The best beaches outside of Miami

Florida is known for its beautiful beaches and tropical weather, but some stretches of sand are more popular than others. In our opinion, it’s worth making that little extra effort to find the perfect spot to soak up the Florida rays. You’ll find there’s an array of secluded beaches within an hour of Miami, from pure sunbathing territory to scuba diving destinations and wildlife sanctuaries.

Here are a few of our favourite secluded Florida beaches beyond the city centre.

Virginia Key Beach

Once only accessible by boat, Virginia Key Beach is located within the historic 82-acre Virginia Key. The restored beach was re-opened in 2008 and now offers paying guests ($8-$10 entry fee) canoe rentals, bike paths, and family friendly beachside activities.

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 Shore Open Space Park

Staying true to its name, North Shore Open Space 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

John Lloyd Beach State Park

For the adventurous at heart, John Lloyd Beach 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 ($2-$6 entry fee).

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 Point, this 17-arce 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 ‘beach blanket movies’, for an unusual Oceanside cinema experience.

Location: 655 96th Street, Bal Harbour, Florida.

Hobie Beach/Windsurfer Beach Causeway

With a reputation for being a prominent windsurfing spot, Hobie Beach/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

Written by Kristen Clark

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