The City of Miami known as the “Magic City” is located in Southeast Florida, in Miami-Dade County on the Miami River, between the Florida Everglades and the Atlantic Ocean.

With 15 miles of white-sand beaches and a tropical climate, almost any day of the year is a great day for the beach in Miami.  On Miami Beach a 300-foot-wide palm-studded shoreline extends from South Pointe Park north to 87th Street.  The entire beach is open to the public and staffed by lifeguards during daylight hours in selected areas.  Amenities include restrooms, outdoor showers, public parking lots, and metered parking.  Lots are usually full by 10am on weekends.  Buses and taxis make frequent stops at the beaches.

Matheson Hammock Park Beach: 9610 Old Cutler Road, Miami, Florida 33156 (tel. 305/665-5475) in South Miami combines a man-made lagoon that is flushed by the tidal action of Biscayne Bay. This miami beach is surrounded by the bay's quiet waters and hardwood forest.

The beach at Bahia Honda State Park: (tel. 305/872-2353) is another peaceful playa in Florida, located within the 635 acres of nature trails of a state park.

Hobie Beach: (tel. 305/361-2833), is one of the most popular Miami beaches for water sports enthusiasts, including jet skis, sailboats, windsurfing, and water sports rentals of all kinds.

Lummus Park Beach: (tel. 305/673-7714) is also known as South Beach. This is the South Florida beach scene closest to a club scene where seeing and being seen overshadows relaxation and swimming.

Fort Lauderdale Beach: (tel. 954/468-1597) is the Spring Break capital, with a nice mix of townie regulars.

MacArthur Beach: (tel. 561/624-6950) is widely considered to be the most beautiful nature park in Southern Florida. It boasts a lovely stretch of beach set against a diverse background of forest, and includes a nature center and sea turtle awareness program.

Haulover Beach: (tel. 305/944-3040) (the north end) located between the Intracoastal and the ocean. Bear in mind there is also a gay, nude beach there, as well as an area for nude beach volleyball.

Virginia Key: (tel. 305/361-2749), on Key Biscayne, a great place to disappear.

John U. Lloyd State Park: (tel. 954/923-6711) in Dania Beach remains intact with an untouched shoreline surrounded by a canopy of Australian pine to ensure your seclusion.

12th Street Beach: (tel. 305/673-7714) is the beach for gay residents and travelers. This beach is also the venue for some of the best parties South Beach has ever seen.

Crandon Beach: (tel. 305/361-5421) is great for families with kids because of the shallow water and sandbar. They also help out with convenient parking, picnic areas, a boardwalk, and a great mix of families picnicking and relaxing.

Crandon Park Beach: 4000 Crandon Boulevard, Key Biscayne, Florida 33149  305-361-7385 or 305-361-5421 is a great place to go to throw a party, picnic or barbecue. It has 3 miles of oceanfront beach, full bathroom facilities, changing areas, 493 acres of park, 75 grills, 3 parking lots, soccer and softball fields, and an 18-hole championship public golf course. Admission is $2 per vehicle. It's open daily from 8am to sunset.

The 85th Street Beach: is the best place to go for a swim but not feel too crowded. There are no condominium high rises or giant hotels. Lifeguards also patrol the area throughout the day and bathrooms are available.

Hobie Beach: although not really a beach has (mostly) predictable winds and a number of places where you can rent windsurfing equipment. Bathrooms are available.

Bal Harbour Beach: Collins Avenue at 96th Street is a great place for shell seekers, but don't look for other accommodations.

Haulover Park Beach: is a more open beach that lies between the Intracoastal Waterway and the Atlantic Ocean.  The beach is known as a surfing spot as well as for swimming.  Across from the beach is a marina, restaurant, tennis court and a 9 hole golf course. 10800 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach, Florida 33154  305-944-3040