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Top 18 Must-Visit Beaches in Miami for 2025

Lauren Newman032 mins

Miami is a beautiful place when it comes to beaches; picture the ultimate mix of busy public beaches with art deco architecture and water sports and quiet stretches of white sand beaches. You can have luxury hotels and party culture or natural beauty and wildlife. It is easy to see why having a beach day is one of the best things to do in Miami.

Moreover, these best beaches in Miami are also some of the best spots in Florida and beyond. After visiting Miami several times, we always tell people to keep their expectations high because these beaches are well worth venturing out of Downtown Miami for. Whether you want to go snorkeling with a manatee or engage in a game of beach volleyball among new friends, there’s a Miami beach for you.

In this guide, we will introduce you to the best beaches in Miami that we have been fortunate enough to visit. It is no secret that Miami’s beach scene is unique; you can venture out to nearby cities and barrier island getaways to experience even more incredible spots. These are the most beautiful beaches in Miami, so take full advantage of this guide.

1. Virginia Key Beach Park

Virginia Key Beach Park is a stunning barrier island park spanning 82.5 acres. The park isn’t just a beach; it features a network of walking and biking trails, along with picnic tables where you can sit to enjoy refreshments while admiring the scenery. Historic Virginia Key Beach Park feels like it should be one of the best weekend breaks from Miami.

However, it is just a 12-minute drive from Downtown Miami or 50 minutes by bus. Virginia Key Beach Park offers a beautiful, removed appeal, with shallow waters and coastal flora that are ideal for exploration by kayak or paddleboard. It is an oasis of natural beauty with all the convenience of being just a short distance from Downtown Miami. Consequently, we had to include it in this guide.

The main beach in Virginia Key Beach Park is Virginia Beach, a serene white sand beach with gorgeous views over Miami’s skyline and the Atlantic Ocean. Quiet and scenic, this beach is easily one of the best Miami beaches for travelers seeking to escape the typical tourist paths. It also features a dog park, a massive hit among locals.

2. Hobie Island Beach Park

Next up is Hobie Island Beach Park. Also lesser known to tourists, this shallow stretch of white sand beach is tucked away next to the Rickenbacker Causeway—deceptively close to Downtown Miami and easily accessed by car or bus. You can get to Hobie Island Beach Park in just 10 minutes, a dreamily convenient arrangement. For this reason, Hobie Island Beach Park is one of the most popular local beaches in Miami. With a sizeable dog-friendly area, it is a massive hit among local Miami dog owners.

For visitors, a trip to Hobie Island Beach Park is ideal due to its quieter atmosphere compared to the major beaches in Miami. It also boasts stunning views of the Downtown Miami skyline and water sports equipment rentals if you wish to make the most of the shallow waters. The waters at Hobie Island are perfect for trying stand-up paddleboarding. The mixture of skyline views and local crowds makes it an excellent recommendation as a peaceful retreat.

3. Cape Florida Beach

Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park is a beautiful state park at the southern tip of Key Biscayne. The park is surrounded by walking trails and abundant native vegetation; however, it is also famous for its serene beaches. Its premier beach, Cape Florida Beach, is situated in a sheltered arc under the spectacular bright-white lighthouse.

This historic and scenic element of Cape Florida Beach complements the beach experience beautifully. You can visit the lighthouse on your beach day and soak up the relaxing atmosphere. Cape Florida Beach has managed to avoid celebrity status, thereby preventing the obnoxiously loud crowds.

To get to Cape Florida Beach, it is merely a 30-minute drive from Miami’s Downtown, or you can catch a bus and reach the beach in approximately an hour and 20 minutes.

4. Sandy Beach at Oleta River State Park

Sandy Beach at Oleta River State Park is a beautiful shoreline with hardly any waves. It is situated within the boundaries of Oleta River State Park’s stunning 1,043 acres and along the Intracoastal Waterway, shielded from waves and winds by the barrier islands off Miami’s coastline. This beach is popular among families and locals, quickly becoming busy at peak times and during holidays. Sandy Beach is perfect for those seeking a beach that isn’t located on the barrier islands.

Oleta River State Park is Florida’s largest urban park and a great place to explore, combining beach time with other outdoor activities. The park features miles of walking and biking trails, plus access to the extensive Florida Circumnavigational Saltwater Paddling Trail. The best way to reach the park is by car, and you can drive there from Miami’s Downtown in just over 30 minutes.

5. Surfside Beach

Surfside Beach is a lovely white sand beach located north of central Miami in the city’s uptown region. The neighborhood of Surfside is just a mile long and is renowned for its Jewish cuisine and small-town culture—creating a sharp contrast to South Beach and busy Downtown Miami. Its beach embodies this charm, offering a quiet, community vibe ideal for travelers wanting a more relaxed Miami experience.

There’s plenty of nearby green space, including North Beach Oceanside Park, and the Surfside Walking Path, a beautiful trail for appreciating the tranquil scenery and water views. It is easy to see why Surfside Beach made our list; it is a delightful community haven for beachgoers.

To reach Surfside, it is approximately a 30-minute drive from Miami or just over an hour on public transport. It is more convenient to stay near Miami Beach, as it takes only 20 minutes by car or 30 minutes via a single bus ride.

6. Mid Beach

Mid Beach is one of the top beaches in Miami, located on the famous Miami Beach chain of highly sought-after beach sections. Due to this, it boasts many luxury condos, stylish bars, and fine restaurants. If you desire a beach with a luxurious backdrop, Mid Beach is a perfect choice. The soft sand is ideal for sunbathing or relaxing before enjoying a delicious meal or cocktail. Additionally, there is access to the Miami Beach Boardwalk.

Mid Beach is easy to reach for those staying on the barrier island. Even if you are on the mainland, it is just a 30-minute drive away. Its luxurious vibe stands out, making it an excellent option for visitors opting for upscale Miami accommodations.

7. Dr Von D Mizell-Eula Johnson State Park

Dr. Von D Mizell-Eula Johnson State Park is technically situated too far north to be classified as one of the best beaches in Miami. However, it earned its spot on this list as one of the honorary Miami beaches, thanks to its pristine waters and coastal reserve. It is approximately a 40-minute drive from central Miami, located just under Fort Lauderdale.

Nonetheless, it is one of the top nearby beaches to visit. Dr. Von D Mizell-Eula Johnson State Park is home to sea turtles and even manatees in its adjacent canal. If you desire a beach experience enriched with reserve-style wildlife, it is the place to go from Miami.

8. South Pointe Beach

The sandy shores of South Pointe Beach rank among the best beaches in Miami. Situated dramatically at the end of the Miami beach strip, South Pointe Beach boasts stunning views of the high-rises. This beach is popular among sunrise seekers. It also benefits from a solid security and lifeguard presence, making it a hit among families and solo travelers who appreciate peace and safety in numbers.

It is just a 20-minute drive or a 35-minute public transport journey to reach South Pointe Beach from central Miami. However, if you stay in the Miami Beach region, you can simply walk there.

9. Bal Harbour Beach

Bal Harbour Beach is picturesque, blending stunning white sand—a classic feature among Miami beaches—with a backdrop of skyscrapers and palm trees. It stretches up to the Haulover Inlet and has a beautiful fishing pier at the end for anyone interested in fishing. Clean and relatively quiet, this more out-of-the-way beach spot is just a 45-minute drive from central Miami or 20 minutes from Miami Beach. Bal Harbour Beach stands out for its tranquil fishing culture and inlet-side location, making it a rewarding destination.

10. Hollywood Beach

Forget flashy LA Hollywood; Florida’s Hollywood offers a different vibe. This area is nicknamed ‘Old Florida’ and features a lovely boardwalk, classic resorts, and golf course options. It is imbued with old-world charm, with action centered around its vast sandy shoreline. Hollywood Beach connects you with coastal Florida in an extraordinary way, making it one of the best Miami beaches.

To reach Hollywood Beach, it is around a 40-minute drive from Miami. Positioned between Miami and Fort Lauderdale, this beach makes for more of a day trip-style outing, since you’ll be traveling to get there. The drive from Miami Beach offers beautiful views, allowing you to stop at other beaches like Bal Harbour and Sunny Isles along the way.

11. Matheson Hammock Park

Matheson Hammock Park is a beautiful beach park featuring a man-made atoll pool, allowing swimmers to enjoy fresher ocean water. Technically, it is a city park; however, it boasts a stunning section of secluded sandy shoreline, making it an ideal place for a quick dip or a laid-back beach day. The park offers distant views of the Miami skyline, shady palm trees, and scenic flora. If you seek a quiet spot for enjoying a beach day, Matheson Hammock Park may not be your first thought but should definitely be on your list.

It takes only 40 minutes from Downtown Miami by car. We highly recommend renting a car, combining your visit with a trip to nearby Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden.

12. Hallandale Beach

Hallandale Beach is a neighborhood in northern Miami with a pristine stretch of white sand and an almost always buzzing community atmosphere. It is one of the most classic ‘residential beach’ options, providing a laid-back yet enjoyable vibe. You can easily rent a beach chair and umbrella and unwind on Hallandale Beach for hours. The beach features a quintessential backdrop of glitzy high-rises famous along Miami’s coast.

Hallandale Beach is best reached from Miami Beach and takes just under 40 minutes by car. You’ll journey along the scenic coastline, passing Miami’s finest beaches, including Bal Harbour Beach and Haulover Beach. This scenic route means you can seamlessly transform a visit to Hallandale Beach into a road trip or beach-hopping adventure.

13. Crandon Park Beach

Crandon Park Beach is simply beautiful, known for its stunning white sand and being one of the most tranquil stretches of coastline you can find in Miami. This outstanding feature makes it one of the best beaches and an easy addition to this guide. The combination of soft sand and a peaceful location on Key Biscayne turns Crandon Beach into a paradise in Florida. Its sought-after residential appeal also means it is less known among tourists, making it a serene option that only becomes busier in peak seasons.

Crandon Beach is conveniently located just under 20 minutes from Downtown Miami by car or an hour by bus. You’ll cross the William M Powell Bridge, admiring breathtaking views of the Miami skyline and Virginia Key, allowing ample time to enjoy Crandon Beach despite its easy access.

14. Samson Oceanfront Park

If you are traveling with kids, consider Samson Oceanfront Park as one of the best beaches in Miami. Although it is not a beach in its own right, this 2.1-acre park features a shaded playground with direct beach access, making it perfect for families visiting Miami. Children can enjoy the playground, and a scenic boardwalk suitable for scooters and balance bikes along with snack vending machines. Samson Oceanfront Park even offers charging stations and WiFi for parents.

Samson Oceanfront Park is closest to Miami Beach, located further north along the chain of barrier islands. You can reach the park by bus in 40 minutes or drive there in 30 minutes; either way, you’ll be taking the beautiful coastal route.

15. Haulover Beach

Haulover Beach presents a love-it-or-hate-it scenario among beachgoers in Miami. Officially home to a clothing-optional beach section, Haulover Beach offers clearly marked areas where visitors can choose between clothing or no clothing. If you’re keen on embracing the naturist lifestyle, Haulover Beach is an ideal location. If you prefer a more traditional beach outing, we’d suggest keeping a watchful eye on the signposts. Haulover Beach features a classic white sand stretch, providing ample space to find a quiet sunbathing spot, even during peak times.

Haulover Beach is situated just off the barrier island chain from central Miami. From Miami Beach, it is slightly more than a 20-minute drive, and around 40 minutes by bus.

16. Sunny Isles Beach

Sunny Isles Beach is a stunning location featuring a long stretch of pristine white sand and ample amenities for beachgoers. It stands out reliably among the best beaches in Miami, easily accessible with just a 30-minute drive or a 50-minute bus trip from Miami Beach. Situated on a barrier island just north of Miami, Sunny Isles Beach serves as a convenient beach day destination with all the classic hallmarks of Miami’s beaches.

If you enjoy fishing, take note of the Newport Fishing Pier along Collins Avenue, which offers a great spot to hone your skills.

17. South Beach

South Beach is the iconic beach in Miami, backed by the beautiful Lummus Park and Ocean Drive. Frequently rated as one of the best beaches globally, it attracts millions of tourists annually. We can confidently designate South Beach as one of the best beaches in Miami. The stunning white sand combined with iconic art deco architecture and beach chair facilities culminates in a captivating spot for a beach day, fostering a vibrant beach culture.

If you stay near the barrier island, reaching South Beach is incredibly easy. It serves as the hub of Miami’s beach scene, making it an absolute must-visit location.

18. North Beach

North Beach is easy to adore. Rather than the lively atmosphere of South Beach, North Beach offers a more mellow experience, located further up Miami Beach’s coastline. The main distinction is that North Beach is more residential, characterized by green spaces and lowkey parks instead of the vibrant art deco colors and architecture. If you prefer the essence of South Beach without the intensity and crowds, North Beach presents a subtle yet inviting alternative.

You can easily walk to North Beach while staying centrally on the Miami Barrier Island, making it an accessible beach with a beautiful atmosphere that justifies its inclusion on this list.

Best Beaches in Miami: FAQs

Whether you choose a beach resort-style spot or a remote paradise with manatees and turtles, nothing quite compares to a Miami beach. We hope you have a few contenders for beach day locations to add to your itinerary. Before you head off with a beach towel in hand, however, explore these common FAQs. These quick answers should focus your search and help you find the beach that suits you best.

What is the nicest beach in Miami?

Virginia Key Beach Park is considered the nicest beach in Miami if you’re searching for natural beauty. This 82.5-acre park features both walking trails and picnic tables, offering beaches with city views and a scenic boardwalk over marshlands.

What is the cleanest beach in Miami?

Crandon Park Beach boasts the cleanest waters among all the beaches in Miami. Anyone desiring a pristine beach experience should head here.

Which part of Miami Beach is best?

South Beach is beloved by many. It is undoubtedly the best area of Miami Beach if you want that classic experience with art deco architecture and beach chair arrangements—this is the beach most people envision when they think of Miami.

What is the best beach in Miami for locals?

Hobie Island Beach Park is regarded as the best Miami beach for locals. This tranquil stretch is located just off the Rickenbacker Causeway and features a dog-friendly beach along with water sports rentals. It offers a scenic, laid-back space, avoiding the throngs of tourists common at other Miami beaches.

Miami is not merely about the busy South Beach; it also offers pristine white sand and fresh seafood. By venturing over the Intracoastal Waterway to South Beach or heading south to Virginia Key Beach Park, you’ll discover an amazing variety of Miami beaches. Selecting the suitable Miami beach is essential for enjoying your time in this famous South Florida city.

If you’re looking for more inspiration, consider navigating to our guides on where to stay in Miami and how to appreciate the Miami to Key West Drive. Hotels and day trips are pivotal to making the most of your Miami adventure. Do your research and reap the rewards.

Plan Your Next Trip To Florida With These Resources

Travel Planning Resources

Looking to plan your next trip? Why not use these resources that have been proven effective.

Find Your Flights: Start your trip planning by uncovering the best flight deals on Skyscanner.

Find your Accommodation: Discover the most advantageous hotel prices through these two providers. For travelers located in Europe, use Booking.com; for travelers elsewhere, use TripAdvisor.

Find Apartment Rentals: Access the best prices for apartment rentals at VRBO.

Secure Travel Insurance: Don’t leave home without it. Here are some recommendations:

  • Safety Wing – Occasional Travelers.
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Plan Your Activities: Searching for walking tours, skip-the-line tickets, private guides, and more? We recommend Get Your Guide.

Need additional assistance with your trip planning? Make sure to check our Resources Page, where we feature trustworthy companies to help with your travel planning.

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