Though South Beach is a must-see for those visiting Miami and South Florida, there are beaches a little further north that offer all the beauty and less of the glam. South Beach is more a people watching spot than a beach to enjoy with family or spouse. But go 20 blocks north, or even better, 80 blocks north, and you'll find the best beaches on the East coast. There are metered parking lots, showers to rinse off and many restaurants to stop at after a morning or afternoon in the sun, right on Collins. The best thing Miami's beaches have going for them is the water: generally calm, always temperate and most of the time clear as the Caribbean sea.
Pros: easy parking, fantastic water
Cons: lack of shade
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