Miami is surrounded by some of the most beautiful beaches in the United States — calm coves, family-friendly stretches of sand, vibrant nightlife shores, and hidden nature beaches perfect for peaceful escapes. Whether you’re visiting Miami for vacation or you’re a local looking for a weekend beach getaway, this guide covers the absolute best beaches near Miami, from iconic Miami Beach shores to quiet state-park gems within one hour.

Below is your complete, traveler-first guide with distances, activities, parking, amenities, nearby hotels, and insider tips.

Why These Are the Best Beaches Near Miami

Searchers want clean water, easy parking, photo-worthy scenery, safe swimming conditions, and close-by attractions. Every beach on this list delivers:

• Clear, warm water

• Accessibility (most within 10–60 minutes of Miami)

• Great amenities for families, couples, or solo travelers

• Real traveler reviews + local insights

• Affordable and luxury hotel options

• Things to do nearby (restaurants, boardwalks, trails, nightlife, snorkeling, wildlife)

Top 10 Best Beaches Near Miami (Ranked)

1. South Beach (SoBe)

Distance from Miami: 10 minutes
Best for: Nightlife, iconic scenery, people-watching, restaurants, photography

Why It’s #1:
South Beach isn’t just a beach — it’s an experience. With white sand, turquoise water, Miami’s Art Deco backdrop, and the famous Ocean Drive, this is the most recognizable beach in Florida.

Highlights:

• Crystal-clear water, warm year-round

• Lummus Park: perfect for walking, skating, beach gym

• Lifeguard towers (great for photography)

• Endless restaurants and cafes

Where to Stay (Top Picks):

• 1 Hotel South Beach — luxury + eco-friendly

• The Betsy Hotel — artsy & beachfront

• Loews Miami Beach Hotel — family-friendly with pools

2. Crandon Park Beach (Key Biscayne)

Distance: 20–25 minutes
Best for: Calm water, families, nature, picnics

A quieter alternative to South Beach. Soft sand, shallow water, shaded picnic areas, and cabana rentals make it ideal for families.

Why Travelers Love It:

• Mangrove boardwalks

• Nature Center with wildlife

• Calm waves + safe swimming

• Affordable parking

Where to Stay Nearby:

• The Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne — resort-style luxury

3. Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park (Key Biscayne)

Distance: 25 minutes
Best for: Natural scenery, lighthouse views, quiet beaches

This is one of the top 10 beaches in the U.S. according to experts. It’s peaceful, scenic, and perfect for photography.

Must-Do:

• Climb the historic lighthouse

• Rent bikes

• Explore nature trails

Where to Stay:
Hotels in Key Biscayne (same as above).

4. Haulover Beach

Distance: 20 minutes north of Miami Beach
Best for: Wide sand, fewer crowds, kitesurfing, dog-friendly areas

Haulover has Miami’s widest shoreline, calm waves, and dedicated dog beaches. Part of the shoreline is clothing-optional (clearly marked), attracting global travelers.

Where to Stay Nearby:

• The St. Regis Bal Harbour Resort

• Grand Beach Hotel Surfside

5. Bal Harbour Beach

Distance: 20 minutes
Best for: Luxury, quiet atmosphere, upscale stays

A sophisticated stretch of sand with high-end hotels and a more private feel.

Why It’s Loved:

• Relaxed vibe

• Excellent water clarity

• Luxury boardwalk strolls

Where to Stay:

• The Ritz-Carlton Bal Harbour

• The St. Regis Bal Harbour

6. Surfside Beach

Distance: 15–20 minutes
Best for: Families, quiet atmosphere, long walks

Surfside feels like a small beach town — peaceful, clean, and great for morning strolls.

Where to Stay:

• Grand Beach Hotel Surfside

7. Sunny Isles Beach

Distance: 25–30 minutes
Best for: Scenic skyline, long sandy stretch, swimming

Sunny Isles mixes pristine turquoise water with tall luxury towers.

Where to Stay:

• Acqualina Resort & Residences (ultra-luxury)

• Marenas Beach Resort

8. Hollywood Beach

Distance: 30 minutes
Best for: Families, restaurants, activities, biking along the Broadwalk

Hollywood Beach is vibrant and fun — perfect for people who want amenities

Must-Do:

• Hollywood Beach Broadwalk (2.5-mile boardwalk)

• Rent a bike or rollerblades

• Eat oceanfront

Where to Stay:

• Margaritaville Hollywood Beach Resort

• Costa Hollywood Beach Resort

9. Fort Lauderdale Beach

Distance: 35–45 minutes
Best for: Shopping, nightlife, dining, long beach days

Known for its clean beach, calm surf, and Las Olas Boulevard right next to the water.

Where to Stay:

• W Fort Lauderdale

• The Ritz-Carlton, Fort Lauderdale

10. Matheson Hammock Park Beach

Distance: 20 minutes
Best for: Calm lagoon water, families with toddlers

A man-made atoll pool with super calm water — perfect for little kids and stress-free swimming.

Where to Stay:
Stay in nearby Coral Gables hotels.

Best Beaches Near Miami for Different Travelers

Best for Families

• Crandon Park

• Surfside

• Matheson Hammock

Best for Couples

• Bill Baggs Cape Florida

• Bal Harbour

• Sunny Isles

Best for Nightlife

• South Beach

• Fort Lauderdale Beach

Best Hidden Gems

• Matheson Hammock

• North Shore Open Space Park

When Is the Best Time to Visit Miami Beaches?

Best months: November–April

• Dry season

• Clear skies

• Perfect water temperature

Summer:
Great but hotter; visit in mornings or after 4 PM.

Miami Beach Safety & Tips

• Bring reef-safe sunscreen

• Weekends get crowded — arrive early

• Watch for rip current flags

• Parking apps help: PayByPhone

FAQ: Best Beaches Near Miami

What is the #1 beach near Miami?

South Beach and Crandon Park tie for #1 depending on whether you prefer nightlife or nature.

What is the closest beach to Miami?

South Beach is the closest major beach — less than 10 minutes from Downtown.

Which Miami beach has the clearest water?

Key Biscayne beaches (Crandon Park & Bill Baggs) consistently have the clearest water.

Which beaches near Miami are quiet?

Bal Harbour, Surfside, Bill Baggs, and North Shore Park are peaceful and low-crowd.

Final Verdict: The Best Beaches Near Miami

If you want the perfect beach day:

• Best All-Around: Crandon Park

• Best for Photos: South Beach

• Best Hidden Escape: Bill Baggs Cape Florida

• Best for Families: Surfside

• Best for Luxury: Bal Harbour