12 Best Beaches in Miami with Turquoise Waters and Stunning White Sand

Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park

Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park is along the tip of Key Biscayne, about a 15-minute drive from downtown Miami. The scenic stretch of sand here is less developed than some of Miami's other popular beaches. Be prepared to pay $8 per vehicle for access.

Many people visit for the lighthouse, which has a wraparound balcony at the top that makes for phenomenal views and photographs. Constructed in 1825, it's the oldest structure in Miami-Dade County. You can only climb the lighthouse between 10 a.m. to noon Thursday to Monday, though the grounds are open from 8 a.m. to sundown daily. The nearby Lighthouse Café serves delicious Cuban food. You can also fish, rent bikes, and explore trails through lush mangroves.

Lummus Park

Lummus Park in South Beach sees a lot of action — and we're not just talking about its many TV and movie appearances. The urban beach in the Art Deco Historic District also hosts events throughout the year like the South Beach Seafood Festival, concerts, and group exercise classes. Those who prefer a solo workout may appreciate the "Muscle Beach" on 9th Street, which has multiple fitness stations with bars, rings, and other equipment.

Thanks to Lummus Park's proximity to lively Ocean Drive, there's a plethora of nearby restaurants and bars as well as restroom facilities. Along this pristine stretch of sand, you'll see beach-goers swimming, playing volleyball, and soaking up the good vibes.

Hobie Beach

Hobie Beach (also known as Windsurfer Beach for its prime windsurfing opportunities) is located between Brickell and Key Biscayne — offering downtown skyline vistas from the sand. Because of its calm, shallow waters, it makes an excellent destination for families with small children. Similarly, the beach is dog-friendly, with owners bringing along pups to play in the water without fear of big waves.

South Pointe Beach

For panoramic views of South Beach, head to South Pointe Beach which — you guessed it — lies on the southernmost tip of Miami Beach. Relax on the sand and take a dip in the ocean before strolling along the paved walking trails or 450-foot pier to watch the cruise ships pass. Many people enjoy fishing off its docks. The on-site playground, wading pool, and splash park make it a popular pick among families, too.

Samson Oceanfront Park

For those seeking a refuge from the hustle of Miami proper, this small, family-friendly park may be your best bet. At Samson Oceanfront Park, located north of the city in Sunny Isles Beach, you can lounge, play a game of volleyball, or enjoy an oceanfront picnic. The park is even equipped with charging stations and free Wi-Fi, perfect for digital nomads, who can set up shop at one of its many picnic tables.

Historic Virginia Key Beach Park

About a 15-minute drive from downtown Miami on Virginia Key, this beach may appeal to travelers seeking a more secluded, old Florida feel. The mile-long stretch of sand was designated an exclusively Black beach in the 1940s and is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places. For extra privacy, consider renting one of the colorful beachfront cabins, which are available on a first-come, first-served basis and include a barbecue grill and a picnic table. Families with little ones can even ride an antique carousel on weekends.

Crandon Park Beach

Crandon Park Beach on Key Biscayne offers two miles of stunning shoreline plus postcard-worthy turquoise waters. Beach chairs and umbrellas are available for rent, while additional park activities include volleyball, water sports, hiking, and biking. Nearby, tennis fans can visit Crandon Park Tennis Center, which hosted the Miami Open from 1987 to 2018.

Crandon Park Beach is especially noteworthy for the abundance of nature you'll see there along the trails, with mangrove ecosystems and plenty of birds like green herons and ospreys.

Hollywood Beach

About a half-hour drive north of downtown Miami, Hollywood’s namesake beach features a promenade that extends more than two miles along the Atlantic. The palm-lined Hollywood Beach Broadwalk is dotted with hotels, restaurants, and bars. Art galleries, farmers markets, and souvenir-ready shops also abound nearby. After dark, visitors appreciate the strip's vibrant nightlife, so it's an excellent option for those craving an effortless transition from day to night.

North Beach Oceanside Park

In contrast to South Beach, North Beach feels like something of a hidden gem — for now, at least. North Beach Oceanside Park has a quieter, more residential feel than the sceney beaches to the south, not to mention more space to stretch out on the sand. A playground, ample green space, and shady walking trails make this destination convenient for marathon beach days. Plus, parking is cheaper here than at South Beach, which should appeal to travelers on a budget.

Bal Harbour Beach

At the northern tip of Miami Beach, Bal Harbour is popular with the luxury set. Its open air mall of swanky shops and dreamy five-star hotels may set the area apart, but you won’t want to miss the mile-long beach, either.

After you've had your fill of ocean dips and lounging on the soft sand, head to one of the upscale restaurants like chic Mediterranean-influenced spot Aba Miami or Atlantikós in the St. Regis Bal Harbour Resort. Or take a stroll along the palm-shaded, oceanfront jogging path — perfect for people-watching.

Surfside Beach

The tight-knit residential neighborhood of Surfside is home to a slew of luxury accommodations, a walkable downtown area, and one mile of beach that runs parallel to Collins Avenue. This small area is quaint, retro, and chock-full of charm. Plus, it has picture-perfect clear waters.

Consider splurging on a stay, a cabana, or a Michelin-starred meal at the Four Seasons Hotel at the Surf Club. Its elegant decor and calming, luxe energy is pleasantly soothing for those who might otherwise be overwhelmed by Miami's vitality.

Haulover Beach

Certain parts of Haulover Beach are clothing-optional — it's one of Florida's best-known nude beaches. Still, there's plenty to love for those who might prefer more layers, too. Spanning 1.5 miles between the Intracoastal Waterway and the Atlantic Ocean, Haulover Beach also includes a nearby tennis center, golf course, and dog park — but at each of those, you will need to be fully clothed.