Miami's Mid-Beach is just as beautiful as South Beach, just more laid back

Visitors who are new to Miami often don’t understand the distinction between Miami, Miami Beach and South Beach. The community of Miami Beach is located on a barrier island separated from the mainland by Biscayne Bay, while the City of Miami fronts Biscayne Bay on the mainland side. Further confusing the issue, on the Atlantic side of the barrier island, Miami Beach (the community) is divided into South Beach, Mid-Beach, and North Beach, arbitrary divisions that define neighborhoods.

Of these three, South Beach is unquestionably the most famous. Although there is some disagreement about its exact boundaries, locals generally agree that South Beach begins at the southern tip of the island and continues north to 17th Street. This is where celebrities, captains of industry, and the obscenely rich congregate, so it is not surprising that its crystal white beaches are filled with long-legged beauties in skimpy bikinis and weightlifters with rippling six-packs.

Idyllic and far from crowded, Mid-Beach is a much better options for families

While every visitor to Miami Beach should walk the promenade at least once, if only to enjoy the eye candy, when it’s time to actually hit the beach some are intimidated by all those bodies beautiful. For these folks, Mid-Beach is a perfect alternative. Stretching for miles north of 17th Street, Mid-Beach is just as gorgeous as it’s more famous sibling to the south but is uncrowded and laid back. All the amenities are close at hand: chaise lounges, beach umbrellas and towel huts line the beach, while famous resorts like the Fontainbleu are just steps away, providing great dining and entertainment choices after a day at the beach.

North Beach is even less crowded, but offers few amenities and is far from the action at South and Mid-Beaches.

Photo credit: Barbara  Weibel

Article by Barbara Weibel of Hole In The Donut Travels