{"id":203981,"date":"2026-03-24T14:42:09","date_gmt":"2026-03-24T14:42:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/203981\/"},"modified":"2026-03-24T14:42:09","modified_gmt":"2026-03-24T14:42:09","slug":"best-beaches-in-south-florida","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/203981\/","title":{"rendered":"Best Beaches in South Florida"},"content":{"rendered":"

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\n\t\t\t\t\t\tThe Cape Florida lighthouse is the most recognizable landmark at Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park.\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n

Photo by Michael DeAngelis<\/p>\n

When it comes to beaches, South Florida is an embarrassment of riches. From Miami to Hollywood, Fort Lauderdale, Deerfield, and beyond, there are plenty of places to show off a new bikini, sip a pi\u00f1a colada in peace, or venture out in the nude (yes, there\u2019s a place for that<\/a>). Just, please, for the love of God, wear some sunscreen so you don\u2019t end up looking like a tomato.<\/p>\n

In alphabetical order, here are the ten best beaches in a region known for having some of the most beautiful options in the world.<\/p>\n

Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park<\/p>\n

No skyscrapers. No traffic. Just pure, unfiltered nature here. This state park boasts one of the most unspoiled beaches in South Florida and beyond, complete with a historic lighthouse and gentle waves thanks to a reef just offshore. Pack a picnic, rent a bike, or climb the lighthouse for a killer panoramic view. And if you\u2019re lucky, you might even spot a manatee or dolphin playing in the distance. 1200 Crandon Blvd., Key Biscayne; 786-582-2673; floridastateparks.org<\/a>.\t\t\t<\/p>\n

Crandon Park<\/p>\n

This two-mile beach delivers gentle waters, picnic-perfect areas, and a unique offshore sandbar that\u2019s perfect for wading. Need a little more action? Try kiteboarding, rent a bike, or visit the nearby zoo ruins. It\u2019s the kind of beach where families, solo adventurers, and couples can all find their own slice of paradise. And with ample parking and rental options, spending the whole day here is a breeze. 6747 Crandon Blvd., Key Biscayne; 305-365-2320; miamidade.gov<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Deerfield Beach<\/p>\n

Award-winning sand? Check. Crystal-clear waters and top-tier lifeguards? Double-check. Deerfield Beach is famous for its Blue Wave designation, meaning it\u2019s as clean as it gets. Surf on the north side of the pier, hit the world-class volleyball courts, or just soak up the laid-back vibes. Bonus points if you stick around for an epic sunset, dine at the Whale\u2019s Rib, and party with locals at Kahuna Bar & Grill. 200 NE 21st Ave., Deerfield Beach; 954-480-4200; deerfield-beach.com<\/a>.\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n

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Fort Lauderdale Beach gives you access to some of the best waterfront bars and restaurants in South Florida.<\/p>\n

Fort Lauderdale Beach<\/p>\n

Less hectic than many of its Miami counterparts but just as stunning, Fort Lauderdale Beach is where white sand meets endless fun. Volleyball courts, full basketball courts, and on-beach grills mean there\u2019s always something to do. After catching some sun, hit the beachside bars, like the iconic Elbo Room and Blondie\u2019s, for a perfect apr\u00e8s-sea experience. The area is also home to some of the best waterfront dining in South Florida \u2013 Vitolo, Casablanca, and Takato are all beachside musts. 1100 Seabreeze Blvd., Fort Lauderdale; 954-828-7275; fortlauderdale.gov<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Haulover Beach<\/p>\n

Want to tan without tan lines? Haulover Beach is famous for its clothing-optional section, one of the best in the Sunshine State. But even if you\u2019re keeping your swimsuit on, this beach has a lot to offer \u2013 great waves, scenic picnic spots, and even a dog-friendly area. Just keep your camera in your bag in the no-clothes zone. And if you\u2019re into kitesurfing, Haulover is one of the best spots in Miami to catch some serious air. 10800 Collins Ave., Miami Beach; 305-947-3525; miamidade.gov<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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Take it all off or keep it all on at Haulover.<\/p>\n

Photo by Armando Rodriguez<\/p>\n

Hollywood Beach<\/p>\n

The Hollywood Beach Broadwalk is the stuff of legend \u2013 2.5 miles of oceanfront strolling lined with funky bars (Nick\u2019s Bar & Grill is a generational favorite), bike rentals, and occasional street performers. If you like your beach with a side of retro charm, this is the place. Most days, you can stick around for live music at the outdoor Hollywood Beach Theatre or rent a paddleboard and hit the waves. And if you\u2019re feeling extra adventurous, you can even book a parasailing trip for a bird\u2019s-eye view of the coast. 101 S. Broadwalk, Hollywood; 954-921-3404; hollywoodfl.org<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Lauderdale-by-the-Sea<\/p>\n

A small-town beach with big-time charm, Lauderdale-by-the-Sea is a haven for snorkelers and divers, with reefs just 100 yards offshore. The town itself is ultra-walkable, packed with quaint cafes, beachside Adirondack chairs, and live music. Grab a bite at Anglin\u2019s Square (Aruba Beach Caf\u00e9 is right there, overlooking the ocean) and watch the world drift by. And don\u2019t forget to take a walk on the fishing pier for one of the best sunset views in the area. 4501 N. Ocean Dr., Lauderdale-by-the-Sea; 954-640-4200; lbts-fl.gov<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Mid-Beach<\/p>\n

Caught between the sizzle of South Beach and the chill of North Beach, Mid Beach delivers the best of all worlds. Swanky hotels from the Fontainebleau to Soho Beach House, trendy restaurants, and a laid-back vibe make it a must for those who want a little style with their sand. Here, you can take a stroll on the beachwalk, hit up a rooftop bar, or just post up and enjoy the view. It\u2019s the kind of stretch where you can start your day with yoga on the sand and end it with a late-night cocktail by the water. Between 24th and 60th St., Miami Beach; 305-673-7730; miamibeachfl.gov<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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You might recognize the colorful lifeguard stands of South Beach.<\/p>\n

South Beach<\/p>\n

The legend. The icon. The reason your out-of-town friends crash on your couch. South Beach is equal parts Art Deco fantasy, nightlife hotspot, and postcard-perfect paradise. Expect bronzed bodies, volleyball showdowns, and the chance to spot a celebrity behind oversized sunglasses. If you need a break from the sun, the area\u2019s restaurants and bars (Mango\u2019s, Ted\u2019s Hideaway, Nikki Beach) offer some of the best people-watching in the entire country. Ocean Dr., Miami Beach; 305-673-7730; miamibeachfl.gov<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Sunny Isles Beach<\/p>\n

If your idea of paradise includes sparkling white sand and water so clear you can see your toes, Sunny Isles might be the perfect beach for you. Stretching for two miles, this is a great spot for sunbathers, snorkelers, and anglers trying their luck at the Newport Fishing Pier. And if you\u2019re into watersports, from jet skiing to paddleboarding, there\u2019s no shortage of ways to make a splash. Beyond the beach, Sunny Isles also boasts some of the region\u2019s most luxurious high-rise hotels (e.g., the five-star Acqualina Resort), offering an unbeatable blend of relaxation and indulgence. 17395 Collins Ave., Sunny Isles Beach; 305-792-1706; sibfl.net<\/a>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"The Cape Florida lighthouse is the most recognizable landmark at Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park. Photo by…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":203982,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[17],"tags":[249,251,250],"class_list":["post-203981","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-fort-lauderdale","tag-fort-lauderdale","tag-fort-lauderdale-headlines","tag-fort-lauderdale-news"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/203981","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=203981"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/203981\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/203982"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=203981"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=203981"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=203981"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}