MIAMI’S GAY BEACHES

With its vibrant nightlife, bars and party scene, Greater Miami & Miami Beach has long been a hot spot for the LGBTQ+ community.

by Liz Cepeda

It’s no wonder the beaches here are equally inviting. Miami Beach boasts two semi-official gay beaches: 11th/12th Street Beach, with its rainbow flags and lifeguard station, and Haulover Park Beach, which has a designated clothing-optional area. Of the two, 11th/12th Street is known for having more of a party vibe, but both are welcoming and beautiful places to spend the day soaking up the sun.

11TH/12TH STREET BEACH

In Miami Beach, few beaches are more popular with the LGBTQ+ crowd than 11th/12th Street Beach. It’s adjacent to Lummus Park, a green space that runs along Ocean Drive with volleyball courts, sculptural workout equipment and public restrooms. The 11th/12th Street Beach is also home to the famous beach party thrown each year as part of the Winter Party Festival. Miami Beach Pride uses the park around 11th/12th Street for its Pride Festival, which has grown into one of the largest celebrations of LGBTQ+ pride in the region.

The beach is dotted with rainbow flags near each lifeguard station, including the most Instagrammable 11th/12th Street Lifeguard Tower. It’s both painted in rainbow stripes and delightfully inspired by Art Deco. Bring your towel, SPF and flip-flops – or rent an umbrella and chairs – as that powdery white sand gets toasty. And when it’s time to refuel, you’ll find many restaurant and bar choices nearby, like the famous Palace Bar, just a couple of blocks down Ocean Drive, and Twist, which is a couple of blocks west at 11th Street and Washington Avenue.

The best parking option for 11th/12th Street Beach is the city garage at 13th Street and Collins Avenue. There are a few metered spots along Ocean Drive between 5th and 15th streets, but you’re more likely to find parking in a lot or garage.

Haulover Park Beach

Haulover Park Beach, about 10 miles north of South Beach, is famous for being the only beach in Miami with a clothing-optional area. The park is known as one of the best naturist beaches in the world. On this nearly half-mile stretch of pristine sand, baring it all is legal and the vibe is very relaxed and welcoming. Gay beachgoers often gather in the northernmost section of the nude area.

On the weekends, the shore is packed with locals and visitors alike working on their all-over tans. Don’t worry if you aren’t ready to disrobe to the max – there are plenty of people who prefer leaving Haulover with tan lines.

Take advantage of chair and umbrella rentals (best to bring cash) as well as food and beverage service provided by on-site vendors. In the southern section of the park, you’ll find bike rentals, a skate park, a dog beach (open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. between lifeguard towers #2 and #3) and a charter fishing fleet. You can also rent a boat from nearby outfitters. On Tuesday evenings, food trucks gather at Haulover Park, providing a variety of dining options.

To be near the gay beach, park in Lot 1, where you can pay via app or on-site machines. The park is open from dawn until dusk, but the lot fills up quickly – especially on weekends –so get there early. Bring a cooler, an umbrella and snacks … leave floatation devices (including rafts, tubes and noodles) at home; they aren’t allowed at Haulover Park Beach.

Biz

/ Stainless steel charm necklace and black crystal clustered bracelet. GCo Collection. / Sterling silver pentagon ring with black crystals. @madashellpeople

Ray-Ban sunglasses, classic private collection. / Lavender iridescent long sleeve jersey shirt. GeorgeCoronado.com

/ Floraland skull-patterned swimming shorts. @Wswimwearmiami.