There is no place in the world with as many spectacular beaches of such diversity and beauty as Miami, FL. There are glamorous beaches like Lummus Park Beach just across the Ocean Drive in Miami Beach, quiet long beaches shadowed by luxury condos and resorts, windsurfers’ paradise beaches like Hobie Beach, and urban beaches like the one in Matheson Hammock Park with a man-made atoll. Here are the best beaches in Miami, Florida.
1. Bal Harbour Beach, Miami
Not far away from glamorous South Beach is the quiet and unassuming yet beautiful Bal Harbour Beach. A mile long and lined with expensive condos and luxury resorts, Bal Harbour has an air of exclusivity and privacy, although it is a public beach. Beautiful landscaping with sand dunes, lush greenery, and paths are all well maintained and add to the atmosphere.
There are no lifeguards or any other public facilities on the beach, though you can rent things like beach chair and umbrella from one of many neighborhood resorts. At the end of the Haulover channel where the beach starts to curve there is a concrete jetty where you can always see patient fishermen hoping for a catch. When you have enough of swimming or working on your tan, stroll along the walking or jogging path that stretches along the beach.
655 96th Street, Bal Harbour, FL 33154
2. Crandon Park Beach, Miami
Crandon Beach is what outsiders imagine a Miami beach should look like: long and wide, with fine white sand and rows of hundreds of palm trees. There is always a friendly but competitive game of beach volleyball going on and often the smell of barbecue coming from one of many on-site grills. You can rent a cabana for your party, which have showers and their own picnic tables on the beach. Strolling along the beach, you can see ancient dunes, mangroves, sea grass beds, and other coastal plants. Stop by the Crandon Park Nature Center, a part of the Crandon Park, to see some exotic plants, wildlife, and rare fish. There is also Bear Cut Preserve, Environment Study Area, and a Family Amusement Center. Florida beaches
6747 Crandon Blvd, Key Biscayne, Florida 33149
3. South Pointe Park Beach, Miami
South Pointe Park is a 17-acre urban park in the South Beach neighborhood of Miami Beach with spectacular 360 degree ocean views. There is a huge, wide expanse of sand on one side of the park, a range of walking paths, beautiful, large grassy area, a mini waterpark for the kids, a dog park, and a kiddy lot.
As you stroll through the park, you will notice a number of modern art sculptures. Even benches/loungers look like pieces of art. From the beach, you can watch enormous cruise ships gliding by to the destinations unknown. There is also a fishing pier.
1 Washington Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139
4. Hobie Beach, Miami
As you cross the Rickenbacker Causeway on the way to the heavenly Key Biscayne, you will find Hobie Beach, the main windsurfing beach in Miami. It is also known as Windsurfer Beach, a name it got from the popular local windsurfing rental shop that not only rented equipment but also taught windsurfing on Hobie Beach for over twenty years.
You can take a two-hour crash course or group lessons for a day – Windsurfers’ expert and experienced trainers will make you comfortable in no time. Hobie Beach is also Miami's favorite dog beach. The current is mild, the water is shallow, and dogs can splash in the waves to their hearts’ content. The views of the Miami skyline and the Biscayne Bay from the beach are spectacular.
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5. John U Lloyd State Park
Located in Hollywood, Florida, just off A1A, Dr. Von D. Mizell-Eula Johnson State Park, previously called John U Lloyd Beach State Park, is a popular family beach with a range of activities – fishing from the jetty or surf casting, canoeing, kayaking, swimming, picnicking, boating, and wildlife watching.
The beach has two boat ramps, picnic tables, covered picnic pavilions, and grills. Canoes, kayaks, and volleyball balls and nets are available for rent. A part of the park is Whiskey Creek, a manatee sanctuary. The best way to see them without disturbing them is to take a kayak through Whiskey Creek. Another interesting part of the park is the Dania Beach Erojacks, a barrier reef popular among scuba divers. Things to Do in Florida
6503 N Ocean Dr, Dania Beach, Florida 33004
6. Lummus Park Beach, Miami
You have seen it in many movies – Lummus Park beach is the beach in Miami Beach Art Deco District that lines Ocean Drive and all its intense buzz. It is the most crowded of all the Miami Beach beaches and boasts fine white sand, emerald waters, and a lovely stand of stately palm trees between the road and sand.
The beach is much more popular for people-watching than swimming, unless you are a kid – there is a small playground just before the entrance to the beach for kids ages two through five. There are also nice paved paths for biking and walking, and all the restaurants and bars are just across the street.
Ocean Dr, Miami Beach, Florida 33139
7. Matheson Hammock Park & Beach, Miami
Located just south of Coral Gables next to Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden, Matheson Hammock Park is a beautiful 630-acre oasis in the heart of the city. Opened in 1930, the park has an artificial atoll pool where water comes with tides from Biscayne Bay. The pool’s shallow water is wonderful for kids or anyone learning to swim.
The beach has constant pleasant breezes and is a great spot for lounging and enjoying magnificent views. A coral rock pavilion is a nice place for a family picnic. There is a network of nature trails for a leisurely stroll through the park’s lush greenery. The beach is also popular for kiteboarding, especially for the beginners, because its waters are always calm. You can find a large full-service marina, a concession for paddleboards and kayaks, and a sailing and boating school. The original coral stone building is now a popular restaurant. Places to Visit in Florida
9610 Old Cutler Rd, Coral Gables, Florida 33156
8. Miami Beaches: North Shore Park Beach, Miami
North Shore Park Beach is the only beach in Miami Beach that is not overshadowed by a wall of high-rises and has the only fairly wild city park. Located a bit off beaten path, North Shore Park Beach stretches for a mile along Collins Avenue, and between the avenue and the beach you will find a small wooded park and large dunes covered by sea grapes.
The beach is long and flat, and a lifeguard is on duty every day. There are picnic tables and grills for family picnics, and a nature trail, jogging trail and bike trail. A two-block long Ocean Terrace is located on the southern end of the beach.
Collins Ave, Miami Beach, Florida 33141
9. Haulover Beach, Miami
Clothing optional! This fact makes Haulover Beach so popular that over 7,000 people visit it in a single day. It has been voted as one of the world’s best nude beaches. It stretches for about half a mile between the Atlantic and Intercoastal Waterway, with fine white sand, lovely landscaped dunes, picnic areas, and open surf.
It is a great beach for swimming as well as surfing. The beach is a small part of much larger Haulover Park, but most people come for the portion of the beach where clothing is optional. You do not have to be nude to come to the beach, but if you stay clothed, you will probably be more uncomfortable than those skinny-dipping.
10800 Collins Ave, Miami Beach, Florida 33154
10. Virginia Key Beach, Miami
Virginia Key Beach - North is located on historic Virginia Key, which you will see just after you cross the Rickenbacker Causeway. Virginia Key is an 82-acre barrier island five miles long and a mile and half wide with a half mile long magnificent sandy beach with stunning unobstructed views of Biscayne Bay and the ocean. There is a lifeguard on duty every day. The beach is part of the Virginia Key Beach Par, which was established to protect island’s fragile fauna and flora, as well as historic structures.
The beach became a popular family gathering spot, with an antique carousel, mini train, shady pavilions, and lovely trails through the dense vegetation. There is a nature boardwalk and a trail through a coastal hammock. The bike trail is over four miles long. The park has a number of rare plant species that were discovered during the cleanup of the invasive exotic plants, and it is a popular venue for sporting events and concerts.
4020 Virginia Beach Dr, Miami, Florida 33149
11. Oleta River State Park
Oleta River State Park is the largest and arguably most beautiful urban park in the entire state of Florida. Open to visitors all year round, the park is a mere thirty minutes from Miami’s downtown area and is the perfect retreat to unwind and relax during the weekend. The Oleta River State Park features 15 miles of exciting off-road biking trails, fantastic hiking trails, as well as superb mangrove forests to explore via kayak. With just over 1,000 acres of land to explore, the park welcomes anglers and swimmers in addition to its usual crowd of bikers and paddlers. At the of the day, drop by the shores of Biscayne Bay to cap off your trip with an enjoyable picnic.
3400 NE 163rd Street, North Miami Beach, Florida 33160; Phone: 305-919-1846
12. Beaches in Miami, Florida: Surfside
Known as Miami’s Uptown Beach Town, Surfside is located between Bal Harbor and the neighborhood of North Beach. Although small, Surfside has a unique and eclectic retro appeal that draws in visitors from near and far throughout the year. This beach community is full of quirky establishments and attractions like the Turtle Walk, with 13 cute and colorful turtle sculptures on display along the historic district. Surfside is also home to a ton of great eats like local favorite Café Ragazzi, a modern Jewish deli called Josh’s Deli, and a beloved ice cream and yogurt mom-and-pop shop called Serendipity. When it comes to accommodations, Surfside boasts one of Miami’s most luxurious resorts, the Four Seasons Hotel at The Surf Club.
Surfside, Miami-Dade County, Florida
13. Best Beaches in Miami, Florida: South Pointe Park
Located at Miami Beach’s southern tip is a family-friendly green space that offers incredible views of South Beach’s shoreline, the downtown Miami skyline, and even Fisher Island. While the beach is more than enough to keep guests entertained, South Pointe Park is also the jump-off point to tons of enjoyable walking trails, great barbecue pits, public picnic areas, and an off-leash dog park for fur moms and fur dads. When you’re not resting under towering palm trees, take a walk along the park’s promenade, visit the 450-foot South Pointe Pier for some great fishing, or, if you’re traveling with kids, head over to the mini splash zone where kids are bound to enjoy.
1 Washington Avenue, Miami Beach, Miami, Florida 33139, Phone: 305-673-7006
What are the 12 Best Beaches in Miami, Florida?
The 12 Best Beaches in Miami, Florida according to local experts are:
- Bal Harbour Beach, Miami
- Crandon Park Beach, Miami
- South Pointe Park Beach, Miami
- Hobie Beach, Miami
- John U Lloyd State Park
- Lummus Park Beach, Miami
- Matheson Hammock Park & Beach, Miami
- Miami Beaches: North Shore Park Beach, Miami
- Haulover Beach, Miami
- Virginia Key Beach, Miami
- Oleta River State Park
- Beaches in Miami, Florida: Surfside
- Best Beaches in Miami, Florida: South Pointe Park
Attraction Spotlight: The Bass Museum of Art in Miami Beach
The Bass Museum of Art is an art museum located in the Miami Beach area of Florida. It was established in 1964 by donations from the private collections of John and Johanna Bass and displays the rich history of Miami Beach. It had a large collection of work at its first public exhibition space for art in south Florida and was placed on the National Register in 1978.
The Bass Museum of Art offers a well-defined collection of archaeological objects along with a great portfolio workshop for learning about the history of the Miami Beach. The exhibition possesses a large number of media and a variety of artistic points of view, which introduce thoughts on the cultural context and diversity of Miami Beach. Here, art exhibitions of world-famous artists like Erwin Wurm, Isaac Julien, Piotr Uklanski, Eve Sussman, and El Anatsui can be easily found, in addition to combinations of artworks that are almost impossible to find anywhere else in the world.
What Does the Museum have to Offer?
The Bass Museum of Art offers various artistic works that reflect upon the history of Miami Beach, offering a very beautiful scene. The Bass stands out for its special architectural structure, especially the large stones in the park, which present an extraordinary view. Within these eminent surroundings, visitors may come to know more about the history and archaeology of the city, of how it was born, and how it has grown into what it is today.
The museum furthermore offers unique views of European paintings and sculptures from the 15th century up until the modern day. It also features a number of events such as annual ceremonies, anniversaries, and balls alongside regular exhibitions, creating a fluid sense of art while enabling visitors to learn more about the early history of Miami.
This museum not only provides artistic knowledge, it also plays a vital role in preserving historical artifacts along with its wide manuscript collection. The artifacts found here comprisea combination of art and sculpture,showcasing the design history of Miami Beach. The art collections also demonstrate some of the materials and methods used, including oil on canvas, tempera on panel, enamel on porcelain, and textiles.
Address:
2100 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach, FL33139, Phone: 305-673-7530
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Hotel Spotlight: Raleigh Hotel
The Raleigh Hotel in Miami Beach is an iconic getaway that exudes the grace and glamor of a bygone era. Built in 1941, the streamlined art deco landmark is situated on the bustling Collins Avenue in the vibrant neighborhood of South Beach hotel and is within walking distance of many shops, restaurants, bars, nightclubs, and other entertainment.
Blending a classic beach style with contemporary accents and modern touches, well-appointed themed guest rooms and suites have stylish décor, comfortable furnishings, modern amenities, and garden terraces or balconies with beautiful views. The hotel features a palm-lined swimming pool made famous by Esther Williams, an on-site restaurant serving creative American cuisine, an elegant cocktail lounge and bar and private access to Miami’s South Beach. The Raleigh Hotel offers bikes for rent to explore the area and is within a short drive from the Miami Art Museum and other attractions.
Guest Accommodations
The Raleigh Hotel feature stylish and sophisticated guest rooms and suites in artistic art deco hues with contemporary décor and furnishings, king or queen-size bed with fine Egyptian cotton sheets, down comforters, and en-suite bathrooms with walk-in rain showers, deep soaking tubs, plush towels, bathrobes, and slippers, and branded bath amenities. In-room conveniences include flat-screen televisions with cable channels, sound systems, clock radios and iPod docking stations, mini-fridges, coffeemakers, irons and ironing boards, hairdryers, telephones with free local calls, and complimentary wireless Internet access. Additional guest services include daily newspaper delivery, automated wake-up calls, and daily housekeeping services.
Guest rooms and suites range from Superior Double and King rooms, and Partial and Premier Ocean Views to a Premier Terrace King, Premier Ocean View Suites, Premier Terrace Suites, and Art Deco Suites. Other lodgings include The Loft Suites and the ultra-luxurious Raleigh and Esther Williams Suites
The exquisitely-appointed Esther Williams Suite is 990 square feet in size and boasts a spacious living room with sumptuous furnishings and a dining table for six guests. A master bedroom has a king-size bed with deluxe linens, and a marble en-suite bathroom with a deep soaking bathtub, double rain shower, plush towels, bathrobes, and slippers, and branded bath amenities. The luxurious suite has gorgeous views of the legendary swimming pool.
Dining
The Restaurant at the Raleigh serves innovative, Modern American cuisine with global-inspired touches and an extensive menu of fine wines, artisan beers, and handcrafted cocktails served in a relaxed, elegant setting. The Martini Bar is a stylish, beach-inspired bar that offers a modern take on classic mixology and serves an extensive list of signature cocktails, spirits, and other colorful libations. The Pool Bar is a timeless Art Deco watering hole next to the hotel’s iconic swimming pool that serves complimentary chilled towels and handcrafted cocktails, and the Coffee Bar serves a range of imported coffees, teas and other beverages and light snacks.
Amenities and Recreation
In addition to stylish guest rooms and suites with breathtaking ocean views and deluxe conveniences, luxury amenities and facilities at the Raleigh Hotel include a legendary palm-lined swimming pool made famous by Esther Williams with sun loungers, umbrellas and private, fully serviced cabanas with direct beach access. The Restaurant at the Raleigh serves innovative, Modern American cuisine, while the Martini Bar serves an extensive list of signature cocktails other colorful libations. Other amenities and services include bicycles to rent for exploring the neighborhood, an array of concierge services, including dinner and tour reservations, 30,000 square feet of versatile indoor and outdoor venues for functions and events, and in-room spa and dining services.
Weddings & Events
The Raleigh Miami Beach 30,000 square feet of versatile indoor and outdoor venues, including an iconic swimming pool, private beach and luxurious penthouse and private beach, for special celebrations such as weddings, ceremonies, and receptions, as well as corporate meetings and business gatherings. The hotel features modern event spaces of varying sizes to suit every occasion with state-of-the-art audiovisual equipment and premium services such catering, music and entertainment, floral arrangements, décor and cakes and more. A professional event planning and management team is available to ensure the function or event runs smoothly.
1775 Collins Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139, Phone: 305-534-6300
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Venue Spotlight: Coral Gables Country Club
Set in the heart of Florida’s Coral Gables, the Coral Gables Country Club is an elegant and historic venue that exudes the timeless charm and grace of a bygone era, which is available to rent for exclusive events such as wedding ceremonies and receptions. Dating back to 1924, the Club was designed by architect George Merrick and landscape architect, Frank Button and boasts beautiful Mediterranean-style architecture with 25-foot ceilings adorned with Austrian crystal chandeliers, and hardwood and marble flooring, creating a striking backdrop for stylish and sophisticated events. Venues at the Coral Gables Country Club include the exquisite Coral Grand Ballroom which features towering marble columns, and can accommodate up to 1,000 guests for lavish dinner and dancing affairs; the Fountain Room, Courtyard and Merrick Rooms, each of which can host up to 60 guests for smaller events; and the Foyer and Poolside, which are ideal for intimate and alfresco-style cocktail parties. The Atrium Room features floor-to-ceiling glass walls that embrace charming views over the lush, landscaped gardens and the pool area and can accommodate up to 300 guests.
Amenities and Facilities
The Coral Gables Country Club features a selection of beautifully appointed venues within the club that can accommodate a variety of events from intimate ceremonies and cocktail parties to elegant seated dinners and grand galas. The Coral Grand Ballroom is a spectacular space for large functions of up to 1,000 guests (150-600 people in a banquet style; 300-800 people in a theater style; and 400-1000 people in a reception style). The Coral Grand Ballroom boasts towering marble columns with painted capitals and can host dinner and dancing and cocktail receptions.
The Fountain, Courtyard and Merrick Rooms are smaller spaces that can host 50-80 people for a banquet style reception; 80-120 guest for a reception style event; and 70-100 people in a theater style.
The Foyer and Poolside are ideal for intimate, and alfresco-style cocktail parties with views of the pool and the lush gardens and the Atrium Room can accommodate up to 300 guests and boasts charming views over the lush, landscaped gardens through floor-to-ceiling glass walls. The Atrium also has access to the outdoor pool area and pool deck.
Services
Services include in the rental of venues at the Coral Gables Country Club are an events coordinator to plan the wedding and take care of details on the day, on-site catering, and beverage services with customized menus to fit every budget and need, and a bridal suite and groom’s room. The venue also provides a variety of wedding packages, which include Royal Doulton china and silverware, floral arrangements, tables, chairs and décor, audiovisual equipment. Catering packages include a five-hour open bar with hosted or cash bar options, and wine service during dinner, as well as bartenders and wait staff.
Additional services with the rental of the venue include free and valet parking for up to 150 spaces, and a free three-month membership, with access to all the Club’s facilities, including the swimming pool, sauna, fitness club and tennis courts for couples who hire the Club for their wedding.
General Information
The Coral Gables Country Club is located at 997 N Greenway Drive, is wheelchair accessible and offers free and valet parking for up to 150 spaces.
997 N Greenway Drive, Miami, FL 33134, Phone: 305-392-0819
