6 Best Beaches in Miami

Miami is known around the world for its beautiful beaches and year-round warm weather. Picking the best beach in Miami isn’t an easy task, especially since you can find a wide variety of experiences at the best Miami beaches, whether you’re looking for trendy, laid-back, upscale or family-friendly.

If you’re planning a trip to the southern tip of Florida, keep reading to learn more about the six best beaches in Miami.

1. South Beach

When you’re thinking about the best beaches in Miami, it’s hard not to zero in on South Beach. South Beach is an iconic Miami beach, equally famous for its art deco architecture and vibrant nightlife.

Even though South Beach is well-known for its glitz and glamour, there are also plenty of family-friendly activities — including Flamingo Park which offers walking trails, a pool, tennis courts and an outdoor water playground.

If you’re looking to stay in South Beach, consider booking the Hilton Bentley Miami/South Beach — a beachfront hotel within walking distance to South Beach’s vibrant nightlight and local restaurants.

While rooms can cost upwards of $600 per night, you can also book with points: Standard rooms start at 95,000 Hilton Honors points per night.

South Beach features crystal-clear blue water and white sand, but if you need a break from the sun, you can head to the Lincoln Shopping District, an eight-block-long pedestrian mall with over 200 shops and restaurants.

» Learn more: The complete guide to earning Hilton Honors points

2. Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park

Located just off the coast of Miami on Key Biscayne is Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park, often considered one of the best beaches in Miami.

Key Biscayne is a small island with only one hotel, The Ritz Carlton, Key Biscayne (which NerdWallet named as one of the best hotels with tennis courts in the world). On the south end of Key Biscayne is Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park, home to lighthouse built in 1825. Here, you can catch spectacular views of the Atlantic Ocean and Biscayne Bay.

» Learn more: The guide to Priority Pass lounges in Miami International Airport

3. Bal Harbour Beach

For a less crowded and more upscale beach experience, check out Bal Harbour Beach.

While Bal Harbour is most famous for its shopping — including luxury stores like Jacob & Co., Gucci, Prada and Stella McCartney — its beach alone is worth the visit, featuring South Florida’s famous white sand and warm, clear blue water.

Given that Bal Harbour's reputation, it’s no surprise that The St. Regis, part of the Marriott Bonvoy portfolio, has a property right on the beach. Since rooms at The St. Regis Bal Harbour Resort start at over $1,500 per night, it might be a good option for your free night certificate.

If your pockets aren’t as deep, there are more affordable options like the Beach Haus Bal Harbour, where rooms start at just over $245 per night.

» Learn more: How to travel to Miami on points and miles

4. Hollywood Beach

Although Hollywood Beach is located outside of Miami proper, nestled between Miami and Ft. Lauderdale, it makes the list due to its family-friendly boardwalk (which stretches an impressive 2.5 miles). It also offers plentiful shops and restaurants and a palm tree-lined beach.

Hollywood Beach is also a wonderful destination for dog owners. Take your pup to the area's dog beach, where you can bring your furry friends from sunrise to sunset, seven days a week.

» Learn more: How to travel to Fort Lauderdale on points and miles

5. South Pointe Beach

Located on the southernmost tip of Miami Beach, South Pointe Beach offers beachgoers panoramic views of South Beach, downtown Miami, the Port of Miami and Fisher Island.

In addition to offering visitors a great view, South Pointe Beach is also home to South Pointe Park, which includes an off-leash dog park, mini water playground, walking trails and even a Smith & Wollensky restaurant.

» Learn more: Best Marriott beach hotels in the U.S.

6. Mid Beach

Just north of South Beach is the aptly named Mid Beach, a great spot for travelers looking to stay in a luxury hotel or who enjoy fine dining. Hotel options in Mid Beach include the Eden Roc Miami Beach, the Fontainebleau Miami Beach and the Miami Beach EDITION.

After you’re finished with a day of soaking in the sun, you can dine out at one of Mid Beach's many restaurants, with options that include Hakkasan, Prime 54 and Nobu Miami.

One of the most iconic places to stay in Mid Beach is The Confidante Miami Beach, a Hyatt hotel built in the 1940’s that gives off a modern feel while embracing its retro-glam roots.

One of the highlights of Mid Beach is the Faena District, an arts and entertainment area that features the Faena Theater, a 150-seat live performance venue.

» Learn more: How to save on a beach vacation

Best beaches in Miami recapped

Whether you’re looking for a fashion and nightlife hotspot, a family-friendly beach experience or a spot where you can shop and eat at world-class destinations, you can find a beach to match your tastes in Miami.