Wide Atlantic beach between 5th and 15th Streets, backed by the Art Deco hotels of Ocean Drive and lifeguard towers painted in bright colours.
South Beach and Lummus Park form the main public beach of Miami Beach, Florida, running along the Atlantic between about 5th and 15th Streets and fronting Ocean Drive at 1130 Ocean Drive. A wide sandy strip is backed by the lawns and palm-lined paths of Lummus Park, with the pastel Art Deco hotels of Ocean Drive on the other side of the park. The lifeguard towers, painted in bright colours, are among the most photographed features of the beach. Visitors come to swim, sunbathe, people-watch and walk the paved path, and rental chairs and umbrellas are available for roughly 20 to 40 USD per day. Volleyball courts and fitness equipment add to the atmosphere, and food and drink are available from nearby restaurants along Ocean Drive. A typical visit lasts two to four hours. Lifeguard towers are staffed from around 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, so swimming is safest during those hours, and visitors should heed the posted flag warnings for surf and rip currents. Mornings are the quietest and coolest, with the strongest light for photographs of the towers and the Deco skyline behind them, while weekends and holidays bring large crowds. The beach is free and open daily, and weekdays are generally the least busy. Midday sun in summer is intense, so sun protection is essential. Visitors can reach the beach by the free South Beach Trolley, by Miami Beach Citi Bike, or by bus 120 Beach MAX from Downtown Miami. Nearby, the Art Deco Welcome Center and Lincoln Road are within walking distance, so many visitors pair the beach with a stroll through the historic district.
| Admission | Free; chair and umbrella rentals about $20-40 USD per day |
|---|---|
| Hours | Open daily; lifeguard towers staffed about 10:00 AM-5:00 PM |
| Typical visit | 2-4 hours |
| Best time | Morning; weekdays are quietest |
| Getting there | Free South Beach Trolley; Miami Beach Citi Bike; bus 120 Beach MAX from Downtown |
| Address | 1130 Ocean Dr, Miami Beach, FL 33139 |
Location
1130 Ocean Dr, Miami Beach, FL 33139
25.7826, -80.1306 View on map
Highlights
- Wide Atlantic beach with brightly painted lifeguard towers
- Lummus Park lawns and palm-lined paths
- Views of the Art Deco hotels of Ocean Drive
- Chair and umbrella rentals
Tips for visiting
- Swim within staffed lifeguard hours of about 10:00 AM-5:00 PM and obey posted flags.
- Arrive in the morning for quieter sand and better light.
- Chair and umbrella rentals cost about 20-40 USD per day.
- Use sun protection, as midday sun is strong.
- Take the free South Beach Trolley or bus 120 Beach MAX.
When to visit
Morning, for cooler air and fewer people. Weekdays are quietest, and weekends are busy.
Accessibility
Paved paths in Lummus Park are accessible, and the city provides beach access features at some points. Soft sand can be difficult for wheelchairs, so visitors with mobility needs should check Miami Beach services in advance.
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Frequently asked questions
How long does a visit take?
Most visitors spend 2-4 hours, depending on swimming and sunbathing.
Is the beach free?
Yes. Access is free, with optional paid chair and umbrella rentals.
Is it good for kids?
Yes, with lifeguards on duty during the day. Visitors should watch the posted flags for surf conditions.