South Beach is Miami’s most famous beach. Walk around to see art deco buildings surrounded by modern bars and restaurants, and the famed pastel-colored lifeguard stations. Because this is where most tourists stay to play, many Miami beach guides for solo travelers also recommend it as a good spot to meet people.

Boasting a place on the National Register of Historic Places, Historic Virginia Key Beach Park was once one of the few places in the area that welcomed Black swimmers. Today, it’s one of the best beaches in Miami for families. Extending for a mile, the beach is calm and quiet, and you’ll find coastal trails, a playground, and an antique carousel that operates on weekends and holidays.

Claiming the (unofficial) title as the first beach club in Miami, Nikki Beach Miami Beach offers daybeds, food, drinks, and music for crowds that love to day dance or pregame before the clubs open. Plan to dress to impress so you can keep the party going at any easily walkable clubs nearby. This spot is ideal for travelers who love fashionable crowds set against the backdrop of some of Miami's best sand.

Away from the city proper, Homestead Bayfront Park is small, calm, and shallow. It's also the closest beach to Biscayne National Park, a gorgeous natural treasure that is 95 percent underwater. The beach has a restaurant that’s perfect for fueling up before an exciting diving tour in the national park. Otherwise, visit shipwrecks, look for dolphins, manatees, and sea turtles while snorkeling.

A hub for the rich and famous, Miami Beach has many destinations for luxury travelers, but few are on par with Bal Harbour. This posh neighborhood is located in the north of the city and has some of the area’s best hotels, including the St. Regis Bal Harbour Resort. Shop for designer brands or enjoy fine dining at restaurants like Makoto, helmed by Iron Chef Makoto Okuwa. While the area is exclusive, and the unspoken dress code is understated elegance, the beach is free and open to the public.

Contrary to popular belief, quiet beaches in Miami do exist, and perhaps none are as pleasant as Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park. Surrounded by wild sand dunes, this natural beach is known for its 1825 lighthouse, the oldest structure in the county. The park has picnic tables, hiking and biking trails, and two restaurants. Take pictures with the beautiful lighthouse, look for small animals in the mangroves, and dine on fresh seafood. It’s the perfect spot for a date.

Located in Sunny Isles, Haulover Beach provides an opportunity to bump shoulders with mostly locals. This laid-back spot is unique, as it has the only naturist beach in the area. If you prefer covering up to clothing-optional, simply avoid the nudist part and enjoy the rest of the beach’s long stretch of sand. The Haulover Sandbar attracts boats and party cruises, while the nearby islets make this another great Miami beach for snorkeling tours.

Another ideal spot in the northern part of the city, Oleta River State Park is a great Miami beach for water sports. People come here primarily to rent kayaks and canoes. Other popular activities include standup paddleboarding (SUP) and trying your luck at fishing. As you loop through the water trail, you’ll pass by a sandy beach where you can leave your kayak and go for a swim. Watch out for the numerous species of birds that pass by Florida’s largest urban park.

A true hidden beach in Miami, Crandon Park Beach is small, quiet, and relatively wild. Many people—most of them locals—come to enjoy the lagoon-style beach, picnic areas, and tennis courts. But those who go off the beaten path can find mangroves, small forests, and an educational nature center. Get close to wildlife as you look for green herons, hawks, parrots, and even the occasional woodpecker. On the hiking trails, you may run into bats, tree frogs, otters, lizards, and white-tailed deer.