Lummus Park - South Beach

This is the beach that fulfills all of South Beach's stereotypes. Topless sunbathers, bikini-loving celebutantes, supermodels (often times occupied with an area photo shoot) -- all of the above crash on the mocha-colored sand here, which runs along Ocean Drive from about 6th Street until 14th.  Some of the best hotels are also situated along this stretch (like the Pelican Hotel), and you have a few food concession stands that fare well with recent travelers. But some things to note before you go: 1) The atmosphere at Lummus will not always be great for young children. 2) Although there are changing rooms available on the sand, they aren't the cleanest options. You should ask an area hotel if you can change in the restroom there. And 3) speaking of sand and changing, you might want to keep your shoes on for walking down to the shoreline. Some have found Lummus' sand a little bit coarse.