Colorful lifeguard stand on Miami Beach.

One of South Florida’s hidden gems is the Miami Beach Boardwalk. It runs for a four-mile stretch between Indian Beach Park at 46th Street (and Collins Ave.) and 5th
Street in the heart of South Beach. From 5th Street you can continue to South Pointe Park and a great view of Government Cut, the water gateway to the port of Miami.

I would not be considered a beach-person; don’t have much patience for just sitting, and can’t take the sun, but I love nothing more than walking on the beach. And this beach boardwalk has it all. From 46th to 23rd it is an actual wooden boardwalk, and is pedestrian only; at that point it becomes the Ocean Drive Promenade, and you do share the much wider space with bikes and Segways.

Whether you stroll or jog, plan to see the full scope of humanity along the way. Enjoy the fleeting glimpses of high-end resorts, some with a throbbing 24/7 party vibe; quite a juxtaposition against the soft white sand and beautiful blue Atlantic. Miami Beach is a colorful place, in every possible way.

All along, you have easy access to the beach and can switch back and forth to walk on the hard-packed sand, among the sun-worshipers, or in the surf. Even better, along the beach just off the Ocean Drive Promenade you can visit the occasional food truck for a quick snack or drink. Of course, you can always continue serious people-watching at any of the cafes along Ocean Drive.

Need to know:
Metered parking is available along the street and there are public lots on Collins Avenue at the north end of the walk. The metered parking is the type where you pay at a machine and get a ticket to place in your car; the machines do take credit cards. Access to the boardwalk and beach is available from cross streets.

One of the world’s beautiful spots, even on a cloudy day. Here is the Miami Beach Boardwalk around 24th Street; to the left, there are plenty of ocean views not visible in this shot. Keep in mind, as you head north away from the main public beach, it’s much less crowded but there are no lifeguards.

Miami has seriously embraced the food truck craze, and the Beach is no exception.

Resort hotels have (attended) chairs and umbrellas along the beach reserved for their guests. If you plan to lounge on the beach and will need shade, bring your own.