Top Family-Friendly Beaches in Southeast Florida –  Hollywood, Hallandale, and North Miami

Earlier this year my husband had a job that took him a total of 3 months to complete. Which meant the whole family got to enjoy sunny beautiful south Florida! We stayed in the Hallandale Beach/Hollywood area and really got to experience what it would be like to live in Florida! 

I’ve been to Hawaii and CanCun, and I can tell you, South Florida beaches can be just as clear, beautiful and oh so warm. 

I think Southeast Florida is home to some of THE MOST family-friendly beaches in the country. For families in or around Hollywood, Hallandale, and North Miami, there are several excellent beach options within a short drive. These beaches not only offer calm waters and safe swimming areas but also come equipped with plenty of activities, amenities, and fun for the whole family. Many of our favorite beach access points have play parks for your little ones with access to the beach. Here are my top family-friendly beaches near Hollywood, Hallandale, and North Miami area!

1. Hollywood Beach

This one is a favorite for both locals and tourists, so be warned, parking can be hard to find! Hollywood Beach is a perfect destination for families. It’s located right between Miami and Fort Lauderdale, and features the famous Hollywood Beach Broadwalk, which is a 2.5-mile promenade where families can enjoy walking, biking, and rollerblading. There are a ton of great shops, places to rent bikes and those fun banana bikes. The beach is wide with soft sand and on a calm day the waves are super calm, ideal for younger kids who want to splash around.

Why It’s Family-Friendly:

– Lifeguarded beach with shallow waters  

– Family-friendly activities like bike rentals and playgrounds  

– Public restrooms and changing facilities  

– Nearby restaurants and ice cream shops along the Broadwalk  

If you’re looking for convenience, Hollywood Beach also offers beach gear rentals, including chairs, umbrellas, and even bicycles, so there’s no need to haul heavy equipment.

With ALL the beaches out here make sure you pay attention to the flag colors at the lifeguard stations, certain times of the year there can be jellyfish in the water, and some days are more than usual. So watch out for that! 

2. Hallandale Beach

Just south of Hollywood Beach, you’ll find Hallandale Beach, which is where I would take the kids almost everyday. It is a quieter, less crowded option that still offers a great family experience. The beach here is super clean, with calm waves perfect for younger kids. The nearby South City Beach Park (Which has sand volleyball courts)  adds to the family appeal with its playground, shaded picnic areas, and snack bars. My son loved this park for not only the swings and play structure, but also the amount of wild iguanas and lizards that would hang out! 

Why It’s Family-Friendly:  

– Quiet, laid-back atmosphere  

– Shaded picnic tables and BBQ areas  

– Nearby playground and basketball courts  

– Ample parking and clean restrooms  

Hallandale Beach is great for families seeking a relaxed day by the water without the hustle and bustle of larger, busier beaches.

3. North Beach, Miami Beach

For families willing to venture a bit farther south, North Beach in Miami Beach is a nice choice. This quieter counterpart to the lively South Beach offers a more relaxed environment, perfect for families. The beach is wide with soft sand and on some days you’ll find calm waters, and there are several nearby playgrounds and parks.

Why It’s Family-Friendly:  

– Less crowded than South Beach  

– Safe, shallow waters for swimming  

– Several playgrounds, including North Shore Park  

– Picnic areas and green spaces perfect for a family lunch  

North Beach also has a long promenade perfect for strolling or biking with the kids, with plenty of shade from the palm trees that line the walkways.

4. Sunny Isles Beach

Located between North Miami Beach and Fort Lauderdale, Sunny Isles Beach is another family favorite. The beach offers a wide expanse of sand and gentle waves, making it perfect for families with young children. It’s also home to Pier Park, a popular spot for fishing and taking in the scenic ocean views.

Why It’s Family-Friendly:  

– Calm, clear waters ideal for young swimmers  (always check the local beach cams before headed out!)

– Pier Park for family fishing and sightseeing  

– Lifeguards on duty for added safety  

– Picnic areas and playgrounds nearby  

Families can also find plenty of restaurants and cafes in the area, offering quick bites and refreshments to fuel a full day of beach fun.

5. Oleta River State Park

Though not your traditional ocean beach, Oleta River State Park in North Miami Beach offers families an adventurous beach experience. It features a small, sandy beach area on the banks of the Oleta River, perfect for kids to splash in calm, shallow waters. This beach is part of a larger park where families can enjoy kayaking, biking, and hiking.

Why It’s Family-Friendly:   

– Kayak and paddleboard rentals for exploring  

– Shaded picnic tables and barbecue grills  

– Restrooms and shower facilities available  

If your family enjoys outdoor activities beyond just swimming, Oleta River State Park is an ideal spot, combining water fun with nature trails and wildlife viewing.

6. Haulover Beach Park

Known for its expansive stretches of sand, Haulover Beach Park is located just north of Bal Harbour and is another great option for families. The northern part of the beach is family-friendly, with a large swimming area. Haulover is also home to a dog-friendly section, making it a great spot for families traveling with pets. Every Tuesday, the park hosts a food truck night with delicious treats for both kids and adults.

Why It’s Family-Friendly:  

– Family-safe, lifeguarded areas  

– Wide, clean beach with room for sandcastle building  

– Nearby playground and picnic areas  

– Food trucks and snack options on certain days  

Families can also take advantage of Haulover Park’s kite-flying area, where children can watch or participate in flying kites, a simple yet fun activity for all ages.

7. Surfside Beach

Just south of Bal Harbour, Surfside Beach is a small but charming beach that offers a peaceful setting for families. The beach is well-kept and uncrowded, with shallow waters that are perfect for younger children. Surfside is a more relaxed alternative to some of the larger beaches in the area, making it ideal for families seeking a calm and quiet beach day.

Why It’s Family-Friendly:  

– Clean, quiet beach with soft sand  

– Lifeguards on duty  

– Nearby restaurants and cafes  

– A playground at the nearby Surfside Community Center  

Surfside Beach also has convenient access to local eateries, perfect for grabbing a family-friendly meal after a day in the sun.

8. Dania Beach

Located just north of Hollywood, Dania Beach is a lesser-known gem that offers a tranquil and family-friendly environment. The beach features a beautiful pier where families can stroll or fish. The shallow waters are great for swimming, and the beach itself is rarely crowded. There are also plenty of spots to bbq and lots of shaded mangrove tree with picnic benches. We would come here often to grill chicken and veggies. The shaded areas offered a great break from the sun.

Why It’s Family-Friendly:  

– Quiet, uncrowded beach perfect for families  

– Dania Beach Pier for sightseeing and fishing  

– Picnic tables and nearby restaurants  

– Ample parking and restrooms available  

Dania Beach is a more relaxed alternative to the busier Hollywood Beach but still offers plenty of family-friendly amenities.

5 Tips for a Successful Family Beach Day

1. Arrive Early: Parking at these popular beaches can fill up quickly, especially on weekends, ESPECIALLY at the Hollywood Beach, let me tell you, been a few times where we had to just turn around. Arriving early lets you get a good spot and enjoy the best part of the day.

2. Pack Snacks and Water: Some beaches have nearby dining options, but packing snacks and water will save time and money, especially with hungry kids in tow. ALSO, when you’re having fun it’s easy to forget to stay hydrated, so don’t forget!

3. Sun Protection: Florida sun is strong year-round, so bring plenty of sunscreen, hats, and beach umbrellas for shade. My son loved his long sleeved sun protection swim shirt!

4. Check the Weather: Florida is known for its afternoon rain showers, especially in summer, so be sure to check the weather forecast before heading out. The thunderstorms are super cool and LOUD. My son LOVED them :)ALSO, if you want to check the waves before heading out, many beaches have a beach cam you can search for online!

5. Look up the Jelly Fish and Seaweed status the morning of. Most of the beaches have lifeguard stations, on those stations are different colored flags showing the marine life. Don’t ignore those!

Conclusion

Whether you’re in Hollywood, Hallandale, or North Miami, there are tons of beaches that are great for families looking for some fun in the sun! From the laid-back charm of Hallandale Beach to the busy Broadwalk of Hollywood Beach, each of these family-friendly destinations offers something unique. With shallow waters, ample amenities, and nearby activities, you’re sure to have a memorable beach day with the whole family.