Miami’s 35 miles of beaches are ideal for all types of beach lovers. Whether you are looking for a romantic spot for a hand-in-hand stroll, an epic place to catch some waves or a family-friendly destination, there are plenty of seaside options in the Sunshine State’s most famous city. With its warm weather, crystal-clear waters of the Atlantic Ocean and a wide variety of sites, Miami also has some great beaches where you can go snorkelling. Not only that, in Florida, you’ll find the only living coral reef in the continental United States. In fact, the Florida Reef is the third-largest coral barrier reef in the world and the reef tract starts near Miami. So, what are you waiting for? Grab your snorkel and fins, swimsuit and sunnies and let’s dive in. Here are some of the best beaches in Miami.
1. Matheson Hammock Park
Matheson Hammock Park sits on a peninsula that extends into Biscayne Bay. It’s a man-made atoll pool, which is flushed naturally with the tidal action of the bay. This circular beach is very popular with families who come to enjoy its warm, safe waters and beautiful waterside views. The park also has a full-service marina, snack bar and restaurant, plenty of places for a scenic picnic, and nature trails.
2. South Beach, Miami
South Beach (SoBe) is a quintessential Miami experience. Located at the southern end of Miami Beach, South Beach is the most famous stretch of Miami Beach. It is postcard-perfect with its vivid-blue waves lapping against the shimmering white sand. Art Deco hotels flank the coastline and there is a whimsical collection of colourful lifeguard huts which are totally unique to Miami and make for great Instagram posts.
3. Haulover Beach Park – Miami, Florida
Haulover Beach is Florida’s best-known and oldest officially recognised public nude beach. Miami is known for its laid-back attitude, so, it’s no wonder its nudist beach is in a prime location right on Miami Beach. Haulover Beach Park has powdery-soft sand and wonderfully warm water which is perfect for enjoying some skinny dipping.
4. Lummus Park Beach
Lummus Park is located in Miami’s South Beach neighbourhood. The Atlantic Ocean borders the beach on one side and the iconic Ocean Drive on the other. Come here for sunrise and you’ll see the place full of rollerbladers, runners, walkers and cyclists. If you’re not feeling quite so energetic, head to the beach and rent a lounger and umbrella (or just bring your towel) and enjoy some sunbathing, swimming and people watching.
5. Crandon Park
Crandon Park is a laid-back, large beach that runs into Key Biscayne. The warm clear waters are calm and shallow, making this spot popular with families to splash about. Crandon Park is also one of the best places in Miami to snorkel with nurse sharks as they swim around the shallow waters of the reefs – the waters here are just 6-8-feet deep. Snorkelling along the seagrass beds you’ll also spot mangrove snappers, parrotfish, crabs, shrimp, sea stars and pufferfish.
6. Sunny Isles Beach
Sunny Isles Beach is a barrier island located halfway between Miami and Fort Lauderdale. With two miles of luxuriously soft sand, turquoise water, and its long, beautiful pier, there is plenty of things to do, for instance, swimming, sunbathing, snorkelling, kitesurfing, and fishing. Lifeguards are on duty and luxury hotel towers overlook its golden shoreline.
7. Bal Harbour beach
You’ll find Bal Harbour at the northern tip of Miami Beach. With its white, powdery sand and glistening waters of the Atlantic Ocean, this beautiful beach stretches for one mile. Bal Harbour Beach is a quiet and relaxing beach lined with luxury, shops, resorts and condos. It’s a favourite hot spot of the rich and famous.
