The boardwalk along Miami Beach along Miami Beach is scenic and festive scene. It’s 8 miles from South Beach to nearly Bal Harbour on a wide, paved trail that’s nicely landscaped and curvy, with beach/water views a fair bit of the way. You can also intersperse the boardwalk with running on the wide, 10-mile long Miami Beach — though the sand isn’t always firm. The beach is divided into three sections: South Beach, Mid-Beach, and North Beach. South Beach has all the action (hotels, restaurants, shopping, clubs). Here’s a detailed description: 

South Beach: South Pointe Park to 15th St. (Miles 0-2). The ‘South Beach’ Boardwalk is the most iconic section, for its scenery, variety, and festive feel. Start at South Pointe Park, a Miami Beach highlight for its dramatic views of Government Cut inlet with cruise ships passing through, plus a lighthouse, fountains, and even a ‘hills’ section for those who want to get their heart rate up! Next is the palm-lined Lummus Park, which it always a fun scene, with volleyball courts, fitness equipment, and lifeguard towers painted in classic Art Deco colors.

south-point-park-miamiMid-Beach: 15th St. to 46th St. (Miles 2.0-4.5).  A fun, but quieter section. Along much of it, there’s shrubbery separating the Boardwalk from the beach. Just past 16th St., Lincoln Rd. is popular for its shops, restaurants, and arts venues. @21st., Collins Park is worth a detour, for its landscaping, shops, and The Bass, a museum and entertainment space housed in an Art Deco building. Around 45th St. are some of Miami’s famous Art Deco hotels, including the Eden Roc and the Fontainebleau.boardwalk

North Beach: 46th St. to 87th St.  (Miles 4.5-8.0). The northern 3.5 miles of the path are more natural and bucolic. This is also the most recently completed section. It’s more vegetated, with some small dunes. There are some ocean views (helps to be taller!). A highlight of this stretch is North Beach Oceanside Park, a lush green space with meandering paths. On the west side along Collins Ave., there are numerous shops, bars, & restaurants.