In congested, urban Miami, you will discover the best oceanfront bicycle path in the region, maybe the state.
The wide paved Miami Beachwalk runs along the sand and beach for nine miles, the length of Miami Beach, from Surfside to South Pointe Park on the waterway that forms the southern border of Miami Beach.
It offers spectacular views of the water, the iconic lifeguard stands, Art Deco buildings plus hotels, restaurants and shops, all along a clean, safe, landscaped, paved pathway.
Why we love the Miami Beachwalk
For the length of the island, the path comprised of paving stones often in beautiful designs, averages 15 feet wide. It never crosses a street! You’ll find restrooms, water, picnic tables and playgrounds at several points.
It hugs the beach the whole way, with views of the ocean and beach that are stunning and plentiful.
You can rent bikes from Citibike at many locations, plus you can find other bike rental options.
This path was built over a decade and completed in 2022, replacing the original wooden Miami Beach Boardwalk, whose first sections were built as a seaside promenade in the 1920s.
It is popular with more than bicyclists. There’s a steady stream of walkers, joggers and people with strollers or wheelchairs.
How great that this space was reserved for public use, when so much of the Florida’s beachfront offers limited access and saves the best views of the ocean to those lucky enough to reside along it.
A few downsides to Miami Beachwalk
There are a few negatives to know about.
Because it’s a free attraction in world-famous Miami Beach, it can get crowded. The biggest problem is clueless pedestrians who wander in front of bikes without looking. Your best option is to bike first thing in the morning when it is less crowded. The most crowded section, understandably, is in the South Beach area.
Don’t try to visit the Beachwalk during March! Miami Beach is taking drastic measures to control Spring Break and visitors will find many obstacles and costs during this time, including parking garages being closed and other parking costing $100. (Park in the wrong spot and towing will cost $516.) Read the Miami Beach Spring Break rules, policies and dates here.
There are a number of parking options, but parking fees can add up. We parked in a public lot off 95th Street in Surfside that used Pay by Phone and it was $12 for our ride of just over two hours. Had we stopped for lunch or to do more sightseeing, parking could easily have been $20. Miami Beach has many less expensive parking options, however, such as city garages where parking is as little as $2 an hour. Here’s information on Miami Beach parking garages. If you want to make a day of it, consider finding a Miami Beach City garage as your starting point.
There is not a lot of shade while you’re biking. You can find shady places to take a break, however, as the path has been developed with many landscaped areas and parks adjoining the path.
Note: While you’ll see plenty of e-bikes, Miami Beach actually bans them on the Beachwalk and you’ll see signage to this effect. Also: the Beachwalk is open 24 hours a day.
Some stops along the Miami Beachwalk
The Beachwalk can be an excellent way to get an overview of Miami Beach without the hassle of traffic. Here are some places to note:
On the north end of Beachwalk, you’ll pass North Beach Oceanside Park between 78th Street and 87th Street. The eight-block long park has picnic pavilions, benches and a tree canopy. It is a welcome respite from the sun’s glare.
Lummus Park is from 5th to 14th streets and is the heart of the Art Deco district. The park is great for people watching. It has sand volleyball courts, a Muscle Beach outdoor fitness area and playgrounds. The Art Deco Welcome Center is at 10th Street and the area immediately around it is a good place to see some of the Art Deco buildings. Here are some tips.
At the southern tip of Miami Beach is South Pointe Park, a landscaped green space with walking trails, picnic and barbecue areas, benches, a café and a pier that takes you out over the water for panoramic views. It’s known for the sunset views against the Miami skyline and as a spot to watch as cruise ships depart the Port of Miami.
More ideas for planning your trip
Here’s a map of the Miami Beachwalk.
While you’re in Miami Beach, Florida Rambler has 7 tips for seeing the stunning Miami Beach Architectural District. The district preserves the biggest collection of Art Deco buildings in the world. It’s full of history, beauty and fascinating stories. We offer tips to help you plan a great outing to appreciate the area.
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