You don’t need to leave the United States if you’re searching for a warm-weathered winter escape. Simply head to Florida’s Haulover Beach Park, a pristine coastline that boasts incredible Atlantic panoramas and soft, white sands. Located north of Miami Beach, between the Intracoastal Waterway and the Atlantic Ocean, Haulover Beach is a 1½ mile-long stretch of sand.
This seaside oasis packs an interesting twist: Haulover Beach is world-renowned for being one of the few beach destinations in the United States that permits full nudity. About a third of the Haulover is a designated nude beach, legally allowing you to ditch the swimsuit and skinny dip in the warm sea. If you’re not much of a naturist, Haulover Beach has a family-friendly portion that offers plenty of opportunities to relax and curl your toes in the sand. This Sunshine State destination has unique water sports adventures, eateries, and hotels within walking distance.
Water sports and beachy adventures
Aside from being a superb, sunny setting to go “au naturel,” Haulover Beach Park offers unique water sports adventures and activities that people of all ages can partake in. Off the shores of Haulover Beach is a crystal clear shoal that beachgoers can journey to during low tide. This popular spot can’t be reached by foot, so you’ll have to rent a boat, canoe, or jet ski. Here, you’ll find people partying, kids playing in the sand, and even floating concession stands. Of course, when visiting the sandbar, respect the marine environment and sea-dwelling creatures that call it home.
Thanks to the gentle ocean breeze and clear skies, Haulover Beach is one of the best places in the Sunshine State to fly a kite. The beach park hosts an annual Kite Festival, which features unique, gigantic parafoils. Year-round, vacationers can swing by the iconic store Skyward Kites to buy a kite at an affordable price. The Florida Beach also has a nine-hole golf course, tennis courts, and a dog park.
If you want a nature-filled experience, make the five-minute drive from Haulover Beach to Oleta River State Park. This 1,043-acre park has miles of trails that offer scenic views of Biscayne Bay and Haulover Beach’s marina, but you can explore a saltwater lagoon or take an eco-tour through the mangrove-lined estuary.
Where to stay and what to eat
There is no shortage of delicious food and dreamy beachfront hotels at Haulover Beach. Just minutes from the gorgeous shore, Haulover Beach Park hosts “Food Trucks Tuesdays” at the Bill Bird Marina. This event features local food truck vendors and live entertainment. There are a variety of restaurants that both vacationers on a budget and refined foodies can enjoy. O’Lima Peruvian Gastrobar is a staple of the Bay Harbor area, offering authentic Peruvian cuisine for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. El Tropico is another must-visit eatery near Haulover Beach, with a delicious menu filled with traditional Cuban dishes and live music on Saturdays.
As far as lodging goes, you can’t go wrong. Newport Beachside Hotel and Resort is close to the northern, clothing-optional end of Haulover Beach and offers affordable ocean and city-view rooms. Near the southern end of the Haulover is Sea View Hotel, which sits just off the coast of the neighboring Bal Harbour Beach and provides views of the Atlantic Ocean and Biscayne Bay. During this wintry season, head down to Haulover Beach for an exciting, tropical-esque trip that won’t break your budget.
