Best Beach in Surfside

"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."

"Just a short drive to northern Key Biscayne, Crandon Park is an island park equipped with volleyball nets, cabanas for rent and pristine turquoise waters that beckon for a dip. Aside from the stunning beaches and pearly white sands, the park is also home to mangroves, dunes and a nature center that houses exotic fish and other wildlife. Just five minutes away from Crandon Park is Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park which is home to the Cape Florida Light – the oldest standing structure in Greater Miami."

"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."

"The great thing about Hollywood North Beach Park is that it’s right next to the West Lake South Trail and the beach!. This means, after completing the West Lake South Trail you can head straight over to chill in the park and get ready for a dip, too. With over 50+ acres to explore, it’s easily one of the best things to do in Hollywood, Florida to just chill out."

"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."

"Hollywood Beach, an area 100-yards long, is located between Pershing & Custer Streets. The Dog Beach is open Friday, Saturday and Sunday, 3pm to 7pm. During Daylight Savings Time the hours are 4pm to 8pm."

"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."

"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 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."

"Here visiting from NC and decided to give this restaurant a try- let me tell you it didn't disappoint- I had the waffle with scrambled eggs and turkey..."

"A Jewish deli done wrong,” proclaims owner/chef Josh Marcus of his chill spot in Surfside. Marcus worked in many of Miami’s famous restaurants, but Josh’s Deli is a departure: it’s classic food made with fresher ingredients, creative twists (a softshell crab croissant, octopus and grits, spicy tuna latkes), and homemade everything (even the bagels). The experience is deeply unpretentious, which we love."

"Java & Jam gives you a perfect Fort Lauderdale downtown experience, filling you up with a caffeine boost and wholesome meal before you begin your day. Photo from Java & Jam via Facebook. If you’re in a rush, Java & Jam’s the place for you."

"Riverfront romance with grilled meats and no attitude For years, dining on the Miami riverfront meant packing a picnic and watching freighters full of mattresses load up for Haiti. But times have changed, and the best spot for romance on the river is this Greek offering with sunset views one way, and golden-hour reflections off Downtown the other. You and your date can share one of the plush booths next to the river while enjoying fresh seafood, souvlaki, and steaks paired meticulously with hard-to-find wines."

"Kiki on the River pays homage to Miami’s own jewel of a riverfront like never seen before. The Greek restaurant has been crafted on rustic docks that jut out over the pristine water and takes the place of the once-bustling Miami fish markets. One feels to be within the wing of a seaside palace when in attendance here."

"Embracing the hospitality and spirit of the Greek islands, Kiki on The River is heralded for it meticulously-scuffed elegance that only a windswept waterfront garden can provide."

"James Beard Foundation Award-winner Michael Schwartz is one of Miami’s most-coveted chefs. Whatever he touches turns delicious, including pizza at Harry’s Pizzeria, farm-to-table gastropub fare on a cruise ship, sushi, breakfast food and plenty of other concepts, including his beloved namesake, Michael’s Genuine. Set within the SLS Brickell, Schwartz’s Fi’lia specializes in vivacious Italian, including pies, house-made pastas, comforting mains (think: chicken parm and wood-grilled leg of lamb) as well as a tableside Caesar for which servers grill fresh bread for croutons."

"Many tourists mark this restaurant as the best Italian restaurant in Miami, and for good reason. Fi’lia invites its visitors to taste authentic Italian pizza from a wood-fired oven or pamper themselves with stracciatella with truffle honey. You will plunge into a pleasant and relaxed atmosphere, and the friendly staff will help you choose a dish based on your preferences."

"Italians are known for their stellar wood-fired pizzas, and Fi’lia is no exception. Starters like the stracciatella with truffle honey or the meatballs with whipped ricotta are great to open the appetite. Pies like spicy soppressatta or cauliflower and fontina cheese are hits, or opt for spaghetti carbonara or the wood-grilled sirloin skirt steak."

"Midtown Creamery has some pretty intense ice cream creations, like a “giant” ice cream sandwich, brownie sundaes, and milkshakes that could last you three days. The Edgewater spot is currently delivering on most major delivery apps. You can also call (786) 536-2281 to order."

"Restaurants Ice cream parlors Coral Gables. This South Miami neighborhood spot is a mainstay for traditional, no-fuss ice cream. Servings are cheap, cookies are freshly baked and the staff—made up of mostly teens and kids from the area—are cheery and eager to let you try whatever is in the freezer."

"This place has occupied its tiny little storefront on Sunset Drive for decades. Their milkshakes are so thick you can barely get them through a straw, and their chocolate malt shake is as classic as it gets. No fancy machines, no exotic flavors, just some of the best classic ice cream around, with generous scoops."

"Started in 1985, Whip ‘N Dip ranks as a long-time staple among the best Miami ice cream shops. Using locally sourced ingredients from partner suppliers, they make new flavors daily. Some must-trys include banana nut chip, heath bar brownie and chocolate-covered almond."