The best beaches in Miami

There are so many stunning beaches in the Miami area, each offering its own experience. Whether you’re looking to create a memorable family vacation, check out a dynamic arts scene, immerse yourself in the nightlife or indulge in world-class dining, Miami has something for you. 

Ready to plan your next beach adventure? Learn more about some of the top beaches in the Miami area.

What you’ll learn:

• Some Miami beaches, like South Beach, have a more vibrant atmosphere, while other beaches, like Surfside Beach, offer a more laid-back environment.

• As you’re planning your Miami beach vacation, you might consider a travel rewards credit card, like the Capital One Venture card or the Capital One Venture X card, to elevate your trip. 

• Capital One Travel tracks flight prices and predicts when it’s the right time to book, helping you save an average of 15%.

If you’re a beach lover, you can’t go wrong with a visit to the greater Miami area. Here are 10 Miami beaches to consider when planning your vacation:

South Beach is one of Miami Beach’s most famous neighborhoods. It runs from South Pointe Park to 23rd Street and is a hot spot for visitors from all around the world.

Spend the day enjoying crystal-clear waters and white sand beaches against the backdrop of South Beach’s iconic Art Deco architecture. Or take a leisurely walk down Lincoln Road and check out all the shops, restaurants and public art this eight-block shopping district has to offer. If you need a spot to rest and grab a coffee, stop by South Beach’s Capital One Café. And after the sun sets, explore South Beach’s vibrant nightlife and watch this stretch of town transform after dark.

For a more relaxed feel, consider stopping by North Beach. This low-key neighborhood stretches from the town of Surfside to 60th Street. And while it’s typically less crowded than South Beach, North Beach has a unique charm all its own. It’s known for its Miami Modernism architecture, which is characterized by geometric shapes, playful features and contrasting textures. 

Kick back at pet-friendly Allison Park and admire the swaying palm trees and sea turtle sculptures. Or escape to the spa for a relaxing afternoon. For a picture-perfect North Beach evening, head to the Miami Beach Bandshell—an open-air venue that hosts live music and other arts and cultural events throughout the year.

Blending the upbeat vibes of South Beach and the laid-back atmosphere of North Beach, Mid Beach offers the best of both worlds. It’s centrally located between 24th and 60th streets and has a little something for everyone. Wade in the gentle waters away from the crowds that flock to some of the busier beaches. You can also spend time exploring Collins Canal Park and its sculpture-lined walkway against a lush natural facade.

Mid Beach’s Faena District features luxurious hotels, swanky restaurants and world-renowned art exhibitions. And whether you’re looking for comfort food, live cooking experiences or high-end restaurants, Mid Beach serves up some of the best dining the area has to offer.

Sunny Isles, sometimes called Florida’s Riviera, features two miles of upscale condos and resorts along a stunning coastline. Samson Oceanfront Park is the perfect setting for a fun-filled day with the whole family, with its boardwalk, playground and volleyball courts. If you’re interested in fishing, check out the Newport Fishing Pier. It’s Miami’s only public pier, stretching more than 700 feet into the Atlantic Ocean. 

As the name suggests, South Pointe is at the southern tip of Miami Beach. Compared to some other Miami-area beaches, South Pointe Beach Park has fewer skyscrapers and high-rises, giving it a more laid-back feel. 

There’s also South Pointe Park, which is the perfect place to spend a day with the family. The park offers barbecue grills, walking trails, a fishing pier, a mini-water playground for the kids and an off-leash dog park.

Crandon Park Beach sits at the northern end of Key Biscayne, a barrier island across from Miami. If your idea of a perfect beach vacation is packed with activities from sunup to sundown, Crandon Park Beach is the place for you. It’s easy to rent kiteboards, paddleboards and kayaks, and there are lessons for every skill level. 

Crandon Park Beach is also home to a protected wetland and a fossilized mangrove reef. Nature lovers will appreciate the different tours and activities offered at Marjory Stoneman Douglas Biscayne Nature Center, including special programming for kids.

This small seaside community in uptown Miami Beach stretches about two square miles and is great for beachgoers looking for a quieter atmosphere. Often considered a hidden gem, Surfside Beach gives you that small-town charm without being too far away from big-city amenities. 

Surfside Beach offers a ton of outdoor dining options, where you can soak up some sunshine. Or take a picnic down to the beach. And keep an eye out for local cultural events like Jazz on the Beach. 

Hobie Beach, nicknamed “Windsurfer Beach,” is nestled on the Rickenbacker Causeway, which connects Miami to Key Biscayne. As you might’ve guessed, this beach is known for its immaculate conditions for windsurfing. It’s also a great place to enjoy other water sports, like paddleboarding and kayaking.

You can bring your own board or rent the gear you need. If you’re a beginner, you can sign up for a short lesson or an all-day class to get your feet wet. Hobie Beach’s gentle waters also make it one of the most dog-friendly beaches in the Miami area. 

Bal Harbour Beach is an enclave situated on the northern tip of Miami Beach, where upscale amenities meet natural beauty. Spend the day shopping at the local open-air mall or take in the pristine sands and glistening water while enjoying an afternoon stroll along the Bal Harbour Beach Path. 

Continue soaking up the views with an al fresco meal at one of Bal Harbour Beach’s many seaside restaurants. Eligible Capital One cardholders can use Capital One Dining to book coveted primetime tables at top-tier restaurants, set aside just for Capital One customers.

Matheson Hammock Park is a unique, family-friendly park that covers 630 acres. The park features an atoll pool, which is replenished with fresh water channeled from Biscayne Bay. It’s the perfect place for little ones to splash around while the adults bask in the Florida sun. 

When your crew is ready to take a break from swimming, go for a hike on the park trails and admire the tropical flora. Continue the family vacation fun and convene for a cookout at one of the park’s charcoal grills as you watch the sun set over the coast. 

Whether you’re traveling with friends, taking a solo trip or planning a family getaway, you can use Capital One Travel to book your trip with confidence. Capital One Travel helps you find great prices on flights, hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars. Plus, Capital One Travel tracks flight prices and predicts when it’s the right time to book, helping you save an average of 15%.

No matter what your vacation style, you can find a gorgeous beach in the Miami area that’s perfect for your next getaway. 

And why not travel with a rewards credit card that offers exclusive benefits and elevated rewards that can help make your experience more enjoyable? 

• Explore travel rewards cards with unlimited miles you can actually use. 

• Earn a one-time 75,000-mile bonus and receive an additional 10,000 bonus miles every year, starting on your first anniversary, with the Venture X card.

• Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day and earn a one-time 75,000-mile bonus with the Venture card. 

• Earn unlimited 1.25X miles on every purchase, every day with no annual fee with the VentureOne card. View important rates and disclosures.