Miami Beach is a beach destination near Miami, with more than seven miles of shoreline and three distinct areas: South Beach, Mid Beach and North Beach. For a day out from Miami Princess Hotel, you can choose a stretch of coast, check the City’s beach conditions and use its complimentary trolley to connect neighborhoods.
- Beach areas: South Beach, Mid Beach and North Beach
- Getting around: Complimentary city trolley connects the three areas
- Beach access: Lifeguard stands line the shoreline; access mats are available at multiple entry points
- Before swimming: Check current conditions and follow lifeguard guidance
Choosing between South Beach, Mid-Beach and North Beach
South Beach, Mid Beach and North Beach are Miami Beach’s three named neighborhoods, linked by complimentary trolley service. The shoreline runs for more than seven miles, so choosing one area as your starting point can help you organize the day.
South Beach is a useful choice if you want to combine beach time with the city’s South Beach neighborhood. Mid Beach and North Beach give you two other sections of the coast to consider.
The City lists trolley routes for all three areas, as well as the Collins Express, so you can move between neighborhoods without treating the full shoreline as one stop.
For broader plans around the city, see this one-day Miami route from the hotel area. If you are comparing ways to get around beyond the beach, the Miami public transport guide covers that topic.
Beach access, facilities and local rules
Miami Beach has lifeguard stands along the shoreline, and the City recommends swimming near a lifeguard. Swim buoys restrict boating traffic in swimming areas.
The City provides smooth, continuous-surface beach access mats at multiple entry points across South Beach, Mid Beach and North Beach. Manual beach wheelchairs are available free, first-come, first-served at Lummus Park and South Pointe Park.
They are not self-propelled, require an accompanying helper and may enter water up to 6 inches deep. Call 305-673-7714 to confirm availability before making plans around one.
Beach rules prohibit cigarettes, coolers, inflatable devices, tents, tables, loud music, glass containers, Styrofoam, plastic straws and balloons. Alcohol and smoking are also prohibited on the City’s beaches.
Seaweed cleanup is part of the City’s daily beach work. Crews survey for sea turtle nests and hatchlings in the morning, then collect, remove, cut and turn seaweed through sunset.
How do you get from Miami to Miami Beach?
From Miami, you can reach South Beach via I-95 and 395, also known as the MacArthur Causeway; routes toward Mid Beach and North Beach use 195, the Julia Tuttle Causeway, or the 79th Street Causeway.
The City identifies Miami International Airport, about 10 miles west of Miami Beach, as the city’s most convenient air-travel link. Miami Beach is approximately 4.3 miles from Miami.
Miami-Dade Transit lists Route 150, the Miami Beach Airport Flyer, along with Routes 79, 100 and 125, as routes with Miami Beach service. Check current route information when choosing public transport.
Once in Miami Beach, the free citywide trolley runs seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. The average service frequency is about every 20 minutes on each route. The listed routes are South Beach Loop, Middle Beach Loop, Collins Express and North Beach Loop.
The South Beach trolley has clockwise and counterclockwise loops, with service seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. and an approximately 20-minute frequency. The route began operating in November 2017.
What should you bring and how should you plan the day?
Start by checking the City’s current beach conditions before setting out. The report includes lifeguard duty hours, tower opening and closing times, tides, wind, water temperature, swimming conditions and advisories. Flags can change with weather or surf, so check the official site before you go.
Plan your swim near a lifeguard and pay attention to the posted conditions when you arrive. If you are using a manual beach wheelchair, confirm availability by phone and arrange for a helper; these chairs are available at Lummus Park and South Pointe Park on a first-come, first-served basis.
Keep your beach kit within the rules: leave prohibited items such as coolers, tents, glass containers and inflatable devices behind. If you want to visit more than one neighborhood, use the trolley routes to link South Beach, Mid Beach and North Beach rather than planning each as an isolated trip.
For a stay in Miami, Miami Princess Hotel can be part of your base for planning a beach outing and other city days.
FAQs
Which areas make up Miami Beach?
The City identifies South Beach, Mid Beach and North Beach as its three neighborhoods. Complimentary trolley service connects them.
Is there a free way to get around Miami Beach?
Yes. The citywide trolley is free and operates seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m., with an average frequency of about 20 minutes on each route.
Are beach wheelchairs available?
Manual beach wheelchairs are free and available first-come, first-served at Lummus Park and South Pointe Park. They require a helper; call 305-673-7714 to confirm availability.
What should you check before swimming?
Check the City’s current beach conditions for swimming conditions, advisories, flags and lifeguard information. The City advises swimming near a lifeguard.