Not sure where to spend your day of fun in the sun? Here is a guide to Miami's beaches for you viewing pleasure. And remember, don't forget the sunscreen.
Bal Harbour Beach
Bal Harbour Beach boasts an exercise course and great shell hunting. Not too many condos to block out the sun, and we've heard it's the best place to find sea shells. Fishing is also permitted here. Drawbacks are you have to pay for parking and there are no life guards or changing facilities.
Bal Harbour Beach; Colllins Ave. - 96th St. to Haulover Inlet; www.balharbourflorida.com; 305-866-4633
Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Beach
This scenic stretch of sand on the southern tip of Key Biscayne is a virtual paradise. With native vegetation, a historic lighthouse, free parking, showering facilities and picnic tables, we think this is one of the best beaches for a perfect family outing.
Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Beach; 1200 S. Crandon Blvd.,
Key Biscayne; www.floridastateparks.org; 305-361-5811
Crandon Park Beach
Another great family beach, three miles long and protected by 13 lifeguard towers. Crandon boasts a playground and a picnic area. Shower facilities, restrooms and shelters - there is a small fee for parking.
Crandon Park Beach; 4000 Crandon Blvd., Key Biscayne
305-361-5421
Haulover Beach Park
While Haulover Beach does come equipped with changing facilites, you probably won't need them as this is the area's nude beach. So, take it off and enjoy the day. Haulover Beach does boast some great amenities such as concessions, beach chair rental, picnic area, lifeguards and fishing is permitted. Also Miami's best surfing beach.
Haulover Beach Park; 10800 Collins Ave.,Miami Beach;
305-944-3040
Hobie Beach/Windsurfer Beach
If windsurfing is your thing, then Hobie is your beach. Water sport equipment rental is available and dogs are allowed (almost unheard of). Also has a great walking/biking trail.
Hobie Beach/Windsurfer Beach; South end (north side of Rickenbacker Cswy.), Key Biscayne; 305-361-2833
Homestead Bayfront Park
A quite little beach, usually doesn't get too crowded and is filled with a local mix. Great amenities such as restrooms and picnic area.
Homestead Bayfront Park; 9698 SW 328 th St.,
Homestead; www.miami-dade.gov/parks; 305-230-3034
Miami Beach – Central
The highlight of Central Miami Beach has got to be the raised boardwalk perfect for jogging and biking. Boasts concessions, beach chair rentals, restrooms and lifeguards.
Miami Beach – Central; Collins Ave. - 21st St. to 46th St.,
Miami Beach; 305-673-7714
Miami Beach – North
Ahh, North Beach. Very chill and laid back. Minimal restrooms and changing facilities and lifeguards are on duty. You can find free and metered parking.
Miami Beach – North; Collins Ave. - 46th St. to 78th St.,
Miami Beach; 305-673-7714
Miami Beach – South Beach
Great people watching in what could be called Miami's most famous beach. Go to South Beach to see and be seen. Parking is a nightmare and the sands are packed. Plenty of great restaurants are withing walking distance.
Miami Beach – South Beach; Ocean Drive & 5th St. to Collins Ave. & 21st St., Miami Beach; 305-673-7714
Miami Beach/South Pointe Park
South Pointe Park has a great picnic area and is the ideal spot to watch cruise ships sailing out to sea. Restroom facilities are available, but aren't the cleanest.
Miami Beach/South Pointe Park; Ocean Dr. at 5th St.,
Miami Beach - Art Deco District/South Beach; 305-673-7730
Sunny Isles Beach
Sunny Isles Beach is a two-mile strecth of pristine white sand (as is should be, the beach was recently renourished). There is a fee for parking, but the beach boasts volley ball, chair rental, concessions and watersport rentals.
Sunny Isles Beach; Collins Ave. - 157th St. to 193rd St., Sunny Isles Beach; 305-947-0606
Virginia Key Beach – North
The highlight of Virginia Key Beach is the ultra light seaplane rental. Breathtaking views of Brickell and Downtown.
Virginia Key Beach – North; North of Rickenbacker Cswy. At Crandon Blvd., Key Biscayne; 305-575-5256
Virginia Key Beach – South
This ultra secluded strecth of sand is a great getaway. There is a bird sanctuary nearby and dogs are permitted (with leash).
Virginia Key Beach – South; South of Rickenbacker Cswy. (east of Biscayne Bay), Key Biscayne; 305-361-2833
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