Sun, Sand and Everything You Need Before You Go
The beaches on Miami Beach start at South Pointe Park and continue north to Surfside. Public parking lots across the street do fill up quickly.
There are 20 lifeguard stations from the southernmost point to 83rd Street.
From South Pointe to Surfside — What You Need to Know
The beach at Miami Beach is the star of stars. A long stretch of sand running the entire length of the island, ready to give you beautiful moments, sunsets, absolute relaxation. The sun — if you’re coming from Europe, remember that Miami’s sun is like a blazing torch and can cause serious skin damage. Always use protection.
The entire beach along Ocean Drive is freely accessible — except for the sections belonging to the respective hotels — and is frequented by families, residents, and visitors alike. Miami welcomes over 10 million tourists a year. There are 20 lifeguard stations from South Pointe to 83rd Street.
Beach Safety — Flags, Rules and Common Sense
The main rule is common sense. No topless along Ocean Drive. No swimming in the evening, not at midnight. Don’t swim near piers. Respect the flag system:
- Red — High hazard, strong currents
- Double Red — Water closed to the public
- Purple — Dangerous marine life
- Orange — High winds
If you get caught in a rip current, don’t panic. Swim parallel to the shoreline until you are out of its influence, then swim toward shore.
For Women Travelling Alone
Girls alone — position yourselves near the lifeguard stations. Nobody will bother you. In a group, move freely.
Please be considerate of those around you. If music is part of your life, headphones will make everyone happy. If you don’t have them, keep the volume appropriate — other people come to the beach to relax.
We have received reports of people being photographed without consent. If this happens, go directly to the lifeguard station and report it. This behaviour is not tolerated in Miami. Sometimes a pareo on the way to the beach bar saves you from unwanted attention. Walking around Miami Beach in a bikini is common — however, leave that to the girls who live here, know the area, and know how to handle themselves.
Topless Sunbathing
Topless sunbathing is permitted on the beaches from 5th to 21st Streets. For the full guide including Haulover Beach’s clothing-optional section, see our dedicated article: Miami Beach Clothing Optional — The Full Guide →
The Gay Beach — 12th Street
The gay community is warmly welcomed in Miami Beach — in fact it is one of the cities with the best integration. Gay visitors are friendly, fun and kind.
For those interested, there is a dedicated beach at 12th Street in South Beach — the Gay Beach, recognisable by its pastel rainbow lifeguard tower. If you are on holiday, Miami gives you the freedom to be yourself — it has made freedom its own identity.
In the evening stay cautious as you would anywhere — keep your drink in sight, avoid isolated areas and be careful with people you’ve just met.
On Ocean Drive there is a historic venue — News Café — where even Gianni Versace — from his amazing villa just steps away — went every morning for breakfast. At the back, where newspapers are sold, there is a space hosting the local gay press with sections dedicated to events and themed evenings. Please exercise maximum caution regarding any personal ads or encounter listings found there. We do not recommend them at all.
In this stretch of beach — roughly in front of Casa Casuarina — there are public restrooms, a tourist office and wheelchair access. Avoid topless here. It is not appropriate in this area.
Haulover Beach
North of Miami Beach, Haulover Beach at 10800 Collins Avenue has picnic facilities and lifeguards. The northern third of the beach is designated clothing-optional — signed area only. Gawkers are strongly discouraged.
Key Biscayne Beaches
Key Biscayne’s beaches rank among the nation’s finest, with relatively calm waters making them an excellent choice for families. Take the Rickenbacker Causeway from I-95. Hobie Beach along the causeway offers windsurfing and sailboard rentals. Further on, Crandon Park Beach offers two miles of beach with picnic facilities and volleyball. At the end of Crandon Boulevard, Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Recreation Area features beautiful beaches, a restored historic lighthouse, bicycle trails and fishing.
Sun Protection
South Florida’s sun is inviting but powerful. Always use a sunscreen that blocks both UVA and UVB. If you burn easily, use SPF 30 or higher. The sun is strongest between 10am and 3pm. Even on overcast days, UV rays reach you. When swimming, choose a waterproof sunscreen and reapply frequently. Children need higher SPF waterproof protection.
Getting Around and Parking
In Miami Beach, a car is more of a burden than an advantage. Street parking with pay-and-display can be a trap — you need to change the ticket every two hours, parking enforcement operates 24 hours a day, and getting a fine is almost inevitable.
Valet parking is available at hotels that offer it, and sometimes informally — they take your car and return it when needed. Always ask the price in advance. It is not cheap.
Free parking can be found on Ocean Drive between 1st and 5th Street, and along Collins Avenue in roughly the same area. Look for the signs — they are managed by attendants. Around Lincoln Road toward the Convention Center there are also options, sometimes with 24-hour flat rates. If you do the maths, leaving the car there for the day often works out better.
In general — don’t rent a car. Rent a bike if you really need to get around and you’ll be happier. Lock it to a post during the day, and bring it inside at night.
Enjoy Miami Beach!
