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The Best Beaches in South Florida

Throw on your best swimsuit (or nothing at all) and hit these white-sand hotspots.
Image: South Beach is the best-known beach for visitors to South Florida, but there's plenty more where that came from.
South Beach is the best-known beach for visitors to South Florida, but there's plenty more where that came from. Photo by Walter Bibikow/Getty Images
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Nothing screams South Florida louder than a sun-drenched stretch of sand where the palm trees sway, the water sparkles, and the people-watching is as good (or wild) as the ocean views. Whether you're looking to show off a new bikini, sip a piña colada in peace, or venture out in the nude (yes, there’s a place for that), South Florida’s beaches have you covered. Just, please, for the love of God, wear some sunscreen so you don’t end up looking like a tomato.

In alphabetical order, here are the ten best beaches in a region known for having some of the most beautiful options in the world.
click to enlarge The lighthouse at Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park
Are you in Maine? Nope, you're still in South Florida.
Photo by Michael DeAngelis

Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park

1200 Crandon Blvd., Key Biscayne
786-582-2673
floridastateparks.org
No skyscrapers. No traffic. Just pure, unfiltered nature here. This state park boasts one of the most unspoiled beaches in South Florida and beyond, complete with a historic lighthouse and gentle waves thanks to a reef just offshore. Pack a picnic, rent a bike, or climb the lighthouse for a killer panoramic view. And if you’re lucky, you might even spot a manatee or dolphin playing in the distance.


Crandon Park

6747 Crandon Blvd., Key Biscayne
305-365-2320
miamidade.gov
This two-mile beach delivers gentle waters, picnic-perfect areas, and a unique offshore sandbar that’s perfect for wading. Need a little more action? Try kiteboarding, rent a bike, or visit the nearby zoo ruins. It's the kind of beach where families, solo adventurers, and couples can all find their own slice of paradise. And with ample parking and rental options, spending the whole day here is a breeze.


Deerfield Beach

200 NE 21st Ave., Deerfield Beach
954-480-4200
deerfield-beach.com
Award-winning sand? Check. Crystal-clear waters and top-tier lifeguards? Double-check. Deerfield Beach is famous for its Blue Wave designation, meaning it’s as clean as it gets. Surf on the north side of the pier, hit the world-class volleyball courts, or just soak up the laid-back vibes. Bonus points if you stick around for an epic sunset, dine at the Whale’s Rib, and party with locals at Kahuna Bar & Grill.
click to enlarge view of the shore from the water with buildings
Fort Lauderdale Beach gives you access to some of the best waterfront bars and restaurants in South Florida.

Fort Lauderdale Beach

1100 Seabreeze Blvd., Fort Lauderdale
954-828-7275
fortlauderdale.gov
Less hectic than many of its Miami counterparts but just as stunning, Fort Lauderdale Beach is where white sand meets endless fun. Volleyball courts, full basketball courts, and on-beach grills mean there’s always something to do. After catching some sun, hit the beachside bars, like the iconic Elbo Room and Blondie’s, for a perfect après-sea experience. The area is also home to some of the best waterfront dining in South Florida — Vitolo, Casablanca, and Takato are all beachside musts.


Haulover Beach

10800 Collins Ave., Miami Beach
305-947-3525
miamidade.gov
Want to tan without tan lines? Haulover Beach is famous for its clothing-optional section, one of the best in the Sunshine State. But even if you're keeping your swimsuit on, this beach has a lot to offer — great waves, scenic picnic spots, and even a dog-friendly area. Just keep your camera in your bag in the no-clothes zone. And if you’re into kitesurfing, Haulover is one of the best spots in Miami to catch some serious air.
click to enlarge Aerial view of Haulover Beach
Take it all off or keep it all on at Haulover.
Photo by Armando Rodriguez

Hollywood Beach

101 S. Broadwalk, Hollywood
954-921-3404
hollywoodfl.org
The Hollywood Beach Broadwalk is the stuff of legend — 2.5 miles of oceanfront strolling lined with funky bars (Nick’s Bar & Grill is a generational favorite), bike rentals, and occasional street performers. If you like your beach with a side of retro charm, this is the place. Most days, you can stick around for live music at the outdoor Hollywood Beach Theatre or rent a paddleboard and hit the waves. And if you’re feeling extra adventurous, you can even book a parasailing trip for a bird’s-eye view of the coast.


Lauderdale-by-the-Sea

4501 N. Ocean Dr., Lauderdale-by-the-Sea
954-640-4200
lbts-fl.gov
A small-town beach with big-time charm, Lauderdale-by-the-Sea is a haven for snorkelers and divers, with reefs just 100 yards offshore. The town itself is ultra-walkable, packed with quaint cafes, beachside Adirondack chairs, and live music. Grab a bite at Anglin’s Square (Aruba Beach Café is right there, overlooking the ocean) and watch the world drift by. And don’t forget to take a walk on the fishing pier for one of the best sunset views in the area.


Mid-Beach

Between 24th to 60th streets, Miami Beach
305-673-7730
miamibeachfl.gov
Caught between the sizzle of South Beach and the chill of North Beach, Mid Beach delivers the best of all worlds. Swanky hotels from the Fontainebleau to Soho Beach House, trendy restaurants, and a laid-back vibe make it a must for those who want a little style with their sand. Here, you can take a stroll on the beachwalk, hit up a rooftop bar, or just post up and enjoy the view. It’s the kind of stretch where you can start your day with yoga on the sand and end it with a late-night cocktail by the water.
click to enlarge people walk on the beach next to a colorful lifeguard stand
You might recognize the colorful lifeguard stands of South Beach.
Photo by bjaglin/Flickr

South Beach

Ocean Drive, Miami Beach
305-673-7730
miamibeachfl.gov
The legend. The icon. The reason your out-of-town friends crash on your couch. South Beach is equal parts Art Deco fantasy, nightlife hotspot, and postcard-perfect paradise. Expect bronzed bodies, volleyball showdowns, and a likelihood of spotting a celebrity behind oversized sunglasses. If you need a break from the sun, the area's restaurants and bars (Mango’s, Ted’s Hideaway, Nikki Beach) offer some of the best people-watching in the entire country.


Sunny Isles Beach

17395 Collins Ave., Sunny Isles Beach
305-792-1706
sibfl.net
If your idea of paradise includes sparkling white sand and water so clear you can see your toes, Sunny Isles might be the perfect beach for you. Stretching for two miles, this is a great spot for sunbathers, snorkelers, and anglers trying their luck at the Newport Fishing Pier. And if you’re into watersports, from jet skiing to paddleboarding, there’s no shortage of ways to make a splash. Beyond the beach, Sunny Isles also boasts some of the region’s most luxurious high-rise hotels (e.g. the five-star Acqualina Resort), offering an unbeatable blend of relaxation and indulgence.