From South Beach to Joia Beach, the Best Beaches in Miami

When in South Beach, it’s all here on the 2.2-mile white sand stretch: beautiful people, skimpy bathing suits, Art Deco architecture – making it the most famous beach in Florida. The most popular section runs parallel to Ocean Drive (between 5th and 15th Streets), so locals tend to hang around the quieter patches south of Fifth Street. From 15th Street to 22nd Street you will find the hotel Beach clubs with plenty of space for anyone.

Who it’s best for:  If you enjoy a busy beach scene, this is the beach for you.

Where to stay: Stay at the Setai Miami Beach that ticks all the boxes for an ultra-luxe pool and beach experience

Where to eat: Enjoy a respite from the sun under an umbrella on the expansive terrace of Setai’s in-house restaurant, the Ocean Grill. While the beach club and pools are exclusive to hotel guests, the Ocean Grill is open to the public.

The area known as Mid-Beach goes between 23rd Street and 46th Street where a raised boardwalk separates the beach from hotel-lined Collins Avenue. Mid-Beach is home to Miami’s most stylish hotels.

Who it’s best for: if you like to chill and drink at hotel beach clubs this is your beach or fashionistas, trendsetters..

Where to stay: Miami’s first eco-conscious hotel that occupies an entire city block on Collins Ave. is located along 600-feet of direct beach access, stretching across the Atlantic Ocean

An undeveloped mile-long beach on the southern tip of Key Biscayne where you will enjoy a relaxing walk or a maybe a nap. From the extensive network of trails you will enjoy a super view of the Miami skyline. Considered also one of the top beaches in the country.

Who it’s best for:  If you are looking to enjoy nature you would love this beach. Also suitable for Families and couples.

What to do:  the best way to explore this part of South Florida is renting a bike. You also spot the collection of historic homes that appear to float atop Biscayne Bay.

Bal Harbour Beach, Miami Beach

Bal Harbour Beach is considered the poshest neighbourhood in Miami and home to big names in hospitality such as the St. Regis Bal Harbour Resort. When you visit Bal Harbour expect to see plenty of designer bikinis and gold jewellery along the beachfront.

Who it’s best for:  Fashionistas or trendsetters looking to showcase their last beachwear and enjoy the waterfront lifestyle.

Shopping: Bal Harbour Shops, an open-air mall with the likes of Chanel, Alexander McQueen, and The Webster.

Sunny Isles Beach

Sunny Isles Beach is a two-mile swathe of Miami Beach and it is very quiet compared to its neighbours. This beach is lined with residential condos.

Who it’s best for: Families and couples who want a beautiful beach

12th Street Beach, South Beach

A sea of Speedo-clad, sculpted bods, marked by rainbow flags near the 12th Street lifeguard stations. If you are looking the best beach in Miami where to show off your CrossFit results, this is the beach.

Where to drink: Alternate between 12th Street Beach and day drinking at Palace Bar, a gay institution on the beach for 31 years that’s located on Ocean Drive between 10th and 11th Streets.

1 Beach Club at 1 Hotel South Beach

With a soothing, nature-inspired design, Miami Beach’s largest rooftop swimming pool, and oversized guest rooms, the 1 Hotel South Beach offers everything you’d want from an upscale, tropical resort. Things get even better by the beach: The hotel lays claim to 600 feet of linear beachfront, where it houses full beachfront services for guests as well as the new, Tulum-inspired 1 Beach Club.

Who it’s best for: Those looking for rest and relaxation in an eco-conscious setting

Where to eat and drink: the rooftop Watr lounge, farm-to-table Habitat restaurant, and a new open-air, sea-to-table Wave restaurant and lounge at the 1 Beach Club.

Haulover Naturist Beach, North Beach

Between Bal Harbour and Sunny Isles Beach, Haulover is a clothing-optional beach surrounded by undeveloped parklands. In fact, it is Florida’s oldest officially recognized public nude beach.

What to bring:  Make sure to pack your own gear, including picnic foods and beverages.

Haulover Dog Beach

Within the Haulover Naturist Beach there is a 1.4 miles of beachfront, between lifeguard houses 2 and 3, four-legged friends can roam off-leash and run, roll, play fetch, and go for a dip in the Atlantic Ocean. Also, thanks to the current of the Haulover Inlet, this particular beach sees some of Miami’s more impressive swells, ideal for light surfing and bodyboarding.

Who it’s best for: Dog-lovers and beginner surfers

Miami Luxury Villa Rentals

Oleta River State Park

Florida’s largest urban park reveals a glimpse of old Miami with a natural mix of a tidal mangroves, small islands, and sandbars, all strewn throughout Biscayne Bay. Kayak under a mangrove canopy to reach Sandspur Island and claim your own small stretch of beach under the palm trees. Enjoy a walk, drive, or paddle to Oleta’s shallow beach cove, a great depth for wading and for young children to splash around.

Who it’s best for: Kayakers, adventure-seekers, and families who want more than an ordinary beach experience

Joia Beach

Joia Beach, set on Watson Island, overlooks Biscayne Bay, and it is a chic Francois Frossard-designed beach club idyllic for full service during a beach day. Closer to downtown than Miami Beach, making it a smart choice for those staying at hotels on the mainland, most of which lack their own beach club access.

Who it’s best for: Those craving a boho-chic beach scene away from Miami Beach’s masses

Matheson Hammock Park

Located just south of Coral Gables, Matheson Hammock Park is well-known for its natural landscape of swaying palms, mangroves and old oak trees.

Things to see:  the man-made atoll pool, the picturesque marina. This beach is perfect for various water activities such as kiteboarding and paddleboarding.

Where to Eat: have lunch or dinner at the amazing Red Fish Grill which is located on the water’s edge.

South Pointe Park Pier

South Pointe Park Pier is part of a 17-acre park with a playground, fishing pier complete with washing stations, and several picnic areas. Perfect if you want to escape from the crowded downtown Miami. It features various facilities such as outdoor showers, a couple of great restaurants, and a children’s playground to keep the kids entertained for an hour or two.

Things to see: Enjoy the spectacular views of nearby Fisher Island and Biscayne Bay which are picture perfect on a clear day.