There's a time for the bustling, energetic life of beaches full of people. Nothing beats the vibe of South Beach for live music, community games of beach volleyball or raucous partying. But sometimes you just want to enjoy life at the edge of the ocean without the crowds. If that's you, we've got you covered with a guide to the eight least crowded beaches in Miami (yes, they do exist!)
You might have to venture a little off the beaten path, but once you've found one of the top Miami unknown beaches, you'll be well on your way to enjoying serenity by the ocean. So settle in and plan your rest with some much-needed peace, quiet and (fingers crossed.) generous stretches of unoccupied sand.
1. Bal Harbour Beach
- Location: Eastern coast of Bal Harbour, stretching from Bal Harbour Pier on the north down to 96th Street
- Facilities: drinking fountain, trash cans
- Known for: calm water, snorkeling, walking/running
- Parking: pay by phone, public parking at the beach's northern end
Bal Harbour is an upscale neighborhood and resort area just off the coast of Miami proper and Bal Harbour Beach tops the list of Miami's least crowded beaches. It's known for crystal-clear water, pristine white sand and quiet atmosphere. Flanked by the Ritz-Carlton Bal Harbour at the north and the St. Regis Bal Harbour Resort at the southern end, this beach has a safe, high-end feel. And although you won't find restrooms or showers on this stretch of sand, the natural beauty, cleanliness and solitude more than make up for it.
2. North Shore Beach
- Location: Beach fronting North Beach Oceanside Park in Miami's surfside neighborhood
- Facilities: lifeguard tower, walking/biking path, BBQ grills
- Known for: walking distance to restaurants and juice bars, clear water, family-friendly
- Parking: street and lot parking (both paid) at North Beach Oceanside Park
North Shore Beach Park has a lot to offer those who want a relaxing beach day. It runs the length of sand directly beside North Beach Oceanside Park, a well-appointed park complete with BBQ grills, restrooms and a playground. You'll also find plenty of food trucks and hole-in-the-wall eateries within easy walking distance. The beach itself is typically very quiet and calm--and not anywhere near as crowded as the beaches down toward South Beach. The atmosphere is family friendly, the water is usually quite calm and you might find yourself spending the entire day here to take in the atmosphere. If you want to be near the restrooms, aim for the southern end of the beach park.
3. Matheson Hammock Park & Marina
- Location: 9610 Old Cutler Rd, Coral Gables, FL 33156
- Facilities: restrooms, outdoor showers, changing rooms, kayak rentals
- Known for: calm, protected waters; boat ramp; beautiful landscaping
- Parking: paid lot parking
Matheson Hammock Park & Marina is a state park, so there are some regulations here you won't find at other beaches; no ball throwing, for one. But it is among the quietest, easiest beach stops, particularly for families with young children or those who aren't overly confident swimmers. You'll find kayaks and SUPs to rent, an on-site restaurant serving up mouthwatering coastal fare and a clean, manicured environment that invites you to settle in and stay awhile. Palm trees aplenty provide plenty of opportunities to snap up a hammock (thus the name). The man-made saltwater pond area couldn't be calmer. It's hard to go wrong with this beach, which is located just minutes from the Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden in Coral Gables--about 10 minutes south of downtown Miami.
4. Historic Virginia Key Beach Park
- Location: 4020 Virginia Beach Dr, Miami, FL 33149
- Facilities: boardwalk, hiking trails, picnic areas, concession stand, BBQs, restrooms, lifeguards
- Known for: calm waters, family-friendly, historic interest, well-landscaped
- Parking: lots on-site; paid parking on weekends and holidays
Located on Miami's Virginia Key, Historic Virginia Key Beach Park is a well-maintained park offering plenty of space to walk, explore, or spread out on the sand. Unless it's a holiday or an event weekend, this park usually isn't very busy at all. Expect to pay a vehicle entry fee if you're heading there Friday-Sunday or on a holiday. There are a few mountain bike and hiking trails in the park, as well, along with opportunities to rent a kayak and spend some time out on the water. The park even offers free eco-history tours twice a day on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays; that short tour is well worth the time if it fits your schedule. No pets, alcohol, or glass containers are allowed, so keep that in mind as you plan your visit.
5. Hobie Island Beach Park
- Location: Just off the Old Rickenbecker Causeway west of Miami Seaquarium
- Facilities: dog park, watersport rentals, food trucks, restrooms
- Known for: windsurfing, shallow water, sunset views, lower crowds
- Parking: free parking (fills up fast)
Often known as Windsurfer Beach, Hobie Island Beach Park has everything except ample parking. This calm, uncrowded beach is a favorite among locals, so you might want to head there first thing if you want to be sure to snag a parking spot. If you do, it's hard to beat the serenity you'll find here. The water stays shallow for a good distance out from shore and it's calm year-round. You'll find food trucks and restaurants nearby, along with kayak and SUP rentals if you want to venture a little further out. The beach is pet-friendly, so feel free to bring your pooch along for the day.
6. Crandon Park Beach
- Location: 6747 Crandon Blvd, Key Biscayne, FL 33149
- Facilities: restrooms, picnic tables, biking and walking paths, watersport rentals, carousel, roller rink, snorkeling, concessions nearby
- Known for: family fun; proximity to large urban park; Nature Center; snorkeling; bird watching; calm waters
- Parking: paid parking
Crandon Park and the adjoining beach could be an all-day adventure in itself. Crandon Park spans 808 acres--most of Key Biscayne. It's a gorgeous place to spend the day, whether you want to enjoy a scenic stroll with a cup of coffee or just head straight to the beach to soak up the sun. The park itself has a carousel and an old-school outdoor roller rink, along with a coffee shop and multiple concession vendors. You'll also find plenty of biking and walking paths. The beach itself is clean, dotted with palm trees and graced by gentle breezes almost all the time. Expect to find plenty of space to spread out in peace; the sheer amount of space here ensures you won't feel crowded.
7. Haulover Beach Park
- Location: 10800 Collins Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33154
- Facilities: dog park, picnic tables, skateboarding area, food trucks
- Known for: calm, untouched beach area; quiet; clothing-optional section
Haulover Beach is a narrow strip of beach with a road running through it. Settle in here and you'll be surrounded by the ocean, with very little noise pollution and a calm, relaxed atmosphere. Though Haulover Beach is well known for its clothing-optional section, that part of the beach is clearly marked and easily avoided if desired. The beach itself doesn't offer as many amenities as some, but it's worth it for the quiet if all you want is a relaxed beach day. Haulover Sandbar is a much-overlooked feature of this stretch of beach; depending on when you visit, you'll see floating food trucks out on the water near the sandbar.
8. Oleta River State Park
- Location: 3400 NE 163rd St, North Miami Beach, FL 33160
- Facilities: kayak and SUP rentals; hiking/biking trails; BBQ grills; bike rental; Restrooms; restaurant; playground; wheelchairs available
- Known For: expansive trails; calm, clear water; family-friendly
Oleta River State Park has it all: paddling and kayaking on the inland river, gorgeous white sand, restrooms and an on-site restaurant. The entire park spans over 1,000 acres, so you're sure to find a quiet nook. If you're lucky, you might even spot dolphins and manatees in the clear waters just off the coast. Oleta State River Park is known for its expansive facilities. This is a great place to take young children and/or the mobility impaired. Wheelchairs are available for those who need them, while paved walks and an expansive playground. Admission is about $6 to cover all the amenities offered.
These are just a few of Miami's least crowded beaches for a day out in nature. Don't have a full day? Plan a quick stop for an hour or two either before or after your other activities. You won't regret taking the time to breathe the sea air, reset and enjoy the natural beauty that Miami's beaches have to offer.
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