Our family went to Hollywood Beach last weekend (more southern, south of the oceanwalk mall). We were really disappointed with the beach--the sand had a bit of garbage in it and the shore area was a bit steep for our 2 year old to safely play. And no clean restroom options! We're also more used to the sugar sand that doesn't stick to you, but I'm not sure if you can find that around here (we're from the gulf coast/Clearwater Beach area). We chose Hollywood Beach somewhat randomly, somewhat based on location, and somewhat based on online research. I kind of think that researching online may not be the best way to go. So, I'm coming to you moms! Are there any area beaches that are cleaner and that have a safe shore line for little ones to play on? Thanks!
We like the Hollywood Beach south, closer to Hallandale (behind Hollywood Beach Community Center)There is a shaded playground there too, Harry Berry Park w/ clean restrooms. Depending on the tide, there are sandbars that make up nice little "islands" you can play on & my 3 1/2 y/o son & his friends love those (& I do too!) The shoreline is not steep imho. Parking is metered. No shops/restaurants here but less crowded & that's why I love it!
I used to like Crandon Beach but it has been taken over by the masses and it's difficult to find a place to put your towel on anymore. There are too many people and loud music playing in every direction, and the mix of music can give one a headache. In conclusion, I hate beaches in Miami. They are dirty and overcrowded, and I have even witnessed violence (in the form of guns), on occasion in Miami Beach. Even though it's quite a schlep, I prefer driving to Boca; it's well worth it. There's a beautiful pier, crystal clear water, and white sands, and hardly any people on the beach. This makes Juno Beach my favorite beach. Not many people know about Juno though, which is great in my opinion. Most of the beachgoers are middle-aged couples with kids, so you don't have to worry about seeing bodily parts you'd rather not see, and no trashy people. I should also mention that there's a small beach around Sunny Isles which isn't too bad and also has a pier and a restaurant so that's my second choice if it's too late to get to Juno. The only problem is parking; you need to park across in a strip mall and cross Collins, which some people might consider dangerous, but the friendly people on the pier and the white sands make it worth it.
I know sometimes there are some odd balls in the area but South Beach has plenty of public access restrooms as well as a boardwalk/beachwalk and several playgrounds. You can also just go for a bite to eat afterward without moving the car. We take an umbrella and half tent for my son to hide out in when it's gotten too hot and place it close to the shore so I can keep a close eye on him in the water.
We recently went to haulover beach "the south side is not a nude beach" It was quite nice. We usually go to Crandon on key biscayne and this is way nicer. The bathrooms weren't the greatest where we were but I think we could have gone even farther south and maybe it would have been better. Check it out.
I was going to suggest going to Hallandale Beach, just south of the Hallandale Beach bridge. It used to be a great area for us and there is a metered parking lot, park and play area.
Have fun!
You should definitely try Dania Beach, specifically Whiskey Creek, just north of Dania pier. There is no wave on the creek obviously, but a nice little shallow place to play in the sand, with SHADE! and then of course, the ocean is right there! Bathrooms at the base of the pier. I think it's $1 to go on the pier, parking meters of course, restaurant on the pier, snack shack south of the pier as well as a playground. Have Fun!
Crandon Park was always our preferred beach when my kids were little and when I was younger.
:) Have fun!
