Best LGBTQ Beaches in Miami Beach

We’ve all heard of Miami’s South Beach. Featured heavily in iconic films such as Scarface, Miami Vice, Baywatch, Goldfinger, and Ride Along, it’s one of the world’s most famed and instantly recognizable beaches. With its iconic Ocean Drive, renowned restaurants, luxury shopping, opulent hotels and resorts, and bustling nightclubs, South Beach is possibly the world’s most popular beach destination. Additionally, Miami Beach – South was named theBest Beach in the Top 50 Beaches in the United States list in 2022 by Randall Kaplan, the world's foremost beach expert who is known as "Mr. Beach.”

When you arrive at South Beach, you’ll immediately notice the beach’s incredible views. From the sand, beachgoers marvel at Miami Beach’s skyline. With its art-deco architecture, dramatic modern high-rises, and sky-scraping palm trees, the skyline is arguably South Florida’s most iconic sight.

Once you walk onto South Beach’s glistening golden sand, you’ll see that South Beach is more than just a tourist destination. It’s a naturally stunning beach in its own right. With vibrant turquoise water and glistening golden, it’s the perfect place to lounge and enjoy nature while just steps from the big city. While you’re there, be sure to catch South Beach’s vibrant sunsets, which peak at around 7 pm.

Connecting South Beach and North Beach is Mid-Beach, which is considered by many to be Miami’s beach neighborhood of the moment. Located near a number of large parking garages, Mid-Beach is easily accessible and convenient. Covering Collins Avenue from the 25th to 50th Streets, Mid-Beach, with its stunning beachfront and views, vibrant atmosphere, diverse amenities, is a destination for Miami beachgoers looking for the liveliness of South Beach with a more upscale and traditional twist.

Separated from bustling Collins Avenue by a raised boardwalk, Mid-Beach is pristine and has kept its natural beauty in the face of massive urban development. It has vibrant turquoise water, glistening white sand, and is lined with lush greenery and tall trees. Its walking paths lead to benches and trails with panoramic views of the Miami Skyline, the Florida coastline, and Fisher Island.

If you’re looking to do more than just lie on the sand during your beach day, Mid-Beach has you covered. Mid-Beach has bike paths, fishing areas, volleyball courts, and a variety of water sports such as sailing, jet-skiing, snorkeling, and paddle-boarding, which promise to keep adrenaline junkies entertained. And, if you’re with kids, take them to the Indian Beach Park Tot Lot located at 46 and Collins Ave. There you will find swings, slides, climbers, canopies, and other fun play areas where the little ones can roam freely.

And while Mid-Beach is already a destination during the day, it absolutely comes alive at night. After the sun sets, Mid-Beach offers world-class nightlife and dining. Looking to party at one of the world’s most popular and exclusive nightclubs? Go to Club LIV at the Fontainebleau Hotel, a celebrity favorite hotspot that offers the ambiance of an ultra-exclusive lounge with the energy of a nightclub. Want the best handcrafted cocktails in Miami? Go to the Broken Shaker, an award-winning bar known for its incredible drinks. If you’re looking for a fun night without the hangover, go to Malibu Farm, a California-style eatery with possibly the best panoramic ocean views in Miami. When you’re ready to call it a night, head over to the Fontainebleau Hotel and get your beauty sleep at one of the city’s most iconic hotels.

North Beach, South Beach’s more mellow counterpart, is quickly becoming Miami Beach’s next destination. Located about 25 minutes away from Downtown Miami and South Beach, North Beach is attracting travelers looking for a beach day that is quiet and relaxing, while still offering Miami’s flair and lively urban atmosphere.

When you ask a Miami native about North Beach, she’ll probably first tell you about its beauty. The beach is wide, with clear turquoise waters and a dramatic shoreline that is hugged by the Miami skyline. Unlike some of Miami’s other bustling and occasionally rowdy beaches, North Beach isn’t nearly as packed, which preserves its natural beauty and serene setting. Situated on North Beach is North Beach Oceanside Park, which is a lush urban park that sits alongside the sandy shore. Lined with tall old-growth trees and greenery, filled with amenities such as barbecue and picnic areas, playgrounds, concessions, showers, a dog run, and convenient street parking, the park enhances North Beach’s natural beauty and creates a more enjoyable setting.

But North Beach is much more than a beach. It’s also a dynamic urban area with activities to keep beachgoers of all ages entertained. Just seven minutes off of North Beach is The Spa at Carillon Miami Wellness Resort, which is the largest and one of the most prolific spas in Miami. From its Finnish sauna to its rooftop pool and crystal steam room, The Spa is the perfect place for anyone looking to double down on relaxation after their beach day. For beachgoers seeking more exciting activities, the North Beach Bandshell is an open-air amphitheater that locals frequent for its many concerts and shows. And when everyone is hungry, North Beach has a variety of great restaurants. Sazon Cuban Cuisine and Cafe Prima Pasta are popular local spots known for their affordable and authentic offerings, as well as their ambiance. When you call it a night, check-in at the Sea Side Resort & Spa in North Beach or the Waterside Hotel, two local boutique hotels with top-notch hospitality and central locations.