Miami is a subtropical Florida city of about 450,000 people (about 6.1 million in the metropolitan area) on Biscayne Bay and the Atlantic coast, known for South Beach, Art Deco architecture, Cuban and Latin American culture, Wynwood street art and year-round warm weather.
Top beaches
A ranked editor’s shortlist of the coastline worth planning a day around in Miami.
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- lively Art Deco people-watching beach with Ocean Drive cafes
- Lifeguards
- Restrooms
- Showers
- Chair and umbrella rentals
- Volleyball courts
- Nearby restaurants
South Beach at Lummus Park
Editor’s tip. Arrive early on weekday mornings for the emptiest sand and the best light for photos.
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- relaxed park-side beach with pier and ship views
- Lifeguards
- Restrooms
- Showers
- Pier and park
- Playground
- Nearby restaurants
South Pointe Beach
Editor’s tip. Arrive early on weekends, since metered street parking in South of Fifth fills quickly.
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- family-friendly, calm and shallow
- Lifeguards
- Restrooms
- Showers
- Picnic shelters
- Cafe
- Cabana rentals
Crandon Park Beach
Editor’s tip. Arrive in the morning on weekends and holidays, when parking can fill.
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- quiet, natural state-park beach with a historic lighthouse
- Lifeguards in season
- Restrooms
- Showers
- Cafe
- Bike and chair rentals
- Picnic shelters
Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park Beach
Editor’s tip. Arrive early on weekends and holidays, since the park can reach capacity.
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- relaxed and diverse, with a separate clothing-optional north end
- Lifeguards
- Restrooms
- Showers
- Picnic areas
- Kite field
- Marina nearby
Haulover Beach
Editor’s tip. Arrive before midday on weekends, when the parking lots can fill.
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- calm, shaded and historic, away from the Miami Beach crowds
- Lifeguards
- Restrooms
- Showers
- Picnic shelters
- Nature trails
- Historic civil rights park site
Virginia Key Beach North Point Park
Editor’s tip. Parking is $5 USD Monday to Thursday, $10 USD Friday to Sunday and $12 USD on holidays.
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- casual local bay beach with dogs, windsurfers and skyline views
- Windsurf and kitesurf launch
- Skyline views
- Dog-friendly section
Hobie Beach
Editor’s tip. Bring water, shade and snacks, as facilities are limited.
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- quiet, upscale and polished beside luxury hotels
- Lifeguards
- Quiet upscale beach
- Nearby Bal Harbour Shops
Bal Harbour Beach
Editor’s tip. Park at the public lots at Haulover Park to the north, because village parking is limited.
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- quiet family beach in a small residential town
- Lifeguards
- Restrooms
- Showers
- Quiet family beach
- Nearby restaurants
Surfside Beach
Editor’s tip. Arrive early on weekends and holidays, as metered street parking can be scarce.
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- calm, sheltered tidal pool for families
- Lifeguards at the atoll pool
- Restrooms
- Showers
- Marina and cafe
- Picnic areas
- Calm tidal swimming pool
Matheson Hammock Park Atoll Pool
Editor’s tip. Visit around high tide for fuller, clearer water in the pool.
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- active, outdoorsy bay beach with paddling and mangroves
- Restrooms
- Showers
- Picnic shelters
- Kayak and paddleboard rentals
- Cabins
- Calm bay beach
Oleta River State Park Beach
Editor’s tip. Entry is $6 USD per vehicle ($4 USD for a single-occupant vehicle).
Things to do at the beach
Beyond swimming and sunbathing — the activities that make a coastal day in Miami memorable.
What to bring
A short packing list for a comfortable beach day — adjust for season and the specific spot.
- Sun protectionHigh-SPF sunscreen, hat, polarised sunglasses, light long-sleeve cover-up.
- HydrationReusable bottle, salty snacks for longer days, electrolyte sachets if it’s hot.
- FootwearWater shoes for pebble or rocky entry, flip-flops for sand, dry pair for the trip home.
- Swim & coverQuick-dry towel or sand-resistant mat, change of swimwear, light cover-up for restaurants.
- Cash & valuablesSmall notes for beach clubs and rentals; waterproof pouch for phone, keys, cards.
- ExtrasReef-safe sunscreen near protected coastline, a book, a small first-aid kit for jellyfish or scrapes.
Beach safety
Hard-earned guidance — read this before you swim, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the coast.
Critical
Swim where lifeguards are posted and follow flag warnings — green is safe, yellow is caution, red means no swimming. Rip currents are the leading beach hazard worldwide.
Caution
Watch for tide changes and marine life — jellyfish blooms, sea urchins on rocky entries, occasional shark or stingray advisories. Don’t swim alone, especially at dawn or dusk.
Tip
Reapply sunscreen every 90 minutes and after every swim. Take shade between 11 am and 3 pm — the sun is harsher than people expect, even when the air is cool.
Practical
Keep valuables out of sight or back at the accommodation. Beach theft is a small-but-real risk at busy beaches; never leave bags unattended while you’re in the water.
Common questions
Quick answers to the questions we get asked most about Miami’s coast.
Is South Beach at Lummus Park free to enter?
Yes. The beach and Lummus Park are public and free to enter. Chair and umbrella rentals, parking and food cost extra.
From the South Beach at Lummus Park editorial.
Are there lifeguards at Lummus Park?
Yes. Lifeguard towers are spaced along the beach, and visitors should swim near a staffed tower and follow the posted flag warnings.
From the South Beach at Lummus Park editorial.
Is South Pointe Beach quieter than South Beach?
Generally yes. The southern tip is more residential and family-oriented than the Ocean Drive stretch, though weekends can still be busy.
From the South Pointe Beach editorial.
Does South Pointe Park have a playground?
Yes. The park includes a playground, a pier and landscaped lawns beside the beach.
From the South Pointe Beach editorial.
How much is parking at Crandon Park Beach?
Parking is about $7 USD on weekdays and $10 USD on weekends and holidays. Prices can change, so confirm at miamidade.gov/parks.
From the Crandon Park Beach editorial.
Is Crandon Park Beach good for children?
Yes. The water is generally calm and shallow, lifeguards are on duty and there are playgrounds and picnic shelters.
From the Crandon Park Beach editorial.
What is the entry fee for Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park?
Entry is $8 USD per vehicle, or $4 USD for a single-occupant vehicle. Fees can change, so check the Florida State Parks website.
From the Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park Beach editorial.
What hours does the park keep?
The park is open from 8 a.m. to sundown.
From the Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park Beach editorial.