MIAMI AREA BEACHES

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 87^th 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 10 am on weekends. Buses and taxis make frequent stops at the beaches.

Surfers prefer South Pointe Park (1 Washington Ave. at Biscayne St. in South Beach), with its wide beach, boardwalk, pier, marina, and restaurants. The main stretch of South Beach’s water and sand can be crowded with scantily-clad sunbathers and gays. Many families find more privacy at Third Street Beach (3^rd St. and Ocean Drive). North Shore Open Space Park (75^th to 87^th Sts.) has a boardwalk, pavilions, walking trails, a bike path, and places to fish.

To the north is Haulover Beach, located on Collins Avenue between Bal Harbour and Sunny Isles. Beach access is at 108^th St. Situated between the Atlantic Ocean and the Intracoastal Waterway, the beach has concession stands, lifeguards on duty, and shaded picnic areas among the landscaped dunes. Families enjoy the southern end of the beach park, while nudists claim the northern portion.

In Key Biscayne, the 410-acre Bill Braggs Cape Florida State Recreation Area (1200 S. Crandon Blvd.) is considered the area’s best picnic beach. Besides picnic areas, it boasts beautiful bicycle trails, fishing, and a picturesque lighthouse. A cafe serves seafood on the beachfront. The beach at Crandon Park (4000 Crandon Blvd.) in Key Biscayne ranks as one of the nation’s top 10, according to several surveys. It has a bird refuge, marina, and a beachfront playground featuring water-themed play objects.