My Favorite Things: Top 5 Florida Beaches

Beach days! Oh, how my kids love visiting beaches, but oh, how much work it is for us as parents. If you’re like us, we usually make a full day of it in order to make the mission worth it. This means not only packing the obvious sunscreen and towels, but the wagon to help transport those items, along with swimmies, life jackets, beach toys, water bottles, snacks, and more. When the kids aren’t yet walking, I’ve brought the infant car seat or a Bumbo seat, too. Once we were stationed in the Miami area, we also invested in a small beach tent and a couple folding beach chairs.

Imagine our entourage when we show up for a beach day!

We honestly don’t go to the beach that often, because it is so much work, and we have four kids. Four, very young kids. We must keep all eyes on the little swimmer drifting over to others’ turfs or the toddler running off everywhere. And, we must meet the needs of the preschooler who suddenly has to use the bathroom or the kids who decide to cover each other in sand from head to toe, then whine because they’re over being dirty. It isn’t an easy day, and it isn’t an easy cleanup.

That’s why a little beach recon can help beach days go a tiny bit smoother. If you find yourself stationed at USAG-Miami, also known as U.S. SOUTHCOM, United States Coast Guard Miami Beach, Homestead Air Reserve Base, or you’re passing through the Miami area on vacation, enjoy one or two of my favorite family-friendly beaches and helpful tips listed below:

1. Hollywood Beach, Hollywood

Located roughly 30 minutes north of Miami proper, this is my family’s favorite beach because it’s so large. We have plenty of space to spread out and let the kids dig in the sand, as honestly, that’s what our kids love doing most anyway. The water is vast and beautiful. The waves don’t get too strong, so it isn’t terribly threatening to timid swimmers, and the ocean floor is not too rocky. The boardwalk, lined with several eateries, is also fun. Especially when you can hear some of their live bands play. Along the boardwalk and eateries, there are quick-and-easy-to-access bathrooms! A necessity for those little ones who have to go right now and nice to run into for a quick change afterward.

I’ll warn you, the bathrooms are not very clean, but at least they exist. If you’d rather not use the bathrooms to clean-up, there are a few water spigots around to rinse off your feet before tracking all the sand into your vehicle. The parking is limited, so be sure to go as early in the day as possible and skip going on the holidays. There are a couple of nearby parking garages that are worth the up to $15 a day, and there’s also meter parking along the side streets.

A little tradition we have after going to this beach is driving a few miles away to eat amazingly delicious sub sandwiches at Sicilano’s, and afterwards, right next door, going to Sicilano’s Frozen Custard for a tasty treat. Or, we drive a little further north to Jaxon’s Ice Cream for an old-fashioned ice cream parlor experience!

2. Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park, Key Biscayne

This beach is much smaller than Hollywood Beach. The beachfront isn’t nearly as large, and it can get crowded. However, it’s perfect for families with young children. The waves are so tiny and calm that I don’t worry having my little swimmers in the water, and they feel confident in it as well. With a smaller beachfront, it’s easier for us to keep an eye on our children, too. The water is still just as beautiful and clear, and there’s a lovely view with the 1825 Cape Florida Lighthouse down the way. You can even participate in a guided tour of this historic lighthouse.

Parking is only $8, and if you get the right gate attendant, he/she will sometimes let you in free with a military ID. We can usually find an open parking space without too much trouble. There are bathrooms on site, which help with clean-up afterwards, even though they aren’t the cleanest. Hey, again, at least they exist! You can also find restaurants along the water, fishing piers, and trails. This is a gorgeous, quieter, more nature-filled area. I always feel so relaxed at this location—my way to do beach day!

3. Crandon Park/Crandon Beach, Key Biscayne

This was the first beach we visited when moving to south Florida. It has high ratings for families with little children. The beachfront is quite large, so plenty of space for spreading out and letting the kids dig in the sand. You’ll find palm trees for shade (just watch for falling coconuts!), and the waters are calm. Before you go, check online for seaweed levels, as every once in a while, the ocean likes to bring it all on shore. This makes the water difficult to access, and the air is a little smelly. Otherwise, it’s a fun atmosphere.

Zoo Miami originated here, so you may come across the old ruins. Your kids will love seeing the iguanas and peacocks roaming around, along with other interesting creatures. Parking in their large lot is $5 on weekdays and $7 on weekends, and they provide bathrooms with easy access. Though my family has yet to go, Crandon Park offers the Marjory Stoneman Douglas Biscayne Nature Center. This organization focuses on environmental education and preservation and offers many fun activities and experiences for families. To top it off, Crandon Park also has gardens, a marina, a golf course, and tennis center for all to enjoy.

4. South Beach, Miami Beach

The ever-popular, well-known location to have a beach day! This beach is breathtakingly gorgeous and well-kept. We haven’t swum in this ocean, but we love it for walks and the scenery. My husband loves to do his weekend PT here, running along the beach and pier, and he’s participated in a few half-marathons that take him through this location. The kids have enjoyed walking or riding in the stroller along the same route and playing in the nearby playgrounds that are also well-kept. The kids also enjoy observing those who fish off the pier and taking in the wildlife and domesticated animals around them—the birds, squirrels, cats who roam around, and many dogs getting out for a walk with their owners. We’ve also experienced some beautiful sunrises here.

The key to this location, is to go early in day before parking, crowds, and partying get horrendous. The bathrooms stay locked overnight, so they won’t open until around 9 a.m. or later. Metered parking is a little walk away, off the streets or in small lots. You may pass the marina where you’ll see a variety of yachts and small boats docked or going out to sea—always a fun sight for the kids. There are many restaurants to choose from all around the South Beach area, from high-end, to chains, to small, local eateries and coffee shops. This is definitely a must-have experience when visiting the Miami area.

5. Fort Myers Beach, Fort Myers

If you want a change of pace, you can head over to south Florida’s west coast and visit Fort Myers. Though I’ve been through the area, my family has not personally experienced this particular beach. Fort Myers Beach comes highly rated from a good friend. It offers a thoroughly relaxing atmosphere, with a huge array of activities: parasailing, jet skiing, kayaking, and a fishing pier where you can rent fishing poles.

If you go to the north end of the island, you will find a walking trail offering many educational signs. You can rent small vacation homes right along the beach for reasonable prices, where you can park in the carport and have beach access directly outside the house. Most beach homes are within walking distance of shopping, restaurants, and the pier. After a full day out, you can come back to your little place to clean-up and relax.

Can’t get enough about beaches? Check out the U.S.’s west coast in Beaches, Galore and Much More at Presidio. You may also like Summer Bucket List COVID-19 Edition.