With over 800 miles of attractive sandy shores, it is no shock that Florida is thought for its seashores. Whereas each has its personal enchantment, none are extra common than the seashores of South Florida, particularly these within the metropolis of Miami.
Hundreds of thousands of holiday makers flock to town yearly for its meals, tradition, nightlife and purchasing, however the Miami seashores are the most important draw. You possibly can’t go flawed with any stretch of sand and sea right here, however here is our choose of the easiest seashores in Miami, whether or not you are in search of a celebration sizzling spot or some family-friendly enjoyable.
1. South Seashore
Finest for the nightlife
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In relation to South Florida seashores, this one wants no introduction. South Seashore, or SoBe, is undeniably the most well-liked seashore in Miami – at the least for vacationers.
The guts of South Seashore stretches alongside the well-known Ocean Drive between fifth St and fifteenth St, whereas the total size of the seashore is from 1st St to twenty third St. SoBe is filled with charming artwork deco structure, sidewalk eating places which might be normally overpriced however price it for the vibe, over-the-top pool events, a few of Miami’s finest nightlife, and a paved pathway good for jogging, strolling, skating, and people-watching.
However you are right here for the seashore, so try the largely clear, heat water and white sand dotted with photo-worthy colourful lifeguard stands. Drawn to the vigorous South Seashore sights, the gang right here is normally made up of younger vacationers, so count on a celebration environment, full with a number of folks blaring music from their loudspeakers.
Planning tip: To actually get pleasure from South Seashore in all its glory, keep away from visiting throughout spring break season which usually happens from early March to mid-April. Events have gotten a bit out of hand lately, and native authorities are cracking down with measures together with curfews and strict guidelines on alcohol gross sales.
2. South Pointe Park
Finest for households
South Pointe Park lies on the very finish of the 9-mile-long Miami Seashore island. With the seashore on one facet and the park on the opposite, that is the right locale in case you’re in search of free issues to do in Miami. You can also make use of the ocean-facing strolling path, picnic areas, mini canine park, small splash zone for teenagers and unbeatable panoramic views of the South Seashore shoreline. Stroll alongside the 450ft-long South Pointe Pier, the place you’ll be able to go fishing, make the most of the picturesque photo-op, or spot big cruise ships as they cross by means of close by Port Miami.
As for the sand and sea that awaits, you’ll be able to count on the identical colourful lifeguard stands, white sand and darkish turquoise water as you’ll in neighboring South Seashore, however a fraction of the crowds. South Pointe is a decidedly calmer and extra family-friendly possibility within the Miami Seashore space. For added enjoyable, go snorkeling by the jetty or the synthetic Jose Cuervo Reef, about 200yd southeast of the 2nd St lifeguard stand. The free Miami Seashore Trolley operates routes between South Pointe Park and North Seashore, so that you don’t even want a automobile to go to these beautiful Miami seashores.
Detour: Store ’til you drop on the outside mall Lincoln Street, which stretches eight blocks and has over 200 boutique outlets, main retail manufacturers and eating places.
3. Haulover Seashore
Finest for canine homeowners
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Native favourite Haulover Seashore has the white sand and clear turquoise water that Miami is thought for, however with a number of further perks. Canine lovers ought to head to the realm between lifeguard towers two and three, the place four-legged pals are welcome every day between 8am and 3pm. Adults trying to work on their bronze with out the tan traces can head to Miami’s solely nude seashore. Situated between lifeguard towers 12 and 15, this a part of the seashore is nicely marked so you will not by chance stumble upon it, however it’s additionally huge open with none enclaves to cover behind for some privateness or shade – one thing that is perhaps unnerving for first-timers.
Household-approved enjoyable will be discovered on the park adjoining to the seashore, which has loads of inexperienced area and picnic areas with grills. It is a common place to fly kites, so the park often hosts kite-making workshops, whereas native distributors additionally promote kites.
Native tip: Head to Haulover on Tuesdays for the weekly meals truck occasion from 5-10pm.
4. Historic Virginia Key Seashore Park
Finest for metropolis views
Seashore days do not normally go together with historical past classes, however that is not the case right here. Historic Virginia Key Seashore Park is situated on a small island simply off the coast of downtown Miami, overlooking each Biscayne Bay and the Atlantic Ocean. This mile-long shoreline might supply probably the greatest views of town skyline, however it’s additionally one in all Miami’s quieter, extra peaceable seashores with delicate sand and clear water.
The park can also be residence to a number of biking trails, catering to each consultants and newbies, in addition to one in all Florida’s largest mangrove wetlands, which you’ll be able to discover with a kayak or paddleboard. For the perfect seashore day, hire one of many colourful seashore cabins, fireplace up one of many park grills and do not forget to trip the vintage carousel for a style of the park’s historical past.
What actually makes this park historic, nonetheless, dates again to the period of segregation within the South, when non-white Miamians weren’t allowed to get pleasure from its idyllic seashores. Virginia Key was the one seashore that Black and Latino folks of colour had been allowed to go to. Take a deeper dive into the seashore’s historical past by contacting the park’s customer heart forward of time and scheduling a guided tour.
5. Bal Harbour
Finest for laidback luxurious
Whereas SoBe is all about flashy glitz and glam, Bal Harbour exudes a extra subdued sense of quiet luxurious. Tucked away in a small neighborhood of the identical identify, this seashore is the place you may go to point out off your designer swimwear and boutique swim cover-ups. This mile-long seashore is peaceable and lined with palm bushes and high-end resorts. Within the afternoons, the poshest high-rise condos and five-star inns present much-needed shade.
Detour: Full your lavish expertise with a visit to Bal Harbour Retailers, an open-air mall with extremely acclaimed eating places, elegant but informal bistros and practically each luxurious model possible.
6. Oleta River State Park
Finest for outside actions
For a extra adventurous seashore day, Oleta River State Park, Florida’s largest city park, is the place to go. Past the mountain climbing and biking trails, you can too hire a kayak, canoe or paddle board from the Oleta River Out of doors Middle situated proper contained in the park. From there, you’ll be able to paddle across the mangrove forest and Intracoastal Waterway earlier than posting up on the sandy seashore and taking a dip.
Simply west of Sunny Isles Seashore and the north finish of Haulover Seashore, the water right here is on the darker facet and never clear like in different components of Miami. However what makes Oleta particular is the truth that the water is calm and comparatively shallow. That makes it good for households with younger children or individuals who do not wish to combat with large waves on the seashore.
7. Hobie Island Seashore Park
Finest for windsurfing
Simply off of the Rickenbacker Causeway, Hobie Island Seashore Park is completely located for taking in spectacular views of the Miami skyline. Also referred to as Windsurfer Seashore, the shallow waters and watercraft rental hubs make this the right place to strive your hand at windsurfing. These searching for a extra stress-free afternoon may go for lounging on a catamaran; maybe a Hobie Cat, created by the seashore’s namesake, Hobart “Hobie” Alter.
As some of the pet-friendly seashores within the space, Hobie is a favourite weekday retreat for locals and their canines. The seashore is free to go to with a small, off-leash space for pups to splash within the shallow water alongside the shore. It may be laborious to identify with restricted signage on the outbound facet of the causeway. Observe there’s a toll to journey the causeway to Key Biscayne and parking can fill shortly on the weekends and holidays.
Native tip: If starvation strikes, you’re by no means removed from a concession stand promoting arepas, tacos, sizzling canines or different snacks.
8. Invoice Baggs Cape Florida State Park
Finest for a distant escape
On the southern tip of Key Biscayne, Invoice Baggs Cape Florida State Park feels worlds away from the artwork deco promenade of South Seashore. Climb to the highest of the Cape Florida Lighthouse for a panoramic view of the tangled mangroves, swaying palms, picket boardwalks and miles of surrounding sea. Guests can discover the park’s 440 acres on foot, bike or watercraft, or be part of a guided tour to be taught in regards to the park’s historic websites. The Cleat, one of many park’s onsite eateries, is good for sipping cocktails whereas watching the sundown throughout the bay.
The lighthouse towers over the huge, delicate sands of Cape Florida Seashore, which stretches up the japanese shore of the park. Though it’s a common seashore, it’s massive sufficient that it hardly ever feels crowded, and the park does maintain up entry when it reaches capability throughout busier weekends and holidays. Entry is $8 per car for 2-8 passengers ($2 for added folks), $4 for single occupant or bikes and $2 for pedestrians and cyclists.
Detour: On the way in which to Invoice Baggs, cease by Crandon Park to take a dip in among the clearest water in Miami, expertise uncommon ecosystems and take a spin across the old school curler rink.
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