Beaches and ocean swimming

How to enjoy it in South Florida

Compare beaches by swim supervision, water conditions, access and shade. Check lifeguard hours and posted flags before entering the water.

What to check first

Evaluate weather and site-specific rules, route conditions, any training requirements and available facilities. Confirm rental operators directly. Some directory connections are historical editorial associations only.

What to bring

• Towel and swimwear
• Drinking water
• Broad-spectrum sunscreen / sun cover
• Check swim flags and guards
• Footwear for hot sand

Places to explore

23 potential directory matches; exact permission requires a current operator check.

Pembroke Pines · Broward

C.B. Smith Park

A spacious Pembroke Pines park combining family recreation, walking and picnics with seasonal waterpark activities and separately operated specialty facilities.

Explore destination →

Deerfield Beach · Broward

Deerfield Beach International Fishing Pier

Walk above the Atlantic to watch anglers and spot ocean wildlife, or enjoy a permitted pier-fishing session with convenient access to bait and rental rods.

Explore destination →

Dania Beach · Broward

Dr. Von D. Mizell-Eula Johnson State Park

Enjoy an Atlantic beach paired with a sheltered mangrove-lined creek. Kayaking and paddleboarding in Whiskey Creek provide a different outing from open-ocean swimming.

Explore destination →

Fort Lauderdale · Broward

Fort Lauderdale Beach / Las Olas Oceanside

A lively stretch of Atlantic beach with lifeguarded swimming areas, an oceanfront promenade and nearby cafés, shops and dining.

Explore destination →

Hollywood · Broward

Hollywood Beach Broadwalk

The nearly 2.5-mile oceanfront Broadwalk offers an easy waterfront walk or scenic bike outing, with beach views, restaurants and flexible turnaround points.

Explore destination →

Fort Lauderdale · Broward

Hugh Taylor Birch State Park

A shady natural retreat beside Fort Lauderdale Beach, with short trails, quiet inland water and opportunities for paddling, walking and wildlife observation.

Explore destination →

Pompano Beach · Broward

Pompano Beach Fisher Family Pier & shoreline

Walk the oceanfront pier for Atlantic views, try an authorized fishing session or enjoy the surrounding beach and promenade.

Explore destination →

Key Biscayne · Miami-Dade

Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park

Atlantic beach, Biscayne Bay, the historic Cape Florida Lighthouse and shaded bike paths make this Key Biscayne park a rewarding beach-and-nature outing. The ocean beach has no lifeguards.

Explore destination →

Key Biscayne · Miami-Dade

Crandon Park

A long Key Biscayne beach and parkland setting, combining Atlantic swimming, picnic areas, nature experiences and separate tennis and golf facilities.

Explore destination →

Miami · Miami-Dade

Grapeland Water Park / Grapeland Heights Park

Family water play is the attraction during aquatic-facility operating periods; the surrounding neighborhood park offers a different, simpler visit.

Explore destination →

Miami / Bal Harbour area · Miami-Dade

Haulover Beach Park & Bill Bird Marina

A long Atlantic beachfront with lifeguarded swimming areas, park recreation and an adjoining marina. Distinct beach sections include a clothing-optional north area.

Explore destination →

Miami · Miami-Dade

Historic Virginia Key Beach Park

Discover an important part of Miami’s shoreline history at this scenic beach park, with seaside paths, interpretive opportunities and picnic spaces.

Explore destination →

Miami Beach · Miami-Dade

Lummus Park / South Beach

Walk, run or spend beach time between Ocean Drive and the Atlantic, with outdoor exercise areas and public facilities at several cross streets.

Explore destination →

Coral Gables · Miami-Dade

Matheson Hammock Park & Marina

A distinct atoll lagoon and marina setting; lifeguards are scheduled on weekends and holidays according to the county. Self-service SUP/kayak kiosks can be an alternative to purchasing a vessel.

Explore destination →

Miami Beach · Miami-Dade

North Shore Open Space Park & Beach

A leafy, quieter North Beach park with shaded paths, picnic pavilions, playgrounds and Atlantic beach access between roughly 79th and 86th Streets.

Explore destination →

North Miami Beach · Miami-Dade

Oleta River State Park

South Florida mangroves meet real cycling choices: rent a kayak to glide through tidal creeks, or select one of the posted bike paths. Start by choosing water or bike.

Explore destination →

Key Largo (Monroe County) · Monroe / Upper Keys

Key Largo - John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park

A renowned Key Largo gateway to mangroves, offshore reefs, snorkeling excursions and glass-bottom boat trips. Marine tours are booked separately and depend on weather.

Explore destination →

Related activities

Equipment or rental?

You can bring your own suitable equipment or rent from an operator where offered. Match safety gear to the activity and follow park rules.

Plan an activity-specific day