Best Beach in Virginia Gardens

"Crandon Park Beach boasts some of the clearest waters Miami has to offer, thanks in part to a strict ban on floatation devices and its offshore sandbar — itself an idyllic place to bask like the Floridian lizard you are at heart. Not to worry though, there’s plenty else to keep the whole family entertained, including unique eco-adventure experiences, picnic and cookout areas, and concession stands. If the sun becomes too much, head to the Family Amusement Center open on weekends and holidays only to check out its restored carousel, beachfront playground, and splash fountain."

"An abandoned zoo on a subtropical island, ever since Dade County's main zoological park decamped to way down south, the Crandon Park Gardens, or just Crandon Gardens (both derivations are used) has sat and grown into a hidden, mysterious botanical garden with otherworldly follies (the former animal enclosures) scattered here and there."

"Parents love Candon Park for its gorgeous 2-mile beach, lifeguards, and picnic areas. But kids keep coming back for the vintage carousel, paved roller rink, and a seahorse fountain. Throw in the pretty arboretum and gardens and you've got one of the best spots in Miami for kids of all ages."

"Take I-95 south and grab the Rickenbacker Causeway until you hit Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park. This beautiful state park is right at the end of Key Biscayne and gives you uninterrupted views of the ocean—a perfect sunset watching spot. The state park has a lighthouse, where guests can climb to the top and look out into the ocean and the beach below. Next to it is a cement lookout spot that serves as a bench to watch the sunset and enjoy your Zak the Baker treats (if you didn't eat them already on the car ride down)."

"Continue south on Collins Avenue and enjoy the views of Miami Beach, eventually reaching iconic South Beach. Park and head to the sand to enjoy a few hours on the beach. If that doesn’t sound like the right fit, enjoy a walk along iconic Lincoln Road for shopping, eating, drinking and people watching."

"These are probably my favourite and the most fun on this list of instagrammable places in Miami. I just love the iconic colourful lifeguard towers in Miami, but especially the ones at South Pointe beach!. Expect to see all sorts of bright colours and fun shapes as you stroll along the beach."

"For those of you who want a little more variety (or for those that don't like shopping), you can stop at Gulfstream Park in Hallandale Beach, where there is something for everyone. Guests have the option to enjoy the casino, horse racing, live entertainment and more."

"If you’re feeling ambitious on your townie cruiser, you can ride north to Bal Harbour or Haulover beaches; natives know these as water-sports havens—and for Bal Harbour’s luxury shopping. Otherwise, drop off your bike along Ocean Drive and grab a spot on the beach, Lummus Beach, which runs from around 6th to 14th streets. This is a beach for locals and tourists alike, and the spread of humanity—supermodels, families and even topless tanners—make this a go-to spot for people-watching."

"If you’re feeling ambitious on your townie cruiser, you can ride north to Bal Harbour or Haulover beaches; natives know these as water-sports havens—and for Bal Harbour’s luxury shopping. Otherwise, drop off your bike along Ocean Drive and grab a spot on the beach, Lummus Beach, which runs from around 6th to 14th streets. This is a beach for locals and tourists alike, and the spread of humanity—supermodels, families and even topless tanners—make this a go-to spot for people-watching."

"For a more chilled beach day option, head to North Beach Oceanside Park, a serene destination, out of the way of the hustle and bustle of Miami Beach’s hotels and restaurants. Pack your cooler to the brim, bring a Pub sub, and take in the blissful scene of the Atlantic Ocean. The park also features shaded walking trails, a bike path, and a dog park and playground to entertain the kids and fur babies."

"This place may look like a hole-in-the-wall to a passerby, but it's truly one of the best-kept secrets in Miami. Exotic dishes will keep you coming back for more. Reservations recommended, but not accepted on weekends; prepare for a long wait or try for a weekday."

"One of the most fun restaurants in Miami is Caffe Vialetto in Coral Gardens, where the lunch and dinner menus reveal a merger between Italian and Latin American cuisines."

"The food and seating options are endless – making it the best spot to work on South Beach. Make sure you visit the one on 7th, since 17th is in the midst of a tourism central. If you’re craving something sweet, try one of their blended coffee shakes!"

"From Business: Fresh and innovative sandwiches, salads, soups, sweets and more. Specialty coffee is ground from the world's finest beans and prepared by expert baristi."

"The Barnacle Historic State Park is home to the oldest house in Miami|© William Silver / Shutterstock. Also in Coconut Grove, this fairly small park tops our list for having the oldest house in its original location in Miami. Visitors can tour the 1891 home, The Barnacle, to learn about the frontier life during the “Era of the Bay” at a time when all travel to the city was done by boat."

"At this 5-acre gem in Coconut Grove is the oldest home in its original location in Miami-Dade County (1891), which once housed Ralph Middleton Munroe, an American yacht designer. You'll also see plenty of mesmerizing Spanish moss. A post shared by @lizz_ax3 on Feb 26, 2017 at 2:42pm PST"

"Consisting of Virginia Key Beach (obviously) as well as a lagoon, a variety of habitats, bike trails, etc. the Virginia Key Beach Park is big. A lot bigger than you'd think by just driving over the island to Key Biscayne. a win for the day #ArtSea2017"

"4701 Tyler Street This neighborhood park includes a picnic shelter with metal roof and playground structures with shade coverings on artificial turf. Benches and tables enhance the setting as well as a walking path, water feature and asphalt for hopscotch. The water feature with a palm tree in the center has a surprise button which creates the effect of a summer shower for those who test the waters."