Miami has it all: white sandy beaches, crystal blue water, vibrant nightlife, delectable cuisine, and rich cultural experiences. The dream Miami lifestyle is the reason why many people choose to live here and why over 27 million people visit every year.
A typical day in Miami revolves around the beach. Given that the city is home to more than a dozen beautiful beaches, it can be pretty overwhelming to decide which one to visit. This comprehensive guide will help you to block out the noise so you can pick the one that is best for you.
The best time to visit Miami is between December and May. With temperatures ranging from highs of 73-82°F (23-28°C), it is the perfect time to go swimming in the sea, soak up the sun, and get the barbeque going on a picture-perfect Miami beach. Between March and May, you’ll also find exciting events happening all over the city, from Ultra Music Festival to Miami Beach Pride.
Miami is also famous for its world-class cuisine that celebrates the city’s diversity. Our Little Havana Food and Cultural Tour is Miami’s number one food tour and it showcases delicious local food all with a Cuban twist. In February, there is also a 4-day South Beach Wine and Food Festival to look forward to. This festival attempts to feed over 65,000 foodies from across the entire country.
For the sun-worshippers out there, Miami does reach its peak temperatures between June and September, but these months also coincide with hurricane season.
Miami’s North Beach has more of a residential vibe to it. It’s often overshadowed by the more flashy South Beach, which means that it is significantly less crowded. It is also surrounded by lush green spaces and an array of delicious restaurants, making it the perfect Miami beach for families.
Mid-Beach encompasses Miami’s neighborhoods of 24th-60th Street. It is a mix of the livelier and fun atmosphere of South Beach with the more family-friendly aspects of North Beach.
Surfside Beach is only about 5 miles north of South Beach, but it feels like worlds away. It has more of a quiet, calm atmosphere, tucked away from all the hustle and bustle of the city. It’s also home to some lovely resorts where you and your family can go to grab something to eat.
Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park is located a 15-minute drive away from Downtown Miami on the southern tip of Key Biscayne, making it one of the more isolated options in this guide, but definitely worth a visit! With the Cape Florida lighthouse as your backdrop and views over the Atlantic Ocean, the beach at Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park has an incredibly romantic setting.
If luxury is what you are looking for, then look no further than Bal Harbor. It is situated north of Surfside and is the most opulent neighborhood in Miami. Bal Harbor is home to more millionaires per capita than any other city in the United States. Expect pristine and exclusive beaches and designer brands.
Miami’s Haulover Beach is the only clothing-optional beach in Florida and it was recently voted the best nude beach in the world according to a survey conducted by UK-based lingerie brand, Pour Moi. If you get bored of lying on the beach, there’s also a tennis center and golf course. The beach is also dog-friendly between designated hours so it’s the perfect option for those with 4-legged friends.
South Beach is the most famous beach in all of Miami — and this also makes it the busiest. It’s known for its livelier atmosphere, art deco backdrop, and turquoise waters. You’ll also find the largest range of beach activities here, from volleyball to surfing. You can also opt for a more cultural experience by going on our much-loved South Beach, Miami, Food and Art Deco tour.
Crandon Park Beach is a great option for a traditional beach day out. Rent out a chair and umbrella or an oceanside cabana and enjoy a day basking in the sun and frolicking about in the pristine water. When you get hungry, simply order food from one of the beachside restaurants and continue relaxing on the beach as you wait for it to be delivered straight to you. There are also options to rent kiteboards or paddleboards.
Sunny Isles Beach is ideal for a quiet, low-key day in the sun for the whole family. With options to rent Jet Skis, boogie boards, and kayaks, you won’t be stuck for things to do. When you’ve had too much sun, take the kids to the nearby park, or go for a shaded walk along the boardwalk lined with palm trees.
Whether you’re looking for a more relaxed and subdued side or the typical party beach, you’ll find that there is an ideal Miami beach for you.
No matter which beach you end up spending your days at, you’re guaranteed to have a wonderful time in the city. Hopefully, this guide helped you to plan your next beach trip in Miami. If you have any questions about our range of Miami food tours, please get in touch!
This site uses Google reCAPTCHA V3. Read the privacy policy and terms of service for more information.
