Travel After Covid-19: The Best Beaches Near Miami

Miami may be more than just jaw-dropping views of the Atlantic, but the city’s beaches are definitely one of its top draws. Dog beaches, nude beaches, prime surf spots and glitzy beachfront resorts: Florida’s coastal city really does offer something for everyone. These are the best beaches to visit in and around the Magic City as soon as lockdown lifts.

1. South Beach

Natural Feature

Lifeguard Tower of South Pointe Park on Miami South Beach, Florida.

The buzzing nightlife and white sand beaches of South Beach are synonymous with Miami. This iconic beach stretches from the southern tip of Miami Beach to 23rd Street, and is fringed with the top-end bars, Art Deco buildings and boutiques for which Ocean Drive is famous. After a day in the sea, sit at one of the many beachfront restaurants selling oversized margaritas, and gaze out at the sparkling waters until the sun goes down.

2. Sunny Isles Beach

Natural Feature

Once the go-to spot for older tourists, Sunny Isles Beach has recently seen a rise in the luxury condos that now line this two-mile stretch. The clean and uncrowded beaches here are an antidote to those who need a quieter vibe than South Beach provides. Grab a ball and make use of the volleyball nets, relax in one of 10 public parks in the area, or just lounge on a deckchair at one of the many upscale resorts.

3. Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park Beach

Park

Although located just minutes away from Miami Beach over the Key Biscayne bridge, Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park Beach has a completely different feel from other beaches in Miami. The beach is overlooked by one of the city’s oldest buildings – a historic lighthouse built in the 1820s. The waters here are tranquil, and a labyrinth of nature trails awaits those who want to spend the day hiking. After a day of activity, relax at one of the shaded picnic tables with a packed lunch, or head to the Boater’s Grill or the Lighthouse Café for some Cuban food.

5. Haulover Beach

Natural Feature

Forgotten your swimsuit? No problem. Haulover Beach, just North of Bal Harbour, is home to Miami’s only nudist beach. As Florida’s best-known nude beach, it regularly makes it onto roundups of the top nudist beaches in the world. If baring what your mama gave you doesn’t entice, Haulover Beach is also popular with surfers, and the oceanfront park nearby with outdoor grills is perfect for a picnic. This is also one of Miami’s best dog beaches, with plenty of places for your pup to run off leash.

6. Surfside

Natural Feature

Tucked away between North Beach and Bal Harbour, Surfside is a small beachside town with just 6,000 residents. This is a great beach for those looking to get away from the hectic shores of South Beach, for a more tranquil experience akin to being on a private beach. Surfside is especially popular with families and fitness enthusiasts, who come here to run or bike on the oceanfront paths. Other activities include paddle boarding and kite surfing.

7. Naples Beach

Natural Feature, Architectural Landmark

For those who want to drive away from Miami and explore the Western shores of Florida instead, Naples Beach is a breezy bet. A part of Florida’s Paradise Coast, which also includes Marco Island and the Everglades, Naples is home to some of the state’s most breathtaking natural beauty. Vanderbilt Beach is one of the most popular here: it’s open to the public, and offers direct access to the Gulf of Mexico. The host of amenities, including restrooms and showers and handicap access, make this a comfortable place to spend the day before hitting a north Naples restaurant for an evening of wine and seafood.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.