Renowned for its sunny weather and sandy beaches, Miami stands out as one of the most vibrant and picturesque cities on the Atlantic coast.
While Miami is often thought of as a wild spring break destination for college students, the city offers much more than that. With plenty of family-friendly attractions, including restaurants, shops, parks, zoos, and museums, Miami makes a wonderful family-friendly travel destination. Even with all this appeal, the real main attraction bringing families to Miami is – of course – the beautiful beaches!
As someone who is married to a native Miamian, our kids have vacationed there multiple times, if not dozens. After spending plenty of time at different Miami beaches, I can confidently say: that you and your little ones will absolutely love it!
In this post are my recommendations for the best beaches in Miami for families, from relaxing beaches to ones with lots of activities.
Don’t have time to read the whole post? Here are the top 3 kid-friendly beaches in Miami.
- Crandon Park Beach: Designed for families with close bathrooms, shelters, and even a carousel
- Lummus Park: Close to South Beach but with a family-friendly vibe, including a playground
- Surfside Beach: Beautiful, pristine-clean beach with a relaxed atmosphere
The 9 Best Beaches in Miami for Families
1. Crandon Park Beach
Crandon Park Beach is renowned for its soft, white sand and crystal-clear blue waters. Situated on Biscayne Bay just outside Miami, this beach is perfect for a family fun day. The surrounding palm trees only enhance the natural beauty of this stunning location.
Put your mind at ease because this is one of the best beaches in Miami for kids to go swimming. The water here is typically calm, warm, and shallow, which makes it much safer, even for your youngest ones.
You can typically rent beach chairs and cabanas here, as well as kayaks and paddle boards from the North Concession Stand. However, it may be a good idea to bring your own beach chairs as the prices can be a bit high.
This beach is also a hotspot for kitesurfing and windsurfing, offering rentals and even lessons for those looking to try out these exciting activities.
In addition to spending time at the beach, kids will enjoy visiting the Crandon Park Amusement Center. This fun area has a playground with marine-animal sculptures, a roller rink, and even a historic carousel open on the weekends.
There are also several other activities near Crandon Park Beach, including a golf course, tennis area, walking trails, and the Marjory Stoneman Douglas Biscayne Nature Center.
Why I recommend Crandon Park Beach for families:
- Beautiful atmosphere 🙌🏾
- Calm, shallow waters 🌊
- Soft, white sand 🏖️
- Plenty of family-friendly activities 👨👩👦👦
2. Lummus Park
Lummus Park is situated adjacent to the renowned Miami South Beach. Unlike the lively atmosphere of Miami South Beach, Lummus Park offers a more family-friendly environment, making it an ideal destination for a day out with your loved ones.
Not only does Lummus Park have sandy beach access, but it also has other family-friendly amenities such as a Tot Lot playground for kids ages 2-5 and a regular playground for kids ages 5 and up.
There are plenty of covered pavilions available, which are great for a lunchtime picnic. Additionally, you’ll find 3 different public restrooms, paved walking paths, and sand volleyball courts.
So, if you plan on heading over to Miami South Beach with the kids, make sure to check out Lummus Park!
Why I recommend Lummus Park for families:
- Tot Lot and playground 🏃🏽♂️
- Picnic areas with convenient public bathrooms 🧺
- Sandy beach access 🏖️
3. Surfside Beach
Surfside Beach stands out as a fantastic family-friendly spot in Miami, known for its pristine cleanliness and tranquil waters. Unlike the bustling Miami Beaches, Surfside offers a more laid-back, residential vibe, perfect for families.
Here, you’ll find ample open space to claim your spot on the sand, with a peaceful and relaxed atmosphere. It’s a top pick for families seeking a quieter beach experience away from the usual tourist throngs.
Just remember, there are no beach umbrella rentals or food carts, so make sure to bring along your own beach chairs and supplies for a perfect day by the water- unless you’re staying at one of the beautiful hotels along the beach.
Why I recommend Surfside Beach for families:
- Very clean beach 🏖️
- Quiet and calm 📖
- Less crowded with plenty of space to relax ⛱️
4. Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park
Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park is the perfect place to spend a beach day near Miami. The state park is located a short 15-minute drive from downtown Miami, on the southern tip of Key Biscayne. To access the state park, you can either use a Sun Pass or pay an $8 per vehicle entrance fee.
At this state park, you’ll find a mile-long stretch of sandy beach, perfect for swimming with little kids, sunbathing, and the likes. However, it is important to note that there aren’t any lifeguards on duty at this beach.
The Cape Florida Lighthouse is simply a must-see at Bill Baggs. This historic beacon was constructed in 1825 and stands as a testament to the region’s maritime history. Today, visitors can ascend the 109 steps of the lighthouse to reach its wrap-around balcony, where breathtaking panoramic views of the ocean await.
Besides relaxing on the beach, there are plenty of other activities available at the state park, including multiple kayak and canoe launch areas, fishing spots, and a 1.5-mile trail ideal for hiking, biking, or birdwatching. There are also 2 delicious restaurants on-site if you get hungry.
Why I recommend Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park for families:
- Family-friendly state park beach 👶🏾
- Historic lighthouse with panoramic views 👀
- Over a mile of sandy beach 🏖️
5. North Shore Park Beach
North Shore Park Beach is known for its family-friendly atmosphere and long stretch of sandy beach along the Atlantic Ocean. Pristinely clean sands, surrounded by crystal clear water make for the perfect beach day location!
If you want to escape the crowds, North Shore Park Beach is a great option as it is less well-known than some of the other beaches.
Adjacent to this sandy beach, you’ll find the North Beach Oceanside Park. With plenty of green space, shaded areas, playgrounds, and picnic spots, this will be the perfect escape for a quick lunch. There are also plenty of paved trails for walking or biking.
For those traveling with furry companions, North Shore Park Beach also has a Bark Beach dog park!
Why North Shore Park Beach is a family-friendly Miami Beach:
- Family-oriented 👶🏾
- Fewer crowds 🏖️
- Playground and picnic areas 🧺
- Dog park 🐕
6. Virginia Key Beach
Virginia Key Beach Park is situated on a barrier island near Key Biscayne, making it a haven for nature enthusiasts. The island boasts a variety of unique flowers and plants indigenous to the area.
Virginia Key is also home to one of South Florida’s largest mangrove wetlands, teeming with a diverse array of marine life, including sea turtles and manatees. Kayaking or paddle boarding through the mangroves is a popular activity here.
Families will also appreciate the beach at Virginia Key for its natural beauty and serene atmosphere. The beach area is equipped with barbecue grills and pavilions, perfect for a relaxing picnic or snack break.
Why I recommend Virginia Key Beach Park for families:
- Relaxing atmosphere 📖
- Beautiful, natural surroundings 🏖️
- Possibility of seeing Manatees or other marine life 🐬
- Great for kayaking or paddle boarding 🚣♀️
7. Hollywood Beach
Just north of Miami is Hollywood Beach, known for its “Old Florida” feel. Here you will find the Hollywood Beach Boardwalk, a 2.5-mile promenade lined with palm trees.
The boardwalk is a great area to explore, lined with cafes and restaurants, tiki bars, shops, and hotels. You will also find the popular Margaritaville Resort located along Hollywood Beach.
Hollywood Beach is a vibrant and lively destination suitable for visitors of all ages. However, it tends to be more crowded than some of the quieter local beaches, particularly on weekends.
The beach features a variety of kid-friendly activities, including a splash pad located at Charnow Park.
Why I recommend Hollywood Beach for families:
- Lively, fun area 🥏
- 2.5-mile promenade with shops and restaurants 🥘
- Kid-friendly activities like a splash pad 👨👩👦👦
8. Matheson Hammock Park
Matheson Hammock Park Beach is a distinctive feature of a 630-acre urban park in Coral Gables. Unlike typical beaches along the Atlantic Ocean, Matheson Hammock boasts a beach along an artificial atoll.
The beach at Matheson Hammock Park is sandy and the water is shallow. The artificial pool is naturally filled by the tides of Biscayne Bay, so you’ll still get to experience that warm salt water.
This beach is not just beautiful and relaxing; it’s also ideal for families with young children, as the water is much calmer than the ocean beaches.
The park also has a marina, snack bars, and a restaurant on-site. Entrance fees are $5 per car on weekdays and $7 on weekends.
Why Matheson Hammock Park is a family-friendly Miami Beach:
- Perfect beach for younger kids 👶🏾
- Safer, shallow waters 🌊
- More of a local beach, less crowded 🏖️
9. South Pointe Beach
On the southern tip of Miami Beach you’ll find the breathtaking South Pointe Beach. With its expansive sandy shores, South Pointe Pier, and South Pointe Park, this beach is a must-see!
South Pointe Beach features a surf club, so keep an eye out for surfers riding the waves. This area is also a hotspot for other water sports enthusiasts, with activities like jet skiing being popular here.
At the end of South Pointe Beach is the South Pointe Park Pier. This pier extends right into the ocean, making it an ideal spot for a walk to take in all the scenic ocean views. If you are lucky, you may see dolphins swimming near the pier. It’s also a hot spot for fishing and crabbing!
South Pointe Park is absolutely perfect for families, providing plenty of green space. One of the best kid-friendly activities at South Pointe Park is the splash pad, a fun place for kids to run around and cool off from the Miami sun.
Why I recommend South Pointe Beach for families:
- Surfing hotspot 🏄♀️
- South Pointe Pier for fishing, crabbing, or watching for dolphins 🦀
- Splash Pad at South Pointe Beach Park 💦
Where to Stay in Miami for Families
There are many different options for where to stay in Miami, and below are some highly-rated hotels that are perfect for a family vacation in Miami.
Budget-Friendly: MB Hotel
MB Hotel is located in the North Beach area, which is more relaxed and family-oriented. The hotel features direct access to the beach and an outdoor pool, making it the perfect affordable option for a beach vacation.
Mid-Range: Loews Miami Beach Hotel
Loews Miami Beach Hotel is located directly on the beach. It features modern rooms, an outdoor pool, a full-service spa, and 6 restaurants. With a fun kid’s club and an arcade room with plenty of games, this hotel is great for families & kids of all ages!
Luxury: The Ritz Carlton Key Biscayne, Miami
The Ritz Carlton Key Biscayne, Miami is a 5-star resort is located on Key Biscayne, on a beautiful sandy beach. This tropical haven offers tons of amenities and activities, from watersports to relaxing in a private cabana. Additionally, they have a kid’s pool, perfect for fun in the sun.
FAQ: Best Beaches in Miami for Families
Below are a few commonly asked questions and answers about planning a family trip to Miami’s beaches.
Miami Beach is a vast area comprising North, Middle, and South Beach. North Beach, in particular, is renowned for its family-friendly atmosphere, offering a more tranquil and less crowded environment. With an array of kid-friendly activities, North Beach is an ideal location for families looking to stay in Miami.
Yes, many Miami beaches are kid-friendly, making them perfect for relaxing family vacations. Several of these beaches offer activities specifically for kids, such as playgrounds, splash pads, and watersports.
While Miami South Beach is famous for having more of a party atmosphere, there are some great family-friendly spots along South Beach. Lummus Park offers fun playgrounds and picnic areas along the shores of South Beach. Additionally, South Pointe Park is a great kid-friendly area, complete with a splash pad and plenty of green space.
The Wrap-Up: Best Beaches in Miami for Families
Miami is simply the ideal beach getaway. I mean. you can’t go wrong with perpetual sunshine and some of America’s most breathtaking coastlines! With so many breathtaking beaches to choose from, you’re bound to find that perfect spot for you and your kids.
From the vibrant and energetic shores to the tranquil and secluded retreats, Miami’s beaches cater to every taste. Whether you crave the buzz of a bustling beach or the serenity of a quieter coastline, Miami Beaches promise an unforgettable experience for families.
