17 of the Best Secluded & Quiet Beaches in Miami
With all the beaches in Miami, it may seem impossible to find one that isn’t packed with people or tourists.
But just because a beach is popular doesn’t mean it’s the best one; there are plenty of hidden gems around the area that few people know about.
Time to get away from the loud music, traffic and crowds of the party beaches of South Beach!
To help you plan your next beach day, escape the chaos of the city and check out this curated guide to the best quiet beaches in Miami.
1. Sunny Isles Beach
The uncrowded and Atlantic-warmed Sunny Isles Beach has long since extended to include the community.
Opulent condos and 700 feet-long Newport Fishing Pier is part of the two-mile stretch.
Samson Oceanfront Park sits by the water to host concerts and family-friendly events, with public restrooms and shaded picnic areas for convenience.
Despite its facilities and proximity to upscale resorts and restaurants, Sunny Isles Beach remains one of Miami’s quiet beaches.
Take the kids out for a paddle or chase after pelicans. With the Atlantic to the east and Intracoastal Waterway on the flip side, there’s no end to views.
2. Bal Harbour Beach
While Miami Beach entertains rowdy bunches, its northern tip hosts a quiet beach in Miami.
Close to luxury shops and resorts, Bal Harbour Beach is easy to access but does away with the crowds.
This is partly due to few parking areas, but anyone living along the hotel row could just walk the distance.
Enjoy picturesque views that run from Haulover Inlet to Biscayne Bay; Haulover Beach is just across a bridge.
Most visitors lounge on the pristine sand, though the surfside walking and biking path is perfect for active people. There are also showers at the exit points so you can rinse off.
3. Haulover Beach Park
Speaking of quiet beaches in Miami, Haulover Beach Park fits the bill perfectly.
With a single main road, no buildings and surrounded by ocean on all sides, it’s protected by natural noise barriers.
This private setting allows for a nude section on the north end – you can’t miss it.
The rest of the beach is clean and fitted with life guard stations, as well as roadside bathrooms by the car parks.
Oh, and it is home to one of Miami’s best kept-secrets: Haulover Sandbar.
Look out for the floating food trucks and friendly people along the greener edge of Haulover Beach Park. Coolest hangout ever.
4. Crandon Park
Just off mainland Miami via the Rickenbacker Causeway, Crandon Park is 808-acres of eco-adventures.
The barrier island on Biscayne Bay may be known for its mangrove reefs and protected wetlands, but the regular passerby can fall in love with the beach alone.
The waterfront promenade is dotted with concessions stands, while beach cabanas and palm-shaded spots are first come, first serve along the two-mile beach.
Pick a quiet spot to sunbathe or hang your hammock. Windsurfers and other water enthusiasts take to the water in colorful clusters.
5. Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park
Just minutes from downtown is one of the most breathtaking, quiet beaches in Miami.
At Bill Baggs Cape, it’s not quiet in the sense that there are no crowds at all, but everyone can claim their corner.
You’ll find mostly families indulging in tamer activities like shell hunting and building sandcastles. The super calm water is great for splashing about as well.
A relaxing alternative to Miami’s more popular beaches, this state park also offers occasional wildlife spotting, like iguanas and manatees.
To make it even more scenic, there’s a lighthouse that acts as backdrop for photo ops and art jams.
6. North Beach Miami
A wide fringe of sand characterizes Miami’s North Beach neighbourhood. It’s thankfully less populated than South Beach, yielding turquoise waters and blue skies without the noise.
Still, you get the convenience of bakeries and eateries just minutes’ walk away.
Families make use of the volleyball courts and kid-climbing spaces – messes are okay since showers are available!
You could also whoop into the ocean as kayaks, paddleboards and windsurfing rentals are scattered around.
Smash your phone if you have to; wake up early to catch the sunrise here. It’s unreal.
7. North Shore Open Space Park
Miami’s North Beach blends into North Shore Open Space Park seamlessly, creating the illusion of an even wider beach span.
You’ll be dazzled by the soft, white, and clean sand. More importantly, there’s enough space to spread and roll without hitting your neighbor!
Rest at the lovely trove of trees and lawn, or play a few rounds of volleyball at the courts near the road.
Lifeguard stations are manned so you can leave behind your rented umbrellas and chairs for a cooling frolic.
There are also public restrooms for cleaning up, plus cheap parking across the asphalt.
8. Virginia Key Beach Park
Again, leave downtown Miami behind for bordering islands along the Rickenbacker Causeway.
Virginia Key Beach Park rivals Crandon Park – a fellow barrier island with wetlands, picnic pavilions and a random, historic bathhouse.
Virginia Beach is secluded and typically, empty of people. The lack of waves and pleasantly warm water make it a great kayaking and swimming spot.
It’s also pretty shallow, allowing kids and elderly to enter with little risk. There may be bugs however, so bring bug spray just in case.
9. Matheson Hammock Park
For peace and quiet in South Miami, stop by Matheson Hammock Park. The secluded park comes with all your comfort needs: a restaurant, bathrooms, and easy parking.
The highlight is no doubt the atoll pool – lifeguards on duty mean double the safety too.
Kids and new swimmers will appreciate the sheltered shallows, while others lay back to enjoy the breezes that come through.
It’s also a popular spot for kiteboarders who are wary of being out in open water. Definitely bring a camera along as you get spectacular views of Miami and Biscayne Bay.
10. Hobie Island Beach Park
Hobie Island Beach Park, or Windsurfer Beach, is another Miami beach just off the Rickenbacker Causeway.
Reaping all those Key Biscayne views and winds, it’s truly ideal windsurfing grounds.
Its nickname was painstakingly earned, having hosted a windsurfing rental concession for over two decades.
It’s also stomping grounds for many a doggie. Miami locals bring their furry pals here for a walk or paddle, as the shallow waters make it easy for two and four-legged wading.
If you simply want to chill, amazing skyline views are guaranteed.
11. Oleta State River Park
There’s no way you won’t find a quiet corner in a 1,043-acre state park, whether along a mangrove paddle route or 15 miles of off-road cycling trails.
Or maybe you prefer the beach and its Biscayne Bay sights, and the thought of rough housing on sand.
Either way, sweat under the Florida sun before rinsing off at the shower stations.
Other amenities include beach wheelchairs, grills, a fishing pier, picnic pavilions and even cabins for overnight stays.
Lucky ones may even spot manatees and dolphins. Those based in North Miami won’t want to miss out on Oleta State River Park.
Quiet Beaches in Greater Miami
Your quest for quiet beaches in Miami may take out of the city and towards the Greater Miami sisterhood.
Your ideal Miami beach may be as close as 40 minutes, or as far as 2 hours’ drive away.
12. Hollywood North Beach Park
From waterway fishing piers to sea turtle exhibits, the 56-acre Hollywood North Beach Park sets out to keep you, well, out.
Hemmed in by Stranahan River and the ocean on either edge, it’s a relaxing nature-filled space to relax at.
Directly in front of the park is Keating Beach, a sandy strip with nearby parking for easy access.
Sparse palms sit close to the road, but for most part, it’s just open skies and sea.
Best of all, few visitors come here – it’s as if you have the whole place to yourself bar the life guard.
13. Oceanfront Park Beach
Oceanfront Park Beach is close to Boynton Beach’s thrumming center, but off the mainland for just the right amount of isolation.
Clean and well-equipped, it’s great for R&R with the family or by your lonesome.
Amenities include a picnic area, lounge chair and umbrella rental, food concession and bathroom facilities. Seasonal life guards guarantee your safety if you’re hoping for a dip.
You do need to drive here; the beach accommodates with plenty of parking. Head back down Ocean Avenue for a selection of restaurants.
14. Bahia Honda
If you’re looking for a day trip from Miami, Bahia Honda definitely represents ‘quiet beaches’ in Florida.
Shallow waters, clean restrooms-showers, equipment rentals and snorkel-friendly beaches, Bahia Honda is a great weekend getaway.
The state park offers three natural, sandy beaches:
Scenic Calusa Beach – Old Bahia Honda Bridge makes for a cool backdrop, but you’re likely there for the small sandy cropping. While it fills up on sunnier weekends, weekdays are quiet.
Loggerhead Beach – Facing the Atlantic Ocean, this west end beach comes with a large sand bar a few swim strokes away.
Sandspur Beach – Narrow and nearly a mile long, this is your best bet for crowd-less hang outs. There are restrooms near the parking areas, as well as a covered pavilion.
15. John D. MacArthur Beach State Park
West Palm Beach covets a surprisingly undeveloped slice of paradise.
Florida’s beach towns veer towards commercialization but John D. MacArthur Beach State Park resists the tourism allure to keep its OG state of beauty.
Stroll through the tranquil landscape that’s edged with local flora and fauna. These lead you to the sand strip where swimming is welcome, though there are no lifeguards.
Others take advantage of the quiet for fishing expeditions, or simply taking sunset walks with the family. The boardwalk makes it easy for kids to totter along, so don’t leave them behind!
16. Municipal Beach
To sit and be at peace is to sit at West Palm Beach’s Municipal Beach. It’s narrow and long. It’s quiet. It’s empty of people.
Listen to the waves crash. Roll up your pants and wade into the shallows.
Worth Avenue Clock Tower makes a nifty landmark and further adds to the mysterious, Mediterranean-lost-island kind of vibe.
Unfortunately, there isn’t a rinsing station or bathroom, but you can park right up to beachside.
Worth Avenue is also a block down and well worth exploring – boutique shops, restaurants and pretty alleyways transport you to Europe.
17. Dania Beach
If you can’t find Dania Beach at first go, look for Dania Fishing Pier. The small-town beach is secreted between gentle dunes and the Atlantic, with smatterings of palms and lush greens.
Untouched, the golden sand sees very few visitors – great news if you don’t like company. There isn’t much to do here except beachcombing and fishing.
You may attempt your own fresh catches and savor them at the pier restaurant; maybe just lay down a picnic mat and enjoy the peace.
It’s not too far from Fort Lauderdale if you want some city exploration.
