North Miami FloridaBEACHES & WATERFRONT ESCAPES
Listed below are the best beaches and waterfront escapes near North Miami, Florida.
1. North Beach Oceanside Park Beach
SERENE COASTAL RETREAT
North Beach Oceanside Park Beach is a beautiful serene beach in Miami Beach's North Beach area that has been voted the best for its crowd-free green spaces and lovely walking trails on the sand. This open expanse of tranquil beach has lifeguards on duty and plenty of room to spread out while listening to the sounds of waves and soaking up the sun. Visitors can enjoy peaceful walks along the shoreline searching for seashells without having to battle over beach turf, making it a perfect alternative to the more crowded beaches in the area.
2. Oleta River State Park Beach
URBAN OASIS GETAWAY
Oleta River State Park, Florida's largest urban park, encompasses 1,043 acres and features a 1,200-foot sandy beach where visitors can swim in Biscayne Bay. The park offers opportunities to explore clear, placid waters via canoe or kayak with rental equipment available on-site. Nature lovers can enjoy miles of off-road bicycle trails ranging from novice to challenging, with rustic air-conditioned cabins available for overnight stays.
3. Haulover Beach
POPULAR DIVERSE SHORELINE
Haulover Beach is part of Miami-Dade County's 17-mile stretch of beaches extending from Government Cut to the Broward County line. This popular beach destination offers a mix of traditional beachgoing and designated clothing-optional areas, making it unique among Miami's shorelines. Visitors appreciate the well-maintained facilities, clear waters, and the beach's reputation as one of the area's most diverse coastal environments.
4. Miami Beach - North Beach
RELAXED BEACHFRONT COMMUNITY
Miami Beach's North Beach, stretching from 60th to 78th Street along Collins Avenue, is defined by sidewalk cafes, a community center, and the North Beach Bandshell, a popular music venue. The beach features generous soft sand and amenities including concessions and showers to ensure a comfortable visit. This relatively quiet stretch offers a more relaxed alternative to the bustling atmosphere of South Beach while still providing classic Miami Beach charm.
5. Mid-Beach
CLASSIC MIAMI ELEGANCE
Mid-Beach, spanning from 24th to 60th Street along Collins Avenue, features a boardwalk perfect for strolling, jogging, and skating with scenic ocean views. This area is home to classic Miami Beach hotels like the Fontainebleau, combining luxury accommodations with beachfront access. A little less crowded and quieter than South Beach, Mid-Beach offers visitors a balance of amenities and tranquility along Miami's iconic coastline.
6. Virginia Key Beach North Point Park
NATURAL ENVIRONMENTAL HAVEN
Virginia Key Beach North Point Park features a beach and dune community that serves as an essential sea-turtle nesting area with several threatened and endangered plant species. The park's underwater ecosystem includes dense, healthy seagrass beds comprised mainly of turtle grass, manatee grass, and shoal grass that support diverse fauna including various species of sponges, invertebrates, and algae. Beyond the beaches and environmental restoration projects, the park offers over 10 miles of mountain biking trails built to International Mountain Biking Association standards for riders of all skill levels.
7. Crandon Park Beach
NATIONALLY RANKED SHORELINE
Crandon Park Beach is consistently named among the top ten beaches in the nation and features a beautiful two-mile stretch of pristine sand and calm water. The beach is celebrated for its winding promenade, concession stands, multiple picnic areas with tables and grills, cabanas, and a beachside carousel. Crandon's famous offshore sandbar protects swimmers from crashing surf, making it one of the most popular recreation destinations in Miami-Dade County, enjoyed by millions of residents and tourists each year.
8. Arch Creek Park
HISTORIC WATERSIDE RETREAT
Arch Creek Park offers visitors a unique combination of natural waterways and historical significance in the heart of North Miami. The park features a natural limestone bridge that was once part of an important trail used by indigenous peoples and early settlers crossing the creek. Visitors can enjoy the serene creek setting while exploring nature trails and the on-site museum that showcases the area's rich archaeological heritage.
9. Greynolds Park
PEACEFUL WATERFRONT ESCAPE
Greynolds Park is a historic 249-acre urban oasis featuring a peaceful waterfront along the Oleta River with boat launch facilities for canoes and kayaks. The park offers a diverse landscape of hardwood hammocks, mangroves, and open green spaces where visitors can picnic, fish, or simply enjoy the natural surroundings. Originally developed as a Civilian Conservation Corps project in the 1930s, the park maintains its rustic charm with coral rock structures and winding trails that provide a refreshing retreat from urban life.
10. South Beach
ICONIC ART DECO PLAYGROUND
South Beach is Miami's most famous stretch of sand, known worldwide for its vibrant atmosphere, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and backdrop of colorful Art Deco buildings. Visitors flock to this iconic destination for both sunbathing on its white sands and people-watching along Ocean Drive, where celebrities, models, and tourists create a lively social scene. The beach area offers excellent swimming conditions, beach volleyball courts, and easy access to the renowned restaurants, nightclubs, and boutiques that have made South Beach synonymous with Miami's glamorous lifestyle.