONIC WHITE SANDY PARADISE
South Beach is one of Miami's most iconic neighborhoods with distinctive white sandy beaches and turquoise waters that have made it a favorite among locals and tourists. Visitors can enjoy water sports, sunbathing on beach chairs, or swimming in luxurious hotel pools nearby. The vibrant area offers a perfect blend of beach relaxation and upscale entertainment with gourmet dining and shopping options.
2. 12th Street Beach
POPULAR LGBTQ+ HOTSPOT
12th Street Beach is South Beach's most popular gay beach, located close to Ocean Drive's signature Art Deco district. This wide swath of sand is populated mostly by men, some women, and curious tourists engaged in people watching, marked by rainbow flags at lifeguard stations. Visitors can rent chairs and mingle with singles while enjoying the lively atmosphere and proximity to Ocean Drive's attractions.
3. Haulover Beach
FAMOUS CLOTHING-OPTIONAL SHORE
Haulover Beach is one of the only clothing-optional and most all-accepting beaches in the United States, renowned as one of the best nude beaches in the world. This 99-acre beach offers complete freedom for sunbathers looking to avoid tan lines while enjoying the beautiful Atlantic coastline. The beach area features multiple tennis courts, a golf course, and several hotels within walking distance for a complete recreational experience.
4. South Pointe Park Pier
SCENIC OCEANFRONT RECREATION
South Pointe Park is a public park located at the southern end of Miami Beach offering panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean, Port of Miami, and the city skyline. The park provides direct beach access, picnic areas, walking trails, a water playground, fishing pier, and a scenic boardwalk for visitors to enjoy. With lush landscaping and ample parking, this waterfront destination combines natural beauty with recreational amenities at the tip of Miami Beach.
5. North Beach Oceanside Park
TRANQUIL BEACHFRONT RETREAT
North Beach Oceanside Park offers a more relaxed alternative to the bustling atmosphere of South Beach with beautiful oceanfront access. The park features shaded picnic areas, walking paths, and a pristine stretch of beach perfect for swimming and sunbathing. Visitors appreciate the less crowded environment while still enjoying the signature Miami Beach sunshine and turquoise waters.
6. Lummus Park Beach
HEART OF OCEAN DRIVE
Lummus Park Beach runs along Ocean Drive and serves as the centerpiece of Miami Beach's famous Art Deco Historic District. This bustling beach combines the energy of South Beach nightlife with daytime ocean recreation, featuring volleyball courts, a fitness area, and palm-lined paths. Visitors can easily alternate between swimming in the Atlantic and exploring the vibrant restaurants and historic architecture just steps away.
7. Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park
HISTORIC LIGHTHOUSE BEACH
Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park features a mile-long beach consistently ranked among the top beaches in the United States. The park is home to the historic Cape Florida Lighthouse, offering panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean and Biscayne Bay to those who climb its 109 steps. Visitors can enjoy swimming, kayaking, cycling, and fishing while appreciating the natural coastal habitat that provides a peaceful escape from urban Miami.
8. Matheson Hammock Park
ATOLL POOL PARADISE
Matheson Hammock Park features a man-made atoll pool that is flushed naturally with the tides of Biscayne Bay, creating a safe and scenic swimming area with views of the Miami skyline. This 630-acre urban oasis offers a marina, boat launch, and a network of nature trails through native Florida vegetation. Families particularly appreciate the calm waters of the atoll pool, making it an ideal spot for young children to swim while more experienced water enthusiasts can explore the connected bay.
9. Crandon Park Beach
FAMILY-FRIENDLY COASTAL HAVEN
Crandon Park Beach offers two miles of pristine sandy shores and calm waters protected by an offshore sandbar, making it ideal for families with children. The beach park features cabana rentals, picnic areas with grills, and a nature center where visitors can learn about local ecosystems and wildlife. Adventure seekers can enjoy kiteboarding, paddleboarding, and kayaking while those seeking relaxation can unwind under the shade of palm trees in this less crowded alternative to Miami Beach.
10. Homestead Bayfront Park Beach
SECLUDED SOUTHERN BAY OASIS
Homestead Bayfront Park Beach provides a unique atoll-like swimming lagoon at the southern end of Biscayne Bay with calm waters perfect for swimming and wading. The park offers stunning views of Biscayne National Park's islands and features a full-service marina for boaters looking to explore the bay and nearby coral reefs. Visitors appreciate the more secluded nature of this beach compared to those in Miami Beach, making it ideal for those seeking a quieter waterfront experience within reach of the city.