Top Beach Destinations in South Florida

For people who live in Miami, FL Miami Beach often seems like the only beach destination in South Florida, but in fact there are many hidden jewels through out Dade County. In South Miami, Matheson Hammock Park Beach features an enclosed man-made lagoon. This lagoon is naturally flushed by the tidal action of the Biscayne Bay. The beach is surrounded by the bay's warm, calm waters and a backdrop of tropical hardwood forest; it is the ideal location for a tranquil afternoon. Futhermore, the view from the park is breathtaking. Also it has very nice bike trails for an afternoon of fun and adventure.

A few hours away, heading towards Key West, you can find Bahia Honda. The beach at Bahia Honda State Park (in Bahia Honda Key) is one of the most beautiful parks in Florida. It is definitely on of South Florida's hidden jewels. Located amidst 635 acres of nature trails and even a portion of Henry Flagler's railroad, you can spend endless hours enjoying outdoor sports, or just relaxing in the sun.

Hobie Beach in Key Biscayne is the local hot spot for watersports. Facing the Biscayne Bay, Hobbie offers some of the most breathtaking views of downtown skyline Miami has to offer. On the south side of Key Biscayne's Rickenbacker Causeway, is one of the most popular beaches for watersport enthusiasts, featuring jet-ski, sailboat, windsurfing, and sailboard rentals. And if sun bathing is not your thing, the shade from the Australian pines that dot the coastline offer a delightful atmosphere for kicking back and enjoying the outdoors.

Right down the winding Key Biscayne road, you can find the perfect beach for seclusion. Virginia Key on Key Biscayne, is where people go purposely not to be found. If you just need to get away from it all, this is the place to go.

If you continue down to the end of the Key, you will find Miami's Crandon Beach. It is an extremely popular for families with kids because of the shallow water created by a neighboring sandbar. This a great spot for a family reunion, or just a fun filled day with the whole family. It has Convenient parking (but you have to pay to access this beach), picnic areas, boardwalk, bike trails, and various tikki huts to post up and relax.

Of course, Miami has not become what it is today without the infamous South Beach. And where else can you go and people watch but Lummus Park Beach. Recently renovated, Lummus Park is world renowned, not necessarily for its pristine sands, but for its party atmosphere and South Beach attitude Seeing, being seen, and sometimes obscene, are part of any beach adventure, right along with the sunscreen and beach towels. Right down a few block from Lummus Park you can find the gay/lesbian beach. 12th Street Beach is the beach of choice for gay residents and travelers. Colorful rainbow flags flow majestically in the South Beach sky designating the most ambient and vibrant part of the beach. This beach is the venue for some of the liveliest parties South Beach has ever seen. And honestly, the best part of this beach are the endless drink specials along Ocean Drive; it is always happy hour.

Fort Lauderdale Beach is the home of many Spring Break buff beach bums. The heavily populated portion of beach can get crowded, so you should arrive early in the day. MacArthur Beach in West Palm Beach, is considered to be the most natural park in South Florida. Comprised of enjoyable stretch of beach set against a lush background off foliage; it is home to one of the most high tech nature centers.