Beyond South Beach: Best Miami Beaches

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Though most visitors flock to the sexy sands of South Beach, Miami is actually home to many other incredible beach hangouts. Sun-soaked shores, sparkling turquoise water and a mellower vibe await those willing to stray from SoBe's never-ending party.
North Beach
North Beach, Miami, Florida

North Beach, Miami, Florida

north beach

Photo by: Nikolay Tsolov/iStockphoto.com

Nikolay Tsolov/iStockphoto.com

Stretching from about 63rd Street to 87th Street in Miami Beach, North Beach is primarily residential, remains relatively quiet during the week and fills with locals on warm weekend days. Enter the beach at 71st Street (public parking is across the street), grabbing sweet treats at Buenos Aires Bakery before you hit the sand.

Haulover Beach Park
Haulover Beach, Miami, Florida

Haulover Beach, Miami, Florida

Haulover Beach

Photo by: osseous, CC-BY-2.0, via Flickr

osseous, CC-BY-2.0, via Flickr

Visitors to Haulover Beach Park can relax on a 1 1/2-mile swath of sand, enjoying family- and dog-friendly sections or — for more adventurous souls — the clothing-optional area. Lifeguards keep an eye on the water, and concessions (including beach chair and umbrella rentals) are available.

Surfside Beach
Surfside Beach, Miami, Florida

Surfside Beach, Miami, Florida

Surfside Beach

Photo by: Ines Hegedus-Garcia, CC-BY-2.0, via Flickr

Luxury high-rises and a handful of high-end hotels line Surfside's wide, white-sand shores. The funky little town embodies Southern California cool — don't be surprised to see local teenagers toting surfboards down sidewalks to the beach. Relax on the sand, splash in the turquoise ocean, or take a stroll on the sandy, beachfront path.

Crandon Park
Crandon Park, Key Biscayne, Florida

Crandon Park, Key Biscayne, Florida

Photo by: Livinus/iStock/Getty Images

Livinus/iStock/Getty Images

A frequent contender on lists of America's best beaches, idyllic Crandon Park lies on Key Biscayne. Flanked by shady palm trees rather than Miami's ubiquitous high-rises, the park's family-friendly beach has lifeguards and concessions, as well as rentals for kite-boarding and stand-up paddleboarding.

Oleta River State Park
Oleta River State Park Beach, entrance, Miami, Florida

Oleta River State Park Beach, entrance, Miami, Florida

Oleta River State Park Beach entrance

Tucked along Biscayne Bay, Oleta ranks as Florida's largest urban park. In addition to bike trails, a mangrove preserve, and kayak and canoe rentals, visitors will find a 1,200-foot, sandy beach. No lifeguards are present, but the tranquil waterfront setting is a popular spot for swimming, as well as saltwater fishing and barbecues at nearby picnic pavilions.

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