A visit to Miami is not complete without a day at the beach. Being less than an hour away from the Bahamas, Miami beaches are Caribbean-like with white sand and blue waters. Here are the 10 best beaches in Miami for families.
10 Best Beaches in Miami for Families
1. Crandon Park
6747 Crandon Boulevard, Key Biscayne, FL
Crandon Park is a family friendly beach in Miami. Located on the upper half of Key Biscayne, Crandon beach is known for its white sand and calm waters. The 2 mile long beach will make you feel like you are in a tropical island with palm trees and warm breeze. Crandon Park beach is often rated as one of the best beaches in the nation.
Why is Crandon Park Great for Families?
Crandon Park is an ideal family beach. The soft sand is perfect for building sand castles, and the calm, shallow water is perfect for a dip.
What is the Beach Like at Crandon Park?
Crandon Park Beach is a beautiful pristine beach. The water is calm and shallow at Crandon Park so it’s perfect for families. There is an offshore sandbar at Crandon Park that protects swimmers from strong surf.
Can You Snorkel at Crandon Park?
You can snorkel at the beach at Crandon Park. The water is clear and calm so it is great for snorkeling. It’s best to snorkel at high tide so the water is not too shallow.
Family Friendly Amenities at Crandon Park
- 2 mile long beach
- Cabana Rentals
- Kayak rentals
- Kiteboard rentals
- Picnic tables
- BBQ Grills
- Boardwalk
- Lots of Parking
- Restrooms
- Concession Stand
2. Hobie Beach
Hobie Island Beach is a family friendly beach located off-road enroute to Key Biscayne. It is a beautiful 2 mile beach with breathtaking views of the Miami skyline. It is also called the Windsurfer Beach because it is popular with windsurfers.
Why is Hobie Island Beach great for Kids?
Hobie Island Beach is great for kids because the water is shallow and warm. You also don’t need to worry about strong currents. Kids will also enjoy building sand castles in the soft sand.
What is the Water Like at Hobie Beach?
Families spending the day at Hobie Beach will enjoy the warm bay waters. The water is shallow with no strong currents.
Hobie Beach is a Dog Friendly Beach
Hobie Beach is a dog friendly beach where dogs are allowed to play on the sand and get in the water.
Family Friendly Amenities at Hobie Beach
- White Sand Beach
- Concession stands
- Free parking
- Windsurfing Rentals and Lessons
Hobie Beach Address: South end (north side of Rickenbacker Causeway), Key Biscayne, FL 33149
3. Virginia Key Beach
Virginia Key Beach is a family friendly beach located on Biscayne bay just a mile from downtown Miami. It is a beautiful beach in Miami well-known for its rich history. Whether you plan to spend all day relaxing at the beach or kayaking or going on the carousel- there are plenty of kid friendly activities at Virginia Key Beach.
Why is Virginia Key Beach Great for Families
Virginia Key Beach is the perfect beach for families because there are so many kid-friendly activities at the beach. You can take the kids to go kayaking. For the little ones, there is a carousel, a mini-train and a playground. There are also bike trails at Virginia Key Beach.
What is the Water Like at Virginia Key Beach?
At Virginia Key Beach, visitors enjoy swimming in the warm bay water. However, be careful because the water might be deep and there may be an undertow present.
Family Friendly Amenities at Virginia Key Beach
- White Sand Beach
- Carousel
- Mini-Train
- Playground
- Bike Trails
- Beachfront Cabana Rentals
- Concession stand
- BBQ Grills
- Picnic Tables
- Beachfront pavilions
- Kayak Rentals
- Paddleboard Rentals
- Restrooms
- Shower Facilities
Virginia Key Beach Address: 4020 Virginia Beach Drive, Miami-Dade, Florida,
4. Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park
Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park is a family friendly beach in Miami. It is located at the southern tip of Key Biscayne and often ranked as one of the top ten beaches in the United States. Your family will love the 1.25 miles stretch of white sand beach with palm trees.
Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park is also home to Cape Florida Lighthouse, recognized as the oldest structure in South Florida. Families visiting Bill Baggs Beach can go on a lighthouse tour. Kids love climbing up the 95 ft high lighthouse.
Why is Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park Great for Families?
Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park is the perfect beach for families because there are so many kid-friendly activities at the beach. Take the kids to the lighthouse for a tour. If you are looking for something active, take the kids biking. The bike trail at Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park is family friendly because it is paved and flat. There are onsite bike rentals (quad bikes a great for families with small children).
What is the Beach Like at Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park?
At Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park, visitors will enjoy swimming in the calm water. The white sand beach with palm trees will make anyone feel like they got away. However, do know that there are no lifeguards on duty at the beach, and Portuguese man-of-war jellyfish can be found in the water at times (check the ranger station for warnings). Similar to other beaches in Miami, do expect to find the beach littered with seaweed that has been washed ashore.
Can You Snorkel at Bill Baggs Beach?
You can snorkel at the beach at Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park but you do have to watch out for warnings of Portuguese man-of-war jellyfish. Also, there are no lifeguards at Bill Baggs beach.
What is the Bike Trail Like at Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park?
The bike trail at Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park is perfect for families. It is a 1.5 mile paved bike trail that is mostly flat. There is also an unpaved section of the bike trail. You can rent single bikes or quad bikes at Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park.
Family Friendly Amenities at Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park
- White Sand Beach
- Beach and Umbrella Rentals
- Oceanfront Restaurants
- Playground
- Kayak Rentals
- Hyrdobike Rentals
- Covered Pavillion
- Picnic Tables
- BBQ Grills
- Paved and Flat Bike Trail
- Bike Rentals
- Hiking Trails
- Lighthouse
- Lighthouse Tours
- Bird Watching
- Restrooms
- Outdoor Showers
Bill Bags Cape Florida State Park Address: 1200 S. Crandon Blvd. Key Biscayne FL
5. South Pointe Park Beach
South Pointe Park Beach is a family friendly beach in Miami. Located on the southern edge of Miami Beach, South Pointe Park Beach offers stunning views of downtown Miami, Fisher Island, and cruise ships.
There are also a variety of activities for families at South Pointe Park Beach, from watching cruise ships dock to spraying water cannons at the splash pad. Foodies will be pleasantly surprised to find a Smith and Wollensky Steakhouse right at the park- for elevated dining options at the beach!
Why is South Pointe Park Beach Great for Families?
South Pointe Park Beach is the perfect beach for families. There is a splash pad at the beach with water cannons. It’s perfect for little kids to get wet and cool off! Plus kids love watching the cruise ships and yachts.
What is the Beach Like at South Pointe Park Beach?
South Pointe Park Beach is a beautiful clean beach with not a lot of washed up seaweeds. The water is also good for swimming because it is clear. But for families who don’t want to let the little ones in the water, the splash pad is a convenient alternative!
Can You Snorkel at South Pointe Park Beach?
You can snorkel at the beach at South Pointe Park Beach. The water is clear and warm.
Family Friendly Amenities at South Pointe Park Beach
- Beach
- Umbrella and Beach Chair Rentals
- Lifeguards
- Water Playground
- Cafe
- Smith and Wollensky Steakhouse
- Walking Trails
- Picnic Areas
- BBQ Grills
- Pier
- Restroom
- Outdoor Showers
- Dog Park
South Pointe Park Beach Address: 1 Washington Avenue, Miami Beach, FL
6. Lummus Park Beach
Lummus Park Beach is your quintessential Miami Beach. Located across the street from the Art Deco district and hotels, it is one of the most popular beaches in Miami. Lummus Park Beach stretches 10 blocks in South Beach often bustling with sunbathers and beach volleyball players.
Do know that not everything is kid-friendly at Lummus Park Beach. There is a section from 5th and 11th streets on Lummus Park Beach where women can sunbathe topless.
Why is Lummus Park Beach Great for Families?
Lummus Park Beach is a great beach for families who are staying at nearby hotels because it is convenient. There are cabanas, beach chairs and umbrellas for rent. There are also playgrounds at Lummus Park Beach for families who need a break from the water and sand. There are 2 playgrounds- one for the toddler and preschool set (2-5 years old) and one for the big kids.
What is the Beach Like at Lummus Park Beach?
Lummus Park Beach is a well-maintained beach that is clean with white sand. Like many beaches in Miami expect to find washed up seaweeds on the sand. The water at Lummus Park Beach is warm and clear but can be a little rough.
Family Friendly Amenities at Lummus Park Beach
- Beach
- Lifeguards
- Umbrella and Beach Chair rentals
- Playgrounds
- Workout Stations
- Beach Volleyball
- Lots of Restaurants on Ocean Drive
7. Sunny Isles Beach
Sunny Isles Beach is a 2 mile stretch of white sand beach located alongside the beachfront high rise hotels, luxury resorts and condos.
Where is the Best Spot for Families at Sunny Isles Beach?
The best spot for families at Sunny Isles Beach is at Samson Oceanfront park. There is a playground there for families who need a break from the beach. There is also a lifeguard at the beach at Samson Oceanfront park plus restrooms and shaded picnic areas at the park.
What is the Vibe at Sunny Isles Beach? Is it Kid-Friendly?
Sunny Isles Beach is ideal for families looking for a more family friendly beach vibe versus the grown-up party atmosphere of the beaches at South Beach.
What is the Beach Like at Sunny Isles Beach?
Sunny Isles Beach is a beautiful beach with white sand. The water is crystal clear and inviting. Like many beaches in Miami expect to find washed up seaweed on the sand.
Where to park at Sunny Isles Beach
When visiting Sunny Isles Beach, you can park at the municipal parking lot behind Walgreens at 174th Street. This lot is located right across from the public beach at Samson Oceanfront Park (17425 Collins Avenue). You can also park at the municipal parking lot at Heritage Park (19200 Collins Avenue) but know you will not be that close to the beach at Samson Oceanfront Park.
Family Friendly Amenities at Sunny Isles Beach
- Beach
- Playground, Picnic area, Lifeguard and Restrooms at Samson Oceanfront Park
Sunny Isles Beach (Samson Oceanfront Park) Address: 17425 Collins Avenue, Sunny Isles Beach, FL
8. Haulover Park Beach
Haulover Park Beach is a beautiful beach in Miami with crystal clear blue waters that is great for families. It is a 1.5 mile stretch of white sand beach located north of Bal Harbour. Do be aware that the a section of Haulover Park Beach is a nude beach.
Why is Haulover Park Beach Great for Families?
Haulover Park Beach is a great beach for families. Kids will enjoy building sand castles with the soft white sand and taking a dip in the crystal clear blue water. Plus there are kite flying workshops at Haulover Park Beach. If you need a break from the beach, head over to the playground.
What is the Beach Like at Haulover Park Beach?
Haulover Park Beach is a beautiful white sand beach. It is famous for its blue, crystal clear water. Like many beaches in Miami expect to find washed up seaweeds on the sand.
Where is the Nude Beach at Haulover Park Beach?
The northern sections of Haulover Park Beach is a nude beach.
Family Friendly Amenities at Haulover Park Beach
- Beach
- Lifeguard
- Playground
- Concession Stand
- BBQ Grill
- Picnic Tables
- Restrooms
Haulover Park Beach Address: 10800 Collins Ave. Miami Beach, FL 33154
9. Matheson Hammock Park Beach
Matheson Hammock Park Beach is a family friendly beach in Miami. Located in Coral Gables, it is a small tranquil beach with white sand and warm water. For families who prefer the safety of a pool, Matheson Hammock Park Beach is home to Venetian Pool, a man-made Atoll Pool. This is a saltwater pool naturally filled by the tides.
Why is Matheson Hammock Park Beach Great for Families?
Matheson Hammock Park Beach is a great beach for families. Kids will enjoy building sand castles on the beach. For swimming, head over to the Venetian Pool, the man-made Atoll pool. There is an admissions fee to use the pool but it is a good alternative for families who want to spend the day swimming at a pool. There is also a playground at the park for families who need a break from the water.
What is the Beach Like at Matheson Hammock Park Beach?
Don’t expect to find the large Miami beaches, Matheson Hammock Park Beach is a small beach that is perfect for families. You will feel like you got away with palm trees and white sand. The water at Matheson Hammock Park Beach is calm and warm.
Family Friendly Amenities at Matheson Hammock Park Beach
- Beach
- Atoll Pool (Venetian Pool)
- BBQ Grills
- Concession Stand
- Picnic Tables
- Restrooms
- Playground
- Bird Watching
Matheson Hammock Park Beach Address: 9610 Old Cutler Road, Coral Gables, FL 33156
10. Oleta River State Park
Oleta River State Park is Florida’s largest urban park located in North Miami Beach. There is so much to do at Oleta River State Park. Spend the day on the sandy beach or burn off some energy biking, hiking, kayaking or paddle boarding. Either way, your family will enjoy spending the day at this family friendly park.
Why is Oleta River State Park Great for Families?
The beach at Oleta River State Park is a family friendly beach. Kids will enjoy making sand castles with the soft white sand while you take in the breathtaking views of Biscayne Bay. The water at the Oleta State Park beach is shallow so it’s ideal for children. Don’t forget to remind the kids to keep their eyes out for manatees and dolphins!
What is the Beach Like at Oleta River State Park?
The beach at Oleta River State Park is a beautiful beach with white sand beach. On a hot day, you will be tempted to take a plunge in the crystal blue water of the sandy beach at Oleta River State Park. The water is shallow so it’s ideal for kids.
Family Friendly Amenities at Oleta River State Park
- Beach
- Bike Trails (both paved and unpaved trails)
- Bike Rentals
- Nature Trails
- Kayak Rentals
- Canoe Rentals
- Paddle Board Rentals
- Concession Stand
Oleta River State Park Address: 3400 NE 163rd street, North Miami Beach, FL
Beach Photos Source: Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau
