Beaches · Miami · United States
The best beaches in and near Miami
Where to swim and spend a beach day, and when the water is warm.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Massimo Catarinella, CC BY-SA 3.0
Quick answer
The best-known beach is South Beach (About 8 km east of Downtown). The sea is usually warm enough for a comfortable swim (21°C+) in January–December.
Key facts
- Beaches in this guide
- 6
- Swimming season
- January–December
- Warmest sea
- 30°C (86°F)
The beaches
About 8 km east of Downtown · People-watching and first visits
1.South Beach
Wide sand, colourful lifeguard towers and the Art Deco skyline behind; lively and crowded around Lummus Park.
About 12 km north-east of Downtown · Families and quieter swims
2.Mid-Beach
A long, calmer stretch backed by resorts and the Miami Beach Boardwalk, good for morning walks and swims.
About 15 km south-east of Downtown · Families with young children
3.Crandon Park Beach
A long Key Biscayne beach with calm water protected by an offshore sandbar, palm groves, picnic areas and lifeguards.
About 20 km south-east of Downtown · Quiet days and history
4.Bill Baggs Cape Florida
A quieter beach at the island's southern tip, with the historic lighthouse and shady trails behind the sand.
About 25 km north of Downtown · Kite flying and fewer crowds
5.Haulover Beach
A long beach north of Bal Harbour with a clothing-optional section and a park popular for kite flying.
About 28 km north of Downtown · Families and resort stays
6.Sunny Isles Beach
A high-rise resort strip with wide sand and a fishing pier, quieter than South Beach.
Sea temperature by month
| Month | Sea | Air high |
|---|---|---|
| January | 23°C (73°F) | 24°C (75°F) |
| February | 23°C (73°F) | 25°C (77°F) |
| March | 24°C (75°F) | 26°C (79°F) |
| April | 26°C (79°F) | 28°C (82°F) |
| May | 27°C (81°F) | 30°C (86°F) |
| June | 29°C (84°F) | 31°C (88°F) |
| July | 30°C (86°F) | 32°C (90°F) |
| August | 30°C (86°F) | 32°C (90°F) |
| September | 30°C (86°F) | 31°C (88°F) |
| October | 28°C (82°F) | 29°C (84°F) |
| November | 26°C (79°F) | 27°C (81°F) |
| December | 24°C (75°F) | 25°C (77°F) |
Staying near the beach
$$$$ · Best for first-timers, nightlife, beach and couples
South Beach
South Beach, the southern end of Miami Beach, holds the Art Deco Historic District along Ocean Drive and Collins Avenue, the beach at Lummus Park, the pedestrian Lincoln Road and the quieter South of Fifth area around South Pointe Park. Hotels range from restored 1930s boutiques to large resorts, and it is the centre of the city's nightlife.
- Good
- Beach, Art Deco and nightlife on the doorstep; Walkable, with free trolleys; Wide choice of hotels
- Watch out
- Ocean Drive restaurants are overpriced and pushy; Noisy at night and packed during spring break; Resort and parking fees add up
- Nearby
- Ocean Drive, Lummus Park, Lincoln Road, South Pointe Park
Getting to the beaches
- Metro — Metrorail's elevated lines run from Miami International Airport and Coconut Grove through Downtown, while the free, driverless Metromover loops around Downtown, Brickell and the Omni area.
- Bus — Metrobus routes cross the causeways to Miami Beach, including an express route from the airport, and free local trolleys run loops in Miami Beach, Coral Gables and other neighbourhoods.
- Train — Brightline trains run from MiamiCentral in Downtown to Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach and Orlando International Airport, and Tri-Rail commuter trains serve the Fort Lauderdale area.
- Car — A car is useful for the Everglades, the Keys and Key Biscayne, but parking on Miami Beach is expensive and limited.
Beach-weather months
Days of 24°C (75°F) or more with no more than nine rainy days come in November–April. The busiest of those is January, so book early.
Beach safety
Watch the beach flags and swim near lifeguards, as rip currents and jellyfish are common hazards. Protect yourself from heat and strong sun, and follow National Hurricane Center forecasts from June to November. Petty theft from beach bags and cars happens, and Ocean Drive's touts and inflated menus are best avoided. Swim at lifeguarded beaches where possible and follow local flag warnings.
Questions travellers ask
+Does Miami have beaches?
Yes: South Beach, Mid-Beach, Crandon Park Beach, Bill Baggs Cape Florida, Haulover Beach and Sunny Isles Beach.
+When is the sea warm enough to swim in Miami?
Usually January–December, when the sea averages 21°C or more.
+What is the best beach near Miami?
South Beach: Wide sand, colourful lifeguard towers and the Art Deco skyline behind; lively and crowded around Lummus Park.