The best beaches around Miami
By Virgin Atlantic | 20 October 2025 | 3 minute read
Beyond the bright lights of Miami Beach
We all know the sparkle of Miami's most famous beach, with its famous art-deco hotels, turquoise waters, and that unmistakable buzz from Ocean Drive to South Pointe. But venture just a little further, and you’ll find quieter coves, local hangouts, and pristine stretches of sand that feel a world away.
Here are some of our favourite beaches around Miami, perfect for when you want to swap the crowds for calm - without losing the sunshine.
Virginia Key Beach
Once only accessible by boat, this restored stretch of shoreline sit within the historic 82-acre Virginia Key, just across Biscayne Bay from Downtown Miami. Re-opened in 2008, Historic Virginia Key Beach now welcomes visitors with canoe and kayak rentals, bike paths, picnic areas, and family-friendly beachside activities. ($5-$12 vehicle entry fee, subject to change).
Location: 4020 Virginia Beach Drive, Miami, Florida
Crandon Park Beach
Known for its family-friendly atmosphere, Crandon Park Beach offers an array of natural wonders such as exotic plants, rare fish, mangroves, dunes, and sea grass beds. Beach-goers can access on-site grills or even purchase cabanas for the day.
Location: 6747 Crandon Blvd, Key Biscayne, Florida
North Beach Oceanside Park
Staying true to its name, North Beach Oceanside Park is virtually free of concrete jungle gyms, skyscrapers, or city skyline views. Instead, trees and natural landscape surround the secluded beach.
Location: Collins Avenue from 78th Street to 87th Terrace, Miami Beach, Florida
Dr. Von D. Mizell-Eula Johnson State Park
For the adventurous at heart, Dr. Von D. Mizell-Eula Johnson State Park (formally John U. Lloyd Beach State Park) offers some of the most interesting shore diving sights in South Florida. It’s located close to the Port Everglades offering boat enthusiasts up close views of incoming and outgoing cruise ships daily ($6 vehicle entry fee, subject to change).
Location: 6503 North Ocean Drive, Dania Beach, Florida
Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park
A 1.25-mile stretch of beach, Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park is home to the historic lighthouse built in 1825, which is also the oldest standing structure in Miami Dade County. The beach has unusually gentle waves due to a reef located about six miles offshore, making it a perfect spot for leisurely walks and wading.
Location: 1200 South Crandon Boulevard, Key Biscayne, Florida
South Pointe Park
Known as South Pointe, this 17-acre park is more of a lookout point and activity spot rather than a sunbathing location. It offers gorgeous ocean views and skyline scenery.
Location: 1 Washington Avenue, Miami Beach, Florida
Bal Harbour Beach
Bal Harbour Beach is located within one of Miami’s premiere fashion and retail districts. The small area of public access beach is meticulously maintained to the high standards of the surrounding community in a one square mile area. In winter, Bal Harbour Beach invites guests to occasional ‘beach blanket movies’, for an unusual Oceanside cinema experience.
Location: 655 96th Street, Bal Harbour, Florida.
Hobie Beach/Windsurfer Beach
With a reputation for being a prominent windsurfing spot, Hobie Beach (commonly Windsurfer Beach) is tucked between Downtown Miami, Key Biscayne, and Brickell. Its location and free parking makes it easily accessible, but it still has an easy-going vibe. It’s also dog friendly, offering a shallow water shoreline perfect for a stroll with your pooch.
Location: South end, North side of Rickenbacker Causeway, Key Biscayne
Virgin Atlantic operates direct flights to Miami from London Heathrow daily, all year-round.
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