South Beach may be the most popular beach in Miami, but it’s not the only one worth checking out. There are plenty of other great beaches in this glitzy Florida beach town that offer a more laid-back, family-friendly atmosphere. Although it is known for its party scene, there are plenty of activities that are both exciting and safe for the whole family to enjoy. From the beautiful beaches to the many tourist attractions, your family will have a blast exploring all that Miami has to offer. In addition to the nightclubs that can be found along the coastline, families can also enjoy stunning beaches, tropical pools, and even some kid-friendly attractions. With so much to see and do, everyone in the family is sure to find something to enjoy on a vacation to this beautiful destination. If you’re a parent making plans for a family vacation in sunny Florida, be sure to check out one of these great beaches!
1. In the heart of Key Biscayne lies Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park
Baggs Cape Florida State Park is a hidden gem located at the end of Key Biscayne. This state park is full of natural beauty and is only 10 miles from downtown Miami. In order to reach the island, you will need to cross a toll road. If you’re planning on using the Rickenbacker Causeway, be sure to have your SunPass handy. The causeway is now managed by SunPass, so keep that in mind when planning your travels. This tropical island village is located at the end of Crandon Boulevard and costs $8 per vehicle for parking. The village offers plenty of parking options for visitors. If you happen to be someone who enjoys stunning views, then you’ll want to make your way up to the Cape Florida Lighthouse. You’ll be absolutely blown away by the panoramic views from the top. The lighthouse is open at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. every day, with the exception of Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Be sure to walk to the southwest corner of the park for the best picnic areas and views of Stiltsville. These historic houses, built on stilts, were once homes to rum runners during Prohibition and have survived major hurricanes. You’ll find them absolutely fascinating.
2. The white sand and azure waters of Crandon Park Beach
If you’re looking for a breathtaking beach to relax on or to use as the backdrop for your next family photoshoot, look no further than Crandon Park on Key Biscayne. With its turquoise waters and white sand beaches, this spot is sure to please everyone. The busiest time at the park is usually on Sundays, so if you want to avoid crowds, it’s best to visit during the week or early on Saturday mornings. The entrance fee is $7 per vehicle on weekends. Kite-boarders often flock to the northern section of the beach because it provides great conditions for their sport. On weekends, one can often see dozens of kite-boarders soaring across the water, enjoying the wind and waves. If you’re interested in trying kiteboarding, Miami Kiteboarding offers equipment rentals and lessons. They also have stand-up paddle boards and a snack shop. The southern section of Crandon Park is a great place to relax and enjoy a picnic lunch. There are plenty of shady spots to sit under the palm trees, and if you explore the park you can find the remains of the old Crandon Park Zoo. There are no lions, tigers, or bears, but you will find hundreds of different kinds of colorful wild birds.
3. The Matheson Hammock Park Beach in Coral Gables is a beautiful place to relax and enjoy
Matheson Hammock Park’s lagoon is a great way to introduce salt water to a little one. The 630-acre park has lots of waterfront property for children and families to explore, as well as an on-site marina. The entry fee for the park is $5 per car on weekdays and $7 per car on weekends. This fee allows you to enjoy all that the park has to offer, including its scenic views and hiking trails. If you love seafood and want to enjoy stunning water views, Red Fish Grill is the perfect spot. With an impressive menu of seafood items, this restaurant is a must-visit for anyone in the Miami area. If you want to eat at this restaurant, you’ll need to make a reservation because they’re only open for dinner. If you’re a fan of the movie There’s Something About Mary, you can ask to sit at Cameron Diaz’s table when you visit the restaurant!
4. The water is warm and the waves are gentle at the Hobie/Windsurfer
This beach is located on Rickenbacker Causeway and is very easy to miss if you’re not paying attention. It’s a great spot, especially if you have a furry four-legged family member that loves the sand and surf. There’s plenty of room for your furry friend to run around and enjoy themselves. Hobie Beach, or Windsurfer Beach as it is known by both names, is a great place to bring your dog! There are no fees to park, and the beach is very clean. Just make sure you get there early to avoid the crowds. Be sure to bring your own beach chairs, umbrella, and cooler with food and drinks for the day. There are public restrooms along the beach if you need them. And if you’re interested in stand-up paddleboarding or kayaking, Sailboards Miami is definitely worth checking out! They’re easy to spot because of their location right on the beach. The trailers are white and yellow.
5. The sand in South Pointe Park is white and soft, and the water is a beautiful blue.
If you’re looking to avoid the packed and rowdy beaches near Ocean Drive, South Pointe Park is the perfect spot for you. This hidden gem is located in the southernmost section of South Beach and is beloved by locals for its tranquility and impressive views. So don’t tell anyone we told you about this secret spot! Many of the locals who have families opt for this beach because of the kid-friendly facilities. These facilities include a mini splash and play area, lots of green space, a dog park, and a Blissberry frozen yogurt stand. Having these amenities nearby makes it a more enjoyable experience for families with young children. If you’re looking to avoid the headache of finding parking and shelling out an arm and a leg for it, here’s what you need to know: there is a secret lot near Big Pink that is relatively affordable and not too difficult to find. Just be sure to arrive early, as spaces fill up quickly on weekends! You’ll find the hidden gem of a parking lot at 137 Washington Ave. in Miami Beach, FL. Be sure to get there early to snag a spot!
- Explore Morikami Gardens: From Miami to Japan in Just An Hour - March 12, 2024
- Winter Activities for Children in Miami: Fun Things to Do in the Sunshine State - December 6, 2023
- Rainy Day Fun: What to Do With Children in Miami 2023 - July 7, 2023