North Beach

Stretching from about 63rd Street to 87th Street in Miami Beach, North Beach is primarily residential, remains relatively quiet during the week and fills with locals on warm weekend days. Enter the beach at 71st Street (public parking is across the street), grabbing sweet treats at Buenos Aires Bakery before you hit the sand.

Haulover Beach Park

Visitors to Haulover Beach Park can relax on a 1 1/2-mile swath of sand, enjoying family- and dog-friendly sections or — for more adventurous souls — the clothing-optional area. Lifeguards keep an eye on the water, and concessions (including beach chair and umbrella rentals) are available.

Surfside Beach

Luxury high-rises and a handful of high-end hotels line Surfside's wide, white-sand shores. The funky little town embodies Southern California cool — don't be surprised to see local teenagers toting surfboards down sidewalks to the beach. Relax on the sand, splash in the turquoise ocean, or take a stroll on the sandy, beachfront path.

Crandon Park

A frequent contender on lists of America's best beaches, idyllic Crandon Park lies on Key Biscayne. Flanked by shady palm trees rather than Miami's ubiquitous high-rises, the park's family-friendly beach has lifeguards and concessions, as well as rentals for kite-boarding and stand-up paddleboarding.

Oleta River State Park

Tucked along Biscayne Bay, Oleta ranks as Florida's largest urban park. In addition to bike trails, a mangrove preserve, and kayak and canoe rentals, visitors will find a 1,200-foot, sandy beach. No lifeguards are present, but the tranquil waterfront setting is a popular spot for swimming, as well as saltwater fishing and barbecues at nearby picnic pavilions.