The 8 best beaches in Miami, from party central to family friendly

With over 800 miles of gorgeous sandy shores, it's no surprise that people flock to Florida for its beaches. While each one has its own appeal, none are more popular than the beaches of South Florida, especially those in the glamorous city of Miami.

Millions of visitors arrive in the city every year to enjoy its food, culture, nightlife and shopping, but Miami's shoreline is the biggest draw. You can't go wrong with any stretch of sand and sea here, but these are the very best beaches in Miami, whether you're looking for a party hot spot, peace and quiet, or some family-friendly fun.

1. South Beach

Best beach for nightlife

When it comes to South Florida beaches, this one needs no introduction. South Beach, or SoBe, is undeniably the most popular beach in Miami – at least for tourists.

The heart of South Beach stretches alongside the famous Ocean Drive between 5th St and 15th St, while the full length of the beach is from 1st St to 23rd St. SoBe is full of charming art deco architecture, sidewalk restaurants that are usually overpriced but worth it for the vibe, over-the-top pool parties, some of Miami's best nightlife, and a paved pathway perfect for jogging, strolling, skating and people-watching.

But you're here for the beach, so check out the mostly clear, warm water and white sand dotted with photo-worthy colorful lifeguard stands. Drawn to the lively South Beach attractions, the crowd here is usually made up of young vacationers, so expect a party atmosphere, complete with multiple people blaring music from their loudspeakers.

Planning tip: To really enjoy South Beach in all its glory, avoid visiting during spring break season, which typically occurs from early March to mid-April. Parties have gotten a bit out of hand in recent years, and local authorities are cracking down with measures including curfews and strict rules on alcohol sales.

• Location: The southern section of Miami Beach, from South Pointe Park north to 23rd St.

• Parking: There are plenty of parking lots in the area. Street parking can be limited depending on the time of day and season, and parking regulations are strictly enforced – ensure you've paid the correct amount and you're not in a residential parking zone. Alternatively, use a rideshare service or hop on the South Beach trolley.

• Amenities: Public restrooms and showers are plentiful along the beach. It's also lined with restaurants, bars and hotels with luxury beach clubs if you want a high-end experience.

• Hours: Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

• Dog friendly: Dogs are welcome on the section of the beach at 21st St between 7am and 9am, November through March and between 9am and 11am, April through October.

2. South Pointe Park

Best beach for families

South Pointe Park lies at the very end of the 9-mile-long Miami Beach island. With the beach on one side and the park on the other, this is the perfect locale if you’re looking for free things to do in Miami. You can make use of the ocean-facing walking trail, picnic areas, mini dog park, small splash zone for kids and unbeatable panoramic views of the South Beach shoreline. Walk along the 450ft-long South Pointe Pier, where you can go fishing, take advantage of the picturesque photo-op, or spot huge cruise ships as they pass through nearby Port Miami.

As for the sand and sea that awaits, you can expect the same colorful lifeguard stands, white sand and dark turquoise water as you would in neighboring South Beach, but with a fraction of the crowds. South Pointe is a decidedly calmer and more family-friendly option in the Miami Beach area. For added fun, go snorkeling by the jetty or the artificial Jose Cuervo Reef, about 200yd southeast of the 2nd St lifeguard stand. The free Miami Beach Trolley operates routes between South Pointe Park and North Beach, so you don’t even need a car to visit these stunning Miami beaches.

Detour: Shop 'til you drop at the outdoor mall, Lincoln Road, which stretches eight blocks and has over 200 boutique shops, major retail brands and restaurants.

• Location: The southern tip of Miami Beach at 1 Washington Avenue.

• Parking: There are paid parking lots in the area. Alternatively, use the free Miami Beach Trolley that operates routes between South Pointe Park and North Beach.

• Amenities: Public restrooms, water fountains, seating and kids' play areas are available.

• Hours: Open daily from sunrise to sunset.

• Dog friendly: The beach is dog friendly, with specific sections for off-leash play.

3. Haulover Beach

Best beach for dog owners

Local favorite Haulover Beach has the white sand and clear turquoise water that Miami is known for, but with a few extra perks. Dog lovers should head to the area between lifeguard towers two and three, where four-legged friends are welcome daily between 8am and 3pm. Adults looking to work on their bronze without the tan lines can head to Miami's only nude beach. Located between lifeguard towers 12 and 15, this part of the beach is well-marked so you won't accidentally bump into it, but it's also wide open without any enclaves to hide behind for some privacy or shade – something that might be unnerving for first-timers.

Family-approved fun can be found at the park adjacent to the beach, which has plenty of green space and picnic areas with grills. This is a popular place to fly kites, so the park occasionally hosts kite-making workshops, while local vendors also sell kites.

Local tip: Head to Haulover on Tuesdays for the weekly food truck event from 5-10pm.

• Location: North of Miami Beach at 10800 Collins Avenue.

• Parking: There is a paid parking lot next to the beach that's open from 8am to sunset.

• Amenities: Public restrooms, food and drink concessions, picnic tables and grills, and showers are available.

• Hours: Open daily from sunrise to sunset.

• Dog friendly: There is a designated Bark Park near the south picnic area.

4. Historic Virginia Key Beach Park

Best beach for city views

Beach days don't usually go with history lessons, but that's not the case here. Historic Virginia Key Beach Park is located on a small island just off the coast of downtown Miami, overlooking both Biscayne Bay and the Atlantic Ocean. This mile-long shoreline may offer one of the best views of the city skyline, but it's also one of Miami's quieter, more peaceful beaches with soft sand and clear water.

The park is also home to multiple cycling trails, catering to both experts and newbies, as well as one of Florida's largest mangrove wetlands, which you can explore with a kayak or paddleboard. For the ideal beach day, rent one of the colorful beach cabins, fire up one of the park grills and don't forget to ride the antique carousel for a taste of the park's history.

What really makes this park historic, however, dates back to the era of segregation in the South, when non-white Miamians weren't allowed to enjoy its idyllic beaches. Virginia Key was the only beach that Black and Latino people of color were allowed to visit. Take a deeper dive into the beach's history by contacting the park's visitor center ahead of time and scheduling a guided tour.

• Location: Virginia Key Beach Park is a barrier island, just north of Key Biscayne.

• Parking: Parking is available and costs $5 per vehicle, Monday to Thursday, $10 per vehicle, Friday to Sunday, and $12 per vehicle on holidays.

• Amenities: Public restrooms, food and drink concessions, picnic tables and grills, and showers are available. There is also a vintage carousel and cabanas are available to rent.

• Hours: Open daily from 7am to sunset.

• Dog friendly: Domestic animals are not permitted in the park.

5. Bal Harbour

Best beach for laidback luxury

While SoBe is all about flashy glitz and glam, Bal Harbour exudes a more subdued sense of quiet luxury. Tucked away in a small neighborhood of the same name, this beach is where you might go to show off your designer swimwear and boutique swim cover-ups. The mile-long stretch of sand is peaceful and lined with palm trees and high-end resorts. In the afternoons, the poshest high-rise condos and five-star hotels provide much-needed shade.

Detour: Complete your lavish experience with a trip to Bal Harbour Shops, an open-air mall with highly acclaimed restaurants, elegant yet casual bistros and nearly every luxury brand imaginable.

• Location: Northern tip of Miami Beach, between Surfside and Haulover Beach.

• Parking: Parking is available next to the beach. There is also the FreeBee ride service, which offers free pick up and drop off at key points in and around Bal Harbour Village.

• Amenities: There are no public restrooms on the beach but facilities are available at nearby hotels and shopping centers. Bars and restaurants line the beach.

• Hours: Open daily from 5am to 10pm.

• Dog friendly: Dogs are permitted but must be kept on a leash.

6. Oleta River State Park

Best beach for outdoor activities

For a more adventurous beach day, Oleta River State Park, Florida's largest urban park, is the place to go. Beyond the hiking and cycling trails, you can also rent a kayak, canoe or paddleboard from the Oleta River Outdoor Center located right inside the park. From there, you can paddle around the mangrove forest and Intracoastal Waterway before posting up on the sandy beach and taking a dip.

Just west of Sunny Isles Beach and the north end of Haulover Beach, the water here is on the darker side and not as clear as in other parts of Miami. But what makes Oleta special is the fact that the water is calm and relatively shallow. That makes it perfect for families with young kids or people who don't like to fight with big waves at the beach.

• Location: North Miami Beach, 3400 NE 163rd St.

• Parking: Parking is available at numerous locations around the park at a cost of $6 per vehicle.

• Amenities: Public restrooms and showers are available throughout the park. There's also a restaurant, water fountains and watersports equipment available for hire.

• Hours: Open daily from 8am until sundown.

• Dog friendly: Dogs are not allowed in the beach area.

7. Hobie Island Beach Park

Best beach for windsurfing

Just off the Rickenbacker Causeway, Hobie Island Beach Park is perfectly situated for taking in spectacular views of the Miami skyline. Also known as Windsurfer Beach, the shallow waters and watercraft rental hubs make this the perfect place to try your hand at windsurfing. Those in search of a more relaxing afternoon can opt to lounge on a catamaran; perhaps a Hobie Cat, created by the beach’s namesake, Hobart "Hobie" Alter. 

As one of the most pet-friendly beaches in the area, this beach is a favorite weekday retreat for locals and their dogs. It's free to visit and there's a small, off-leash area for pups to splash in the shallow water along the shore. There's a toll to travel the causeway to Key Biscayne and parking can fill quickly on the weekends and holidays. 

• Location: The north side of Rickenbacker Causeway, en route to Key Biscayne.

• Parking: There is a free parking lot next to the beach, but you'll need to arrive early to nab a spot.

• Amenities: Public restrooms and concession stands are available.

• Dog friendly: Hobie Island Beach Park is one of the most dog-friendly beaches in the area.

8. Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park

Best beach for a remote escape

At the southern tip of Key Biscayne, Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park feels worlds away from the art deco promenade of South Beach. Climb to the top of the Cape Florida Lighthouse for a panoramic view of the tangled mangroves, swaying palms, wooden boardwalks and miles of surrounding sea. Visitors can explore the park’s 440 acres on foot, by bike or by watercraft, or join a guided tour to learn about the park’s historic sites. The Cleat, one of the park’s onsite eateries, is ideal for sipping cocktails while watching the sunset across the bay. 

The lighthouse towers over the wide, soft sands of Cape Florida Beach, which stretches up the eastern shore of the park. Although it is a popular beach, it’s large enough that it rarely feels crowded, and the park does stagger entry when it reaches capacity during busier weekends and holidays. 

Detour: On the way to Bill Baggs, stop by Crandon Park to take a dip in some of the clearest water in Miami, experience rare ecosystems and take a spin around the old-fashioned roller rink. 

• Location: In the southern part of Key Biscayne.

• Parking: Parking is available at a cost of $8 per vehicle.

• Amenities: Public restrooms and showers are available. There's also a restaurant, water fountains and watersports equipment, beach chairs and umbrellas available for hire.

• Hours: Open daily from 8am until sundown.

• Dog friendly: Dogs are not allowed on the beach.