Dealing with the crowds on Miami Beach
Where to go to the Beach in Miami
You are spoiled for choice of beaches in the Miami area. However, while there is beach front all the way along Miami Beach (with that name who knew) much of it is inaccessible as access is restricted to Condo owners or hotel guests so it is worth setting out with some kind of plan.
In South Beach Lummus Park Beach is the epicentre of the beach scene. There is a lifeguard here and there is a loo block although it is often quite dirty. You can hire chairs / loungers / umbrellas etc from concession stands. If it a great spot as not only do you have the beach and the ocean, both of which are pretty nice, there is all the life of South Beach around you so it is a great place to observe the human zoo. There is often beach volleyball, we have seen several fashion shoots on the beach and there are always people whose sole purpose in life seems to be to have other people look at them. I have never managed to read a book whilst sitting on Lummus Park Beach but then I am quite nosy.
Approximately six miles north of Lummus Park is North Shore Open Space Park. This is another beautiful beach, quieter that Lummus Park with lots of open green space. There are shops and restaurants nearby as well as several hotels and the beach has lifeguards and loos although again the cleanliness of the latter might be problematic.
North of this is Haulover Beach which is clothing optional so if you don’t want tan lines this is the place to come. It is also popular with surfers.
Florida sunset
If you travel south there are two great beaches on Key Biscayne. Crandon Park Beach has all manner of amenity so it is perfect for active families. Although it gets very busy, especially at weekends it is huge so if you don’t mind walking a little way from the parking area you can find some peace. Once a parking spot (costs $5) is bagged I quite like a busy beach as there is always something going on – I did admit to being nosy – but if you prefer things quieter then drive further on, past the shopping center and you will come to Bill Baggs Cape. This is a beautiful place with nature trails and a lighthouse and you will be able to find a patch of sand to call your own should you wish to. There is an $8 per car entrance fee but it is well worth it. Also, apparently it is very romantic at sunset. Ahhhh.
Finally, the best beach for swimming with young children is Matheson Hammock. This is back on the mainland further south still, about 16 miles south of Lummus Park and approximately a 30 minute drive. There is a fee of $5 per car on weekdays and $8 at weekends. Again, the fee is well worth spending. The lagoon makes the swimming especially safe here. There are lifeguards, walking trails, relatively clean loos and a great view of the bay. It is also quite a tranquil spot which can be a pleasant change after a few days in South Beach.