4 Surprisingly Quiet Beaches in Miami You Can Visit Now

Crowded beaches, unruly crowds and absolutely no parking. Unfortunately, these sites aren’t too uncommon on busy Miami beaches — especially during popular travel seasons and holidays. 

But this doesn’t have to be your reality. 

I’ve lived in Dade County for nearly a decade, and there are definitely quiet beaches in Miami where you can relax with your friends and family. While South Beach is definitely beautiful and worth visiting on your trip, it isn’t as quiet as the ones in North Beach, Key Biscayne and Virginia Key.

Top Quiet Beaches in Miami

1. North Shore Park Beach

Address: 8328 Collins Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33141

When I first moved to Miami, I spent a few years living in North Beach, and I always loved visiting North Shore Park Beach. It’s one of my favorite quiet beaches in Miami because it’s close to free trolley stops, so it’s easy to access, and there’s a lot of paid parking nearby if you drive in. You’ll know you’re here when you see the green North Beach Oceanside Park just off Collins Avenue. There are plenty of public restrooms, shelters and picnic areas throughout the park, if you plan on setting up here and having a nice lunch outside.

This stretch of sand on Miami Beach is pretty peaceful during weekdays and early mornings, but this is a true local’s park, so it can get more crowded during holidays and weekends when families come out to barbecue. 

Like a Local: There’s no parking in the park itself, so you’ll have to park on the west side of Collins and cross the street to access the beach. Make sure you pay the meter! 

2. Historic Virginia Key Beach Park

Address: 4020 Virginia Beach Drive, Miami, FL 33149

I first visited Virginia Key when some of my friends who were born and raised in Miami took me there. Since then, this has become one of my favorite secluded beaches in Miami. Located just off the Rickenbacker Causeway, Virginia Key isn’t a place most tourists end up in unless they’re intentionally looking for it. 

This beach has plenty of nature trails, kayaking launch points, picnic areas and kid-friendly play places, plus tons of space where you can lay out and enjoy the gorgeous Florida weather. And even if you don’t come here for the beach, visiting is one of the best outdoor things to do in Miami. Decades ago, Virginia Key was exclusively for Black beachgoers. Now, it’s open for everyone to enjoy. But if you’re interested in Miami’s cultural history, visit the welcome center on weekdays to learn more. 

Like a Local: Entry to Virginia Key costs $5 per car on weekdays, and prices increase on weekends and holidays when the beach is more crowded. You’ll also have to pay a toll on the Rickenbacker to drive to the key. If you don’t have SunPass, a bill will be sent to the address associated with your vehicle’s license plate.

3. Surfside Beach

Address: 88th-96th Street and Collins Avenue, Surfside, FL 33154

Just north of North Beach sits Surfside, home to one of the best family beaches in Miami. Surfside itself is an incredibly residential part of Miami-Dade, so it’s not uncommon to see parents with young children taking walks around the city — especially on weekends or during school breaks. 

In the surrounding neighborhood, you’ll find lots of single-family homes, which gives Surfside a distinctly small-town vibe. And if you’re vacationing with young kids or teens who want to spend their day playing football or volleyball on the sand while you read a book and enjoy the sunshine, you’ll have plenty of space here to do it. There’s also a wide path that stretches along the length of the beach if you want to walk beneath the shaded trees or bike through the cozy town.

Like a Local: Turtle nesting season runs from May to October, and Surfside is a popular place for these babies to be born. If you see a turtle nest, make sure you don’t disturb it. Most times the city has them marked so you won’t stumble on one by accident.

4. Crandon Park Beach

Address: 6747 Crandon Blvd, Key Biscayne, FL 33149

If you keep traveling on the Rickenbacker past Virginia Key, you’ll soon find yourself on Key Biscayne. This is one of the city’s most expensive residential neighborhoods, and it’s also home to one of the best quiet beaches near Miami. From what I’ve seen, teens also love visiting this part of Dade.

Miami Beach and Key Biscayne are opposites of one another, both in terms of vibe and popularity with vacationers. Thanks to its more remote location and general exclusivity, Key Biscayne’s Crandon Beach is definitely the place to go if you want Miami quiet beaches.

The best shores are located on the northern part of the island, and you’ll find picnic areas and nature trails around if you want to explore during your day here. You’ll have to pay a toll to ride on the causeway to get here, and parking starts at $7 on weekdays. 

Like a Local: If you plan on traveling with kids, keep in mind they can’t have flotation devices in the water. You can also rent a kayak through the concession stand here or go on an excursion with EcoAdventures if you want to get out on the water.

Tips for Visiting These Quiet Miami Beaches

• Plan your visit in early mornings or on weekdays to avoid the biggest crowds. 
• Miami gets hot. Bring sunglasses, sunscreen and an umbrella. 
• Save money by packing snacks and drinks with you. 
• Be mindful of your noise level on the beach. 
• Don’t litter or disturb wildlife.

Final Thoughts

Even if you plan to visit during one of Miami’s busiest seasons, these four beaches are still relatively secluded compared to others in Dade County. Regardless, come early so you can stake out a good spot on the sand.

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