53rd Street Beach and Playground, Miami

53rd Street Beach is a little too far north so that you're not really in the South Beach action anymore. It has less character for that reason, lined with condos and visited by residents. You still get the amazing blue-green water, pretty sand, and pleasant breeze off the water. The short sandy path that leads to the beach is lined with purple and yellow wildflowers. There is a lime-green and pale blue retro lifeguard stand.

The beach is narrow so it's a very short walk to the water, which is good if you have kids. The parking lot is also very close to the beach. There is a large playground under a gigantic shade canopy, called Beach View Park. It has a rope climbey, rock climbing sections, musical station, and a ship. Workout equipment is dotted among the palm trees and shrubbery.
Miami Beach Boardwalk leads along the beach (7.7 miles paved, and 10 miles total) and is popular with joggers.
21st Street Beach has a more festive feel than this beach, while still being pretty mellow compared to 7th Street Beach. where all the action is. And 46th Street Beach has a backdrop of two attractive towers plus a great playground. 64th Street Beach also has a playground with a large shade canopy.

Directions

53rd Street Beach is located along Collins Ave. You pull directly into the parking lot from the far right lane (the two lanes on the right are sectioned off from the rest of the road). There are parking meters.
For your GPS, you can use the address of the building immediately south of the parking lot: 5255 Collins Ave, Miami Beach FL 33140.

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