Ready to discover Florida while staying at the best hotels in Miami? From South Beach’s iconic lifeguard towers to the untamed sweep of Haulover Beach, this vibrant coastline invites you to explore with all five senses. Let this guide to Miami’s top beaches lead the way—the vacation of a lifetime awaits at the water’s edge.
South Beach: Miami’s most iconic beach
South Beach is the heart of Miami. From its northern stretch, with a more family-friendly vibe, to the Miami Beach Boardwalk—perfect for walking and outdoor workouts—this landmark beach will win you over with its high energy, rows of palm trees, and unmistakable colorful lifeguard towers. In the middle of the Art Deco District stands Iberostar Waves Miami Beach, one of the most distinctive 4-star hotels in Miami. It offers a guest-only area on South Beach, plus a pool and a rooftop solarium. Its 80 rooms have been decorated by different local artists, capturing the pulse of the destination’s nonstop cultural life.
North Beach: local relaxation north of the spotlight
Beyond the Art Deco façades and the city’s cinematic flair, North Beach is where Miami slows down. During your stay in Miami, take your time to get to know this stretch along Collins Avenue, framed by quiet residential neighborhoods. Broad ribbons of white sand and clear water set the scene for long walks, unhurried days, and peaceful family swims. As you meet locals and glimpse everyday life, its authenticity comes through at every turn. If you’re looking to enjoy the sea with calm and simplicity, North Beach is your place.
Surfside: a quiet gem between tradition and the sea
Between Bal Harbour to the north and North Beach to the south lies Surfside, a coastal gem barely a kilometer (about two-thirds of a mile) long that blends small-town serenity with Miami’s innate elegance. Its beach is wide, with light sand and turquoise water, bordered by a pedestrian path that lets you explore on foot or by bike while you watch the horizon at sunset. Unlike other beaches, classic-style residential condominiums and long-standing establishments predominate here, giving it an intimate, welcoming, well-kept feel.
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Sunny Isles Beach: elegance on the Atlantic
The city’s most exclusive side reveals itself in places like Sunny Isles Beach, a shoreline that exudes elegance and one you’ll definitely want to visit with kids during a family stay in Miami. Known as the “Florida Riviera,” it runs for two kilometers north of Miami Beach, between the Atlantic Ocean and the Intracoastal Waterway. Its landscape is full of contrasts: soaring luxury high-rises facing a deep-blue sea, and across from them, coastal preserves that protect the area’s natural wealth. This is a broad stretch of golden sand with calm waters—ideal for swimming, water sports, or simply unwinding. The blend of exclusivity and a multigenerational atmosphere makes Sunny Isles a highly versatile choice, suited to travelers seeking a touch of glamour as well as those looking to connect with nature.
Haulover Beach: freedom and nature in their purest form
Halfway between Bal Harbour and Sunny Isles, Haulover Beach is famous for being Miami’s only official nude beach, which gives it a distinctive, cosmopolitan feel. Its fine white sand and emerald water set a relaxed rhythm—ideal for swimming, snorkeling, or simply drifting with the waves. The adjoining coastal park adds picnic areas, walking paths, and wide-open fields perfect for kite flying, turning Haulover into a lively, diverse gathering place. Easy to reach from Miami’s top hotels, it invites both adventurers and travelers seeking openness and authenticity by the sea. Add it to your romantic Miami itinerary—you won’t regret it.
Crandon Park Beach: tropical nature on Key Biscayne
Miami is art and nature at their purest. Crandon Park Beach shows it beautifully. Located on Key Biscayne, just a few minutes’ drive from downtown Miami, it welcomes you to a natural haven with a very different feel from the more urban beaches. Its curving shoreline is lined with coconut palms, mangroves, and grassy areas, creating an ideal setting for families and nature lovers. The sea is shallow and the surf is calm—perfect for safe swimming or for water sports like kayaking and paddleboarding. You’ll also find picnic areas, courts, and trails that let you explore Florida’s great ecological wealth. Crandon Park Beach will win you over if you’re looking to spend a peaceful day before heading back to your room at one of the best hotels in Miami.
Bill Baggs Cape Florida: a beach with history and a legendary lighthouse
At the southern tip of Key Biscayne lies Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park, a sanctuary of beauty where nature and history intertwine. Its emblem is the Cape Florida Lighthouse, built in 1825—the oldest in the county—standing over the Atlantic like a timeless sentinel. The panoramic views are breathtaking. The beach, with light sands and calm waters, is framed by abundant coastal vegetation where birds and other wildlife coexist in harmony. Note that you won’t find skyscrapers or crowds here—only the murmur of the waves and the shade of the palms. This is a pleasant shoreline year-round for those seeking relaxation and a connection with Miami’s historical legacy.
Virginia Key Beach: retro character by downtown
Near downtown Miami, on an island linked to the mainland via the Rickenbacker Causeway, you’ll find Virginia Key Beach—a spot with retro character and significant cultural value. During the era of racial segregation, it was one of the few beaches accessible to African American communities. This idyllic stretch beside downtown includes pockets of mangroves and privileged views of the city skyline. Just a few minutes away is IberoWaves star Berkeley Shore, one of the best 4-star hotels in Miami. You’ll recognize it by its 1940s-style Art Deco design—and by rooms and facilities created with family comfort in mind.
Tips for enjoying Miami’s beaches like a local
To wrap up, here are a few quick tips for enjoying the beaches and hotels in Miami like a local. The best time to visit is from November to April, when the weather is warmer and drier, helping you avoid summer humidity and hurricane season. As for what to bring to the beach, pack sunscreen, sunglasses, breathable clothing, and comfortable footwear for walking on the sand or wading in the water—just as residents do. And if you’re wondering how to get around, keep in mind that nearly the entire Miami coastline is linked by Collins Avenue and the A1A, accessible by car, public transportation, or bicycle—the preferred way to get around for many locals.
