BackWhen it comes to beaches and the sea, not many cities can compete with Miami. As Florida’s top tourist destination, the city is home to a number of beaches where you can soak up the sun. From the iconic South Beach and family-friendly shores of the Surfside to the unheralded nature preserves at Key Biscayne, the city’s major pull is its beaches. In this blog, we look at some of the best beaches in Miami.
1. South Beach
South Beach has somewhat of a legendary status in Miami. Known among the locals as SoBe, the beach is one of the most visited destinations in Miami. The beach has crystal clear turquoise blue waves lapping against the sand. For visitors, there is a patchwork of umbrellas and chairs. South Beach is also the place where sophisticated Art Deco architecture meets contemporary aesthetics. The beach is the site to the city’s leading restaurants, art galleries, hotels and a vibrant nightlife. Moreover, almost everything is available right on the sand. Craving for an ice-cream? Order from the comfort of your chair, thirsting for a cocktail? Get it from the numerous kiosks located nearby.
Location
Located east of Downtown Miami, South Beach starts from South Pointe Mark and ends where Lummus Park begins.
2. Surfside Beach
Popularly known as Miami’s uptown beach, Surfside has all the attributes that make it an ideal family beach. The beach has a distinct retro and suburban appeal, where a day spent on the beach feels like you’re on your own private beach. Spread over a mile, the beach features paved walking and jogging paths as well as cycling trails. This is also the perfect beach to bring your pets along and go for a walk. For kids, you have the Surfside Community Center, which houses an excellent pool, among other attractions. Right behind the beach, you have the quaint and picturesque Surfside town that draws visitors to feast on delectable food, buy souvenirs and gift items from shops or soak up the sun by wandering through this dreamy town. The best part is almost everything is reachable on foot.
Location
Surfside is nestled between the North Beach and the Bal Harbour.
3. South Pointe Park and Pier
South Pointe Park Tier brings the best of many worlds to Miami. The beach is renowned for its lush greenery that is juxtaposed with swathes of sand to offer a truly memorable experience to visitors. The beach features impressive walking trails, lush greenery and panoramic views of the Atlantic. It also provides scintillating views of cruise ships departing from the Port of Miami. But the most impressive feature about South Pointe Park and Pier is its appeal to anglers. The 450 feet long pier was renovated in 2014, and is equipped with dedicated stations for bait cutting and washing fish. As a family-friendly beach, one could go for a family picnic by sitting on one of the many grassy knolls to enjoy meals under the sun.
Location
South Pointe Park and Tier is located on the southernmost tip of Miami Beach.
4. North Beach Oceanside Park
Featuring quiet and chilled-out beaches, lush green landscapes and a sense of tranquility, the North Beach Oceanside Park is ideal for those wanting to get away from the madding crowd and unwind near the sea. The highlights of the beach include shaded trees, walking trails, dog parks and recreational spots for children, where they will find swings, benches and vast open areas to play. This beach is truly aimed at families to have a fun day out. You can even go for live meal prep in one of many dedicated bbq grill stations for the perfect family outing. Most impressively though are the clear waters of the atlantic and the horizon above to bring calmness and serenity to the senses.
Location
North Beach Oceanside is located in Miami Beach and nestled between 78th and 87th Streets.
5. Virginia Key Beach Park
It’s hard not to fall in love with this old-world gem on the coast of Miami. This palm-tree lined oasis spans over a mile and is a reminder to everyone just how breathtaking nature can be; especially in a world where smartphones keep us busy for most of our days. Hailed as an ecological treasure, Virginia Key Beach Park is home to the largest mangrove wetland in the estate. The beach is a throwback to older times, and as such, it has an antique and rustic looking carousel with a fully-functioning miniature steam train that patrons can hop on to explore the beach. The beach also has two well-sized playgrounds with rides to keep children entertained.
Location
Virginia Key Beach Park is located just off the Rickenbacker Causeway, which is south of Lummus Park.
6. Sunny Isles Beach
Located just beyond the Haulover Beach Park, Sunny Isles Beach contains a two-mile-long strip of public beaches, upscale and casual restaurants, souvenir shops and landscaped gardens that contrast beautifully with the white-sand beach. Previously a for-rent beach community, today Sunny Isles is the location of the famous Trump International Beach Resort. This beach also boasts a vibrant night-life, with plenty of clubs, theaters and fine-dine options nearby. Its ocean-front location is the perfect escape from the grinds of daily life.
Location
Located just beyond Haulover Beach Park and north of Miami Beach
