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Beaches in Miami

September 28, 2005 By Gus in Miami: Travel News  | 49 Comments

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Models take five during a South Beach photo shoot. More pics

You can find a wide variety of beaches in Miami, Florida. Some are fun for people watching, and others offer watersports and recreation.

16 Beaches in Miami

1. Bal Harbour Beach (Collins Ave. from 96th St. to Haulover Inlet) Bal Harbour, FL - This beach has a Palm-shaded jogging path that curves around a mile-long beach. There is a jetty for fishing at north end of beach. You can find a metered parking lot beneath Haulover Bridge. No lifeguards or showers. For info call: (305) 866-4633.

2. Bill Baggs State Recreation Area (1200 S. Crandon Blvd.) Key Biscayne, FL - A scenic beach at the southern tip of Key Biscayne. Walking and bicycle trails wind through natural vegetation. Historic lighthouse and food concession. Restrooms, picnic tables and shower facilities available. Parking fee. For info call: (305) 361-5811.

3. Crandon Park Beach (4000 Crandon Blvd.) Key Biscayne, FL - Three-mile long lagoon style beach protected by 13 lifeguard towers. Beach wheelchairs for rent. Children’s carrousel, playgrounds and picnic areas. Ideal for families. Shower facilities, restrooms, shelters and lifeguards. Parking fee. For info call: (305) 361-7373.

4. Haulover Beach Park/Nude Beach (10800 Collins Ave.) Miami Beach, FL - Spacious beach with shady picnic area/barbecue grills near the dunes. Beach wheelchairs for rent. Pedestrian tunnels link to the park and marina on Biscayne Bay. Nine-hole golf course, tennis courts, kite flying area and kite shop. Parking fee. Clothing-optional section at far north end of beach. Beach Miami info call: (305) 944-3040.

5. Hobie Beach/Windsurfer Beach (South end, North side of Rickenbacker Causeway) Key Biscayne, FL - Windsurfing beach on secluded inlet. Dogs are allowed. Watersports rentals, food/drink concessions, beachside parking. Great views of Brickell Avenue and downtown Miami skyline. For info call: (305) 361-2833.

6. Homestead Bayfront Park (9698 SW 328th St.) Homestead, FL - Palm-shaded, sandy beach on Biscayne Bay in South Miami-Dade County adjoining Biscayne National Park. Parking fee. For info call: (305) 230-3034.

7. Miami Beach — Mid Beach (Collins Ave. from 21st St. to 46th St.) Miami Beach, FL - Raised boardwalk over the dunes popular for strolling and jogging. Lifeguard towers, food/drink concessions, beach chair/umbrella rentals. Parking fee. For info call: (305) 673-7714.

8. Miami Beach — North Beach (Collins Ave. from 46th St. to 78th St.) Miami Beach, FL - Community center and old-fashioned bandshell in adjoining park at north end. Palm-shaded grassy area. Proximity to sidewalk cafes and fast-food restaurants. Lifeguard towers, food/drink concessions, beach chair/umbrella rentals, shower facilities. Metered parking. For info call: (305) 673-7714.

9. Miami Beach — South Beach (Ocean Dr. from 1st St. to 12th St.) Miami Beach, FL - Brightly painted, lifeguard stands. Walk, jog or skate along concrete promenade bordering the beach. Proximity to Ocean Drive sidewalk cafes. Topless bathing is permitted. Gay and lesbian beach from 8th St. to 12th St. Metered Parking. Beach Miami info call: (305) 673-7714.

10. North Shore Open Space (Collins Ave. from 78th to 87th Ter.) Miami Beach, FL - Lushly landscaped park with a boardwalk on the sand. Picnic tables, restrooms, shower facilities and parking. Located in North Beach, a quieter section of Miami Beach ideal for families. Parking fee. For info call: (305) 993-2032.

11. Oleta State Recreation Area (3400 NE 163rd St.) North Miami Beach, FL - Sandy beach on Biscayne Bay in a shady park offering mountain bike trails and recreational activities. Popular spot for with boating and kayaking along nearby Snake River. Parking fee. For info call: (305) 919-1846.

12. South Pointe Park (Ocean Dr. at 1st St.) Miami Beach, FL - Entrance through the park at 1 Washington Ave. Beach The park is located at the southern tip of South Beach. Great place to watch cruise ships sailing out to sea. Parking fee. For info call: (305) 673-7714.

13. Sunny Isles Beach (Collins Ave. from 157th St. to 193rd St.) Sunny Isles Beach, FL - Newly renourished two-mile long, wide, white sand beach. Landmark fishing pier at south end where concessions are located. Parking fee. For info call: (305) 947-0606.

14. Surfside Beach (Collins Ave. from 88th St. to 96th St.) Surfside, FL - Mainly residential stretch of beach with limited facilities and parking. Facilities are available at 93rd St. Community Center for a fee. For info call: (305) 861-4863.

15. Virginia Key Beach — North (North of Rickenbacker Causeway, east of Biscayne Bay) Key Biscayne, FL - Windsurfing. kiteboarding, and ultralight seaplane rental. Great views of Brickell Avenue and downtown Miami skyline. Food/drink concessions and restrooms. Parking fee For info call: (305) 575-5256.

16 Virginia Key Beach — South (South of Rickenbacker Causeway, east of Biscayne Bay) Key Biscayne, FL - Ultra-secluded beach close to Key Biscayne. Shady areas, nature trails and a bird sanctuary nearby. Only beach in Miami-Dade County where dogs on leashes are allowed. For info call: (305) 361-2833.

Related Categories: Ocean Safety Miami: Travel News,

Gus Moore heads up Miami Beach 411 as site administrator. You can reach him at 1-305-754-2206.

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49 Comments on

"Beaches in Miami"

Guess who says:

I do not like this site!~!!I could not find any info 2 use!!!

Posted on 04/18/2007 at 2:40 PM

Gus says:

Sorry to hear that. What were you looking 2 use? Let me take a guess…You wanted info about Miami Beaches?

Posted on 04/18/2007 at 3:22 PM

Dee Milson says:

Want a price listing of pavillion rentals on Miami Beach and Key Biscayne.

Posted on 07/10/2007 at 12:13 PM

Suzy says:

Hi Dee.

I made some calls and depending upon the size and location of the pavillion, the ones in Crandon Park (Key Biscayne) run between $75-$150.  There are a few rules/regulations- please message me so that I may forward them to you. 
I’m still awaiting the Miami Beach info. 
Are you looking to plan a party or corporate event?

Posted on 07/11/2007 at 12:42 PM

Angie says:

I have a portable grill and I was wondering if people are allowed to grill on the beach

Posted on 07/20/2007 at 3:20 PM

Ameia says:

Kind of along the same lines but are you allowed to have a campfire on the beach?  Of course, we would clean up afterward and bring our own materials.  Thanks

Posted on 07/20/2007 at 8:07 PM

Gus says:

Ameia, I’m not aware of any beaches in Miami where campfires are permitted on the beach.

Angie, now that South Pointe Park is closed, the closest beach where you can bring a portable BBQ is at North Shore Park (approximately 72nd and Collins). I should mention, the BBQ facilities are not on the beach, but at the park which is about 75 yards away from the sand.

Posted on 07/21/2007 at 3:10 AM

flash menu says:

I don’t like MM.
Hawaii - that’s great. Really ocean with really SERVICE!

Posted on 04/17/2008 at 5:47 PM

Stacy Frank says:

I need to find a beach near Miami with non gay hot guys! no offense to the gay guys, love you Steve!

Posted on 05/16/2008 at 11:06 AM

Cabarete says:

Ah Miami beaches. Its been since 03. Last time we hit Miami i locked my keys in the trunk of my 73 olds and had to have a locksmith make a spare for $150 at 6am. Sucked!! lol

Posted on 07/11/2008 at 10:39 AM

Suzy says:

Cabarete- you got jacked!!! But of curiosity, in the trunk?  explain plz

Posted on 07/11/2008 at 10:47 AM

Cabarete says:

Yeah 1973 olds mobile. No remote lock. We opened the trunk to get our crap out and my buddy shuts it, but the keys were in it. Of course we didnt have a spare. It was like 6am , locksmith had to come out and make a spare from the clove box lol. We had just drove from New Orleans so we were dead tired! I almost killed my friend. What do you mean I got jacked?

Posted on 07/22/2008 at 12:34 PM

matt says:

This website IS AGVYNJHEUJ, LH.;

Posted on 10/15/2008 at 9:42 AM

Abby says:

I agree.

Posted on 10/15/2008 at 9:42 AM

... says:

This website rocks.

Posted on 10/15/2008 at 9:50 AM

Mark says:

I love the bikinis on South Beach! The latin mix with tourist and creativity.. There is a Brazilian section of South Beach around post 3-4. Also this site is linked to riobody.com as one of the best beaches in the world!

Posted on 10/26/2008 at 1:17 PM

tim says:

Looking for good places to stay feb 25- march 3 for 5 people, not to pricey.  Near beach or on beach, near south beach(walking distance or short drive) Suggestions?

Posted on 02/05/2009 at 2:34 PM

Omar Lagudali says:

I love it here in San Diego, but let’s be real the bikinis you see on South Beach are 2nd to none.

Omar

Posted on 04/27/2009 at 2:12 PM

Allen says:

South Beach is the best for Bikinis, without a doubt!

Posted on 05/23/2009 at 7:32 PM

Dinah says:

Could someone tell me how to get to haulover beach, without crossing the bridge. fear of bridges.

Posted on 05/27/2009 at 3:13 PM

yasmin mitchell says:

Went to Key biscayne, beaches stunk, there was a putred smell like wroten eggs, over crowded not a pretty site at all

Posted on 07/18/2009 at 7:25 PM

barrel says:

you need to head to australia for the ultimate bikini girls.

does anyone know how i can get from miami to bahama’s for a day trip at end of septemeber? not discovery cruise line as they are booked up. or a cool cruise/pool party?

Posted on 08/12/2009 at 5:46 AM

Gus says:

barrel, there is a small cruise ship that departs from Ft. Lauderdale to Nassau. To find out the details, search our site for “Bahamas day trip”.

Posted on 08/12/2009 at 6:02 AM

Sandra says:

Gus: Which beach would be recommend for a family with children (no topless women/gay-lesbian. The beach should be nearest driving distance from Miami airport. thanks

Posted on 11/25/2009 at 11:12 AM

Gus says:

“Gus: Which beach would be recommend for a family with children (no topless women/gay-lesbian. The beach should be nearest driving distance from Miami airport. thanks

Sandra, I suggest driving to Bill Baggs State Recreation Area, which is at the very end of Key Biscayne. The drive from MIA should take less than 30 minutes.

Note: You are charged $1.50 to drive onto Key Biscayne.

Miami Beach is also family friendly, north of 15th Street and at South Pointe Park.

Hope you and the family have an awesome beach day!

Posted on 11/25/2009 at 11:22 AM

Sandra says:

Thanks Gus for the prompt response. That was very helpful. I am not planning to rent a car. Hopefully taking a cab from the hotel near the Miami international airport to the beach and back would not be very expensive. May be I should consider living near the beach as long as the hotel offers a shuttle to and from the airport. I am visiting Miami only for a day.

Posted on 11/25/2009 at 2:48 PM

Gus says:

You’re welcome, Sandra. Happy to help.

A cab from MIA to Key Biscayne will be too expensive.

The flat rate for a taxi from the Airport to Miami Beach is about $34.

However, I suggest staying in Miami Beach, if you can. There is a lot more fun and free stuff to do on the beach.

You can find cheaper hotels in Miami Beach, north of 25th Street.

Posted on 11/25/2009 at 3:09 PM

samantha green says:

need somewhere to just get away from all this stress!!!

Posted on 01/07/2010 at 9:46 AM

debi says:

hi gus..we are staying one night in miami before leaving a cruise…if we stay at the hyatt summerfield miami airport how far is the nearest beach and is it in walking distance?  thanks!

Posted on 03/23/2010 at 10:36 PM

migi says:

Hi
I have a dog that is only 6 lbs and would like to know any beach that my dog would be allowed on or off-leash that is close to miami.
thanks

Posted on 07/09/2010 at 3:12 PM

Gus says:

Hi, migi. Coincidenlty, “dog beaches” was just discussed in our forum. Here is the link:

http://forums.miamibeach411.com/general-travel-recreation/4280-dog-beaches-miami.html

There’s a few places mentioned you can take your dog swimming off the leash.

Posted on 07/09/2010 at 3:29 PM

Bernice says:

Question - Planning on having a family gathering to celebrate my daughter turning 8 yrs old.. Is Haulover the only beach/park with a grill area? What is the distance from the grill area to the beach? Does Key Biscayne have a grill area?

Posted on 07/14/2010 at 7:36 AM

Andrea says:

are maltese dogs allowed in miami beaches?

Posted on 07/25/2010 at 7:54 AM

Amy says:

I’m looking to stay in Miami during Labor Day Weekend….I’d love to stay at a hotel overlooking the beach, but don’t want to spend too much.  Any suggestions?  Thanks so much!!

Posted on 08/15/2010 at 2:36 AM

Gus says:

Hi, Amy. I suggest focusing your hotel search on the “Mid” and “North” sections of Miami Beach. I’d be happy to suggest a few hotels. What are your dates of stay?

Posted on 08/15/2010 at 2:46 AM

Amy says:

Sept 3-6….and I need super cheap!! wink Thanks!!!

Posted on 08/15/2010 at 6:22 PM

freddy says:

Are there any secluded beaches in miami?

Posted on 02/21/2011 at 3:10 PM

adriano says:

whoever says that there’s no useful info about MIA in this website is those type of people who sees the glass half empty instead of half full. i’ve been living in the area for little over 1/2 year and have 2 small children. we’ve done so much stuff already suggested by 411. there’s some people who like being mean just for pleasure (pleasure?) of being mean. congrats mate on the great work. cheers.

Posted on 02/21/2011 at 9:09 PM

Marie says:

Im looking for a beach with pavilion rental where i can bbq, has power to play my radio and its within a few walking distance to the beach. I dont want key biscayne nor crandon. what are my other options and who can i call price info on pavilions. thanks in advance

Posted on 06/08/2011 at 3:08 PM

Katu says:

Hello Gus!
I Need to know whether I can reach Key Biscayne beaches by bus. If there´s a chance to get to the beach. I see that this is a long walking distance without a car and I don´t really know which is the public beach there.
Can you help me with this? Thank you!

Posted on 06/30/2012 at 7:36 AM

Gus says:

Hi Katu,

Thanks for asking a question!

Route B (Route 102) will take you to Key Biscayne. Crandon Park is the most popular public beach. To go to the beach by bus, get off at the entrance to Crandon Park and walk toward the main parking lot. If you keep walking past the parking lot, you’ll see the park and the beach. Here’s a link to the Route B bus schedule and map -

http://www.miamidade.gov/transit/routes_detail.asp?route=102

I’d say it’s about a quarter-mile walk from the bus stop to the sand.

Crandon Beach is almost two miles long - the southern end seems to be less crowded.

Posted on 06/30/2012 at 8:15 AM

Leeyana says:

hi,

are portable tents allowed on south beach?

Thanks!

Posted on 07/09/2012 at 2:08 PM

Gus says:

Hi Leeyana, great question. I’ve never seen a portable tent on the beach, so I decided to call the lifeguard and ask. They said there is no law prohibiting tents, but overnight camping is not allowed. It’s also not allowed to obstruct the lifeguard towers. They also mentioned that the beach does officially close at 11pm, but between you and me, the law is not regularly enforced.

Posted on 07/09/2012 at 2:48 PM

Mick says:

Virginia key beach (north) has tons of bbq grills feet away from he beach.

Posted on 03/12/2013 at 5:35 AM

sharon says:

Is there a beach in the homestead area that has bus parking. We are here on a school bus and need parking area for bus

Posted on 05/19/2016 at 9:27 PM

Dosemi says:

I have an 8 person tent with 4 chairs out.. would they allow the tent through out the day? not to camp overnight. Just for protection from the sun through out the day (Any beach in Miami)

Posted on 07/10/2016 at 2:19 AM

Dosemi says:

I just saw the answer to my question. Thank you..

Posted on 07/10/2016 at 2:22 AM

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