BEACHES

Acclaimed for consistently being recognized as top picks for recreation and families, Miami's many different beaches have received some of the highest honors in national and global surveys. To help residents of Williams Island pick the perfect beach to enjoy, we have put together this list briefing the many different beaches in Miami, their amenities and contact information. Enjoy!.

Bal Harbour Beach

Palm-shaded with jogging paths that curve around the mile-long beach, Bal Harbour Beach has a jetty for fishing at its north end and a metered parking lot under the Haulover Bridge. But be prepared - no lifeguards or showers are available. For more information:

(305) 866-4633
Colllins Ave. - 96th St. to Haulover Inlet
Bal Harbour
Website

Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Beach

For a very scenic beach located on the southern tip of Key Biscayne, Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Beach offers visitors walking and biking trails that wind through natural vegetation as well as a historic lighthouse, food concessions and plenty of free parking. For more information:

(305) 361-5811
1200 S. Crandon Blvd.
Key Biscayne
Website

Crandon Park Beach

If you are looking for a lifeguards and a family atmosphere, Crandon Park Beach in Key Biscayne is the place to go. With three-miles of extensive lagoon-style beach, 13 lifeguard towers, beach chair umbrella rentals, children's playground, and picnic area, Crandon Park is one of the optimal destinations for a sunny family outing. For more information:

(305) 361-5421
4000 Crandon Blvd.
Key Biscayne

Haulover Beach Park

The golf enthusiast will enjoy Haulover Beach Park. Spacious, shady, picnic areas are situated close to pedestrian tunnels the link the park and the marina together. Besides a nine-hole golf course, the beach also offers tennis, kite flying area and a kits shop close by. For more information:

(305) 944-3040
10800 Collins Ave.
Miami Beach

Hobie Beach/Windsurf Beach

Interested in learning to windsurf? Check out Hobie Beach. It's secluded inlet is perfect for windsurfing and all sorts of other water sports. Water sport rentals, food and drink are handy, as is a terrific view of the Miami skyline. For more information: (305) 361-2833; South end (north side of Rickenbacker Cswy.)

Homestead Bayfront Park

Escape from the daily grind at this beautiful beach in the Florida Keys. Situated next to the spectacular coral reefs of Biscayne National Park as well as the Florida Keys Marine Sanctuary, it features an alluring tropical setting and a naturally formed pool and beach. This beach park showcases the translucent aquamarine waters of Biscayne Bay, and offers a full-line snack bar, picnic pavilions, fishing area, a large playground and grills. More more information:

(305) 361-2833
South end (north side of Rickenbacker Cswy.)
Key Biscayne

Miami Beach - Central

This culturally rich beach is built on a sandbar across Biscayne Bay and has an artsy feel to it. The place of the rich and famous, Miami Beach Central draws visitors year-round because of its attractions. Flavored with the atmosphere associated with models, celebrities, and movie sets, its easy to find leisure and respite here. Unwind by the beachside, dine at umbrella-shaded tables, coast down Ocean Drive on your bicycle, and relish in the sizzling nightlife. From the sunny beach and the fresh bars, to the cool restaurants, and chic nightlife, Miami Beach Central is one of the finest anywhere. For more information:

(305) 230-3034
9698 SW 328 th St.
Homestead
Homestead/Florida City Area
Website

Miami Beach - North

The home of Haulover Park and Haulover Beach, Miami Beach North features attractions such as a Medieval Spanish Monastery and a variety of outdoor recreational activities. Its centralized location gives it easy access to all the tempting sites in South Florida. For more information:

(305) 673-7714
Collins Ave. - 46th St. to 78th St.
Miami Beach

Miami Beach - South Beach

Miami Beach is typically divided into three parts - Mid Beach; North Beach; and the famous South Beach, which has been rated as the ultimate Florida beach. Here, you can walk, jog, or skate along the concrete boulevard that lines the beach, or dine at one of the exquisite Ocean Drive cafes. For more information:

(305) 673-7714
Ocean Drive & 5th St. to Collins Ave. & 21st St.
Miami Beach

Miami Beach/South Pointe Park

Fully equipped with pavilions and barbeques, South Pointe Park is perfect for a day of sunning, picnicking, and relaxation. Metered parking is available in the parking lot. For more information:

(305) 673-7730
Ocean Dr. at 5th St.
Miami Beach - Art Deco District/South Beach

North Shore Open Space Park

If you are looking for a jewel among beaches, this free-entry park is the perfect destination. Landscaped with seagrape trees and sand dunes, it attracts visitors from all walks of life. North Shore Open Space Park's flavor is decidedly laid back and commercial free. You won't find umbrella or chair rentals, or trucks selling food here. Instead, set up your picnic at one of the park's roofed picnic pavilions or barbecue grills. Not in the mood to pack snacks? Stretch your legs, wander down the street, and visit one of the succulent delis, bakeries, and eateries on Collins for any delicacy from a slice of pizza to an empanada. For more information:

(305) 993-2032
Collins Ave. from 78th St. to 87th Terr.
Miami Beach

Oleta State Recreation Area

Located on Biscayne Bay and featuring the Oleta River, the area touts 993 acres and is the largest urban park in Florida. With miles of canoe and bicycle trails, paddle boating, a sandy beach perfect for swimming, shady picnic pavilions, and a pier where you can fish, the park provides visitors an unmatched outdoor recreational experience all within the borders of urban south Florida. For more information:

(305) 919-1846
3400 NE 163rd St.
North Miami Beach Area
Website

Sunny Isles Beach

A great spot for the vivacious and spry, this beach is about 2.5 miles of stunning white sand bursting with activities such as sailing, jet skiing, kayaking, and rentals for all of the equipment you may need to enjoy them. There are no restrooms or food stands here, but these amenities are easily accessible in any of the many hotels that line the beach. For more information:

(305) 947-0606
Collins Ave. - 157th St. to 193rd St.
Sunny Isles Beach

Surfside

Far less crowded than Myrtle Beach, Surfside is known as “The Family Beach”. Wide with white sand and life guards throughout the summer, it is both beautiful and serene. Besides providing tennis courts and other recreational facilities, it is a great family destination for picnics, beach games, kite flying, and inline skating. For more information:

(305) 864-0722
Collins Ave. from 88th St. to 96th St.
Surfside

Virginia Key Beach - North

This beach park offers visitors breathtaking views of the downtown Miami skyline and Brickell Avenue. Sip on a cool refreshment or munch on a delicious eatable right on site. And don't worry about parking -there is plenty of it, and it is free. For more information:

(305) 575-5256
North of Rickenbacker Cswy. (East of Biscayne Bay)

Virginia Key Beach - South

Open to sand and sun enthusiasts from any walk of life, this park takes total advantage of its 82 acres. With areas to picnic, concessions, water sports, fishing, camp, spots to sunbathe, trails to trek, a stage for outdoor performances, and a carousel for the kids to ride, the beach is serene, charming, and fun for everyone. For more information:

(305) 361-2833
South of Rickenbacker Cswy. (east of Biscayne Bay )
Key Biscayne