Hit the Beach in Miami: The Best Places to Work on Your Tan

If you want to get some sun and a tan, enjoy the ocean, and play beach sports, where better to go than Miami? This city is famous for its beaches, from South Beach to other, lesser-known beaches. Whether you're looking to people-watch or get away from the crowds, you can find a beach that will give you a great tanning experience. Here are some of the beaches you can visit in Miami.

South Beach

No list of Miami beaches would be complete without mentioning South Beach. This beach hardly requires introduction, but in case you're out of touch with all pop culture, South Beach is the place to be. The beach stretches the length of Miami Beach, and topless bathing is allowed if you want to get a tan line-free tan. People won't stop and stare, either! There is a jogging path that runs along the beach, too, and nearby Ocean Drive offers nightclubs, restaurants, and cafes to satisfy any hunger or thirst at any hour of the day.

Bill Baggs State Park

Nearby Key Biscayne offers a view of the particularly famous Cape Florida lighthouse you have probably seen on postcards and in photos. You can go swimming, stay on the beach, or take a guided tour to learn more about the history of the park's lighthouse. From the seawall, you can fish or watch fishermen relaxing in the sun.

Haulover Beach

Locals and international tourists know Haulover as the clothing-optional beach in Miami. You can take advantage of either the clothing-optional section to avoid any tan lines or a normal sunbathing section, and the sections are clearly marked so you won't stumble into one area or the other. People are very laid-back and mind their own business here, so you'll quickly lose your shyness.

Sunny Isles Beach

This two-mile-long white sand beach offers a great sunbathing experience. It tends to be less crowded than South Beach, but isn't difficult to find. The Newport Fishing Pier allows you to fish or watch others trying their luck, and the beach also has a kids' play area. Water sports such as snorkeling and diving are popular here, but you can quietly sunbathe if you prefer that.

Matheson Hammock Park Beach

Don't expect to be surrounded by hammocks when you come to this beach – but you can expect a man-made lagoon with stunning sunset views. The Biscayne Bay regularly refreshes the water here, unlike some lagoons, and the name comes from the trees that surround it. These trees are mangrove trees, also known as hammock trees. Look on websites such as the Marriott.com website to find information about hotels in the area of this family-friendly beach.

No matter whether your goal for hitting the Miami beaches is to show off your style, get a tan, play beach sports, or just enjoy the view, you can find a beach that suits your needs. There are beaches with white sand, clear blue waters, jogging paths, legal topless bathing, or family-friendly attractions all within an easy drive of Miami. Relax and enjoy your vacation in the heat of Miami!

Chris McMahon enjoys sharing his travel stories and insights online through blogging. He has a particular love for Miami which he never misses the chance to visit.

(Photo credit: nimblefitness.com but I added my own text)