Conde Nast Traveler
March 2021
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The Best Beaches in Miami, From South Beach to Synny Isles
Read the original articleThe city has a beach for every personality.
Miami is a multi-faceted destination, with an ever-growing downtown, bustling Wynwood Arts District, and charming enclaves like Little Havana. Yet despite all the exciting excess, the city’s number one draw remains its natural, sparkling beaches.
The best beaches in Miami are as singular as its eclectic neighborhoods. Whether your beach goal is utter relaxation, playing fetch with your pooch, day drinking, or tanning in the nude, Miami’s got you covered. From the siren song of South Beach to private beach clubs on Mid-Beach and on to nature and bike trails along Key Biscayne, here are our 17 favorite places to throw down a towel and soak up the sun in South Florida.
The Beach at Four Seasons Hotel at The Surf Club, Surfside
Since the 2017 opening of Four Seasons Hotel at The Surf Club, the mile-wide beach town of Surfside, located south of Bal Harbour, has received some long overdue love for its sparkling waters and pristine beaches. The hotel resurrects the famed beach club that once hosted the likes of Frank Sinatra, Winston Churchill, and Elizabeth Taylor, building on the legend with newly constructed glass residential and hotel towers. The property’s full-service beach area, solely for hotel guests, is delightfully tranquil and well-manicured and delivers on the Four Seasons standard of service excellence.
Who its best for: Those craving a new fashioned take on old-school glamour
The vibe: Mid 20th-century beach glam meets the Italian coast
Where to eat and drink: Guests and non-guests are welcome to check out the property’s acclaimed restaurants and bars. Experience continental cuisine at The Surf Club Restaurant by Thomas Keller. Delight in authentic Italian gastronomy at Lido Restaurant at the Surf Club, which replaces the much-loved Le Sirenuse (but maintains Executive Chef Antonio Mermolia and the same swoon-worthy tropical setting.)