Sweetwater FloridaBEACHES & WATERFRONT ESCAPES
Listed below are the best beaches and waterfront escapes near Sweetwater, Florida.
1. Matheson Hammock Park & Beach
NATURAL ATOLL POOL ESCAPE
Matheson Hammock Park & Beach features a scenic manmade atoll pool naturally flushed by the tides of Biscayne Bay, surrounded by swaying palms and lush greenery. Visitors can enjoy swimming in calm, protected waters, picnicking, kayaking, and taking in stunning sunsets over the bay. Its tranquil setting and iconic old Miami vibes make it a unique waterfront retreat for families and nature lovers.
2. Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park
HISTORIC LIGHTHOUSE BEACH
Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park offers a wide sandy beach, clear waters, and the historic Cape Florida Lighthouse as a dramatic backdrop. The park is popular for swimming, kayaking, biking, and guided tours of the lighthouse, which provide panoramic views of Biscayne Bay and the Atlantic. Its natural beauty and rich history make it a standout destination for oceanfront relaxation and recreation.
3. Crandon Park Beach
FAMILY-FRIENDLY KEY BEACH
Crandon Park Beach is known for its calm, shallow waters, soft white sand, and abundant picnic areas, making it ideal for families and group outings. The beach features nature trails, a marina, and opportunities for water sports such as kiteboarding, paddle boarding, and kayaking. Its picturesque palm-lined shoreline and accessible amenities attract both locals and tourists.
4. Oleta River State Park
URBAN MANGROVE OASIS
Oleta River State Park is Florida's largest urban park, offering a unique mix of a small sandy beach, kayak and canoe rentals, and miles of mountain biking trails along the Oleta River. The park's protected cove is perfect for swimming and launching watercraft into the calm, mangrove-lined waterways. Its blend of adventure activities and tranquil natural settings sets it apart as a waterfront escape within the city.
5. Hobie Island Beach Park
WINDSURFING AND CITY VIEWS
Hobie Island Beach Park, located on the Rickenbacker Causeway, is a favorite for windsurfing, paddleboarding, and offering rare Miami skyline views right from the sand. Known as one of the only Miami beaches that allows dogs, it features shallow, calm waters ideal for families and water sports novices. Its proximity to downtown Miami and laid-back atmosphere make it a convenient and vibrant waterfront getaway.
6. Virginia Key Beach Park
HISTORIC ISLAND RECREATION
Virginia Key Beach Park combines a rich cultural history with beautiful stretches of sand and views of Biscayne Bay. The park includes picnic pavilions, a carousel, kayak rentals, and a nature boardwalk, making it popular for events and family outings. Its blend of heritage and outdoor fun offers a unique Miami waterfront experience.
7. South Pointe Park Beach
LIVELY URBAN BEACHFRONT
South Pointe Park Beach sits at the southern tip of Miami Beach, featuring a wide sandy shore, a scenic pier, and panoramic views of ships entering the Port of Miami. The park offers walking paths, playgrounds, and beachfront dining, creating a lively environment for sunbathers and active visitors alike. Its iconic location and energetic atmosphere make it a must-visit urban coastal destination.
8. Sunny Isles Beach
RESORT-STYLE SANDY SHORES
Sunny Isles Beach boasts two miles of public beachfront flanked by luxury resorts and a lively pier, inviting visitors for swimming, fishing, and beachside relaxation. The area is known for its clean, soft sand, vibrant social scene, and abundant water sports facilities. With a family-friendly vibe and easy access, it's a classic coastal escape in northeast Miami-Dade.
9. Hollywood North Beach Park
BOARDWALK AND NATURE TRAILS
Hollywood North Beach Park provides a quieter alternative to busier beaches, featuring a serene stretch of sand, lifeguard-protected swim areas, and access to the famous Hollywood Broadwalk. The park includes shaded picnic areas and a scenic tower overlooking the Intracoastal Waterway, appealing to both nature lovers and casual sunseekers. Its blend of boardwalk charm and natural beauty makes it a standout waterfront park.
10. Clearwater Beach
AWARD-WINNING GULF COAST
Clearwater Beach is consistently ranked among the best beaches in the United States, offering powdery white sand, turquoise waters, and facilities like beachfront promenades and vibrant dining. Visitors enjoy swimming, parasailing, dolphin-watching cruises, and nightly sunset celebrations at Pier 60. The beach's walkable setting and lively atmosphere make it a top waterfront destination for recreation and relaxation.