Best Places to Boat in Miami
Miami Boat Life
Geographical location and climate are two dominant factors that make Miami a top boating destination. Apart from the city´s most popular sites, there are also places of interest that are only accessible by boat. So today we are going to take a closer look at the best places to boat in Miami.
From its classic architecture to vibrant nightlife, Miami has something for everyone. Keen to explore the Art Deco Historic District or party at one of the many sandbars? A trip to the Cape Florida Lighthouse or Boca Chita Key are other great options to choose from. The variety of things to do in and around Miami is truly amazing.
Exciting boating adventures can be enjoyed by beginners and those with more experience. Here are some of our suggestions for the best places to boat in Miami.
Art Deco Historic District
The Art Deco Historic District hosts the largest collection of Art Deco buildings in the world! This well-known district is one of the most popular destinations in all Miami.
Discover over 800 Art Deco buildings and sample the amazing Cuban cuisine. It´s easy to see why this is a top Miami destination. You´ll also want to spend some time along Lincoln Road, a 10-block promenade of shops, restaurants, and bars.
This beautiful, historic district is one of the best places to boat in Miami. Simply dock your boat nearby and explore the iconic architecture and vibrant street life.
Coconut Grove
Looking for a relaxed vibe and bohemian charm? Visit Coconut Grove, Miami´s most historic neighborhood. Locally known as ‘The Grove’, the area features many sidewalk cafes and local boutiques. Even though it´s located in the middle of Miami, this area feels more casual than other parts of the city.
Vizcaya Museum and Gardens and The Barnacle Historic State Park are great choices if you enjoy gardens and natural beauty. Be sure to visit CocoWalk mall. This upscale, open-air mall is an eclectic mix of independent boutiques, unique restaurants, and office space. Multiple marinas serve the area, making Coconut Grove one of the best places to boat in Miami.
Best Sandbars in Miami: Nixon Beach Sandbar
Looking for the best sandbars in Miami? Nixon Beach Sandbar tops the list and is a great option for a 6 hour yacht charter with friends. Located west of Key Biscayne, this sandbar is popular with both locals and tourists. Depending on the day and time of year, you can find hundreds of boaters relaxing and partying in the warm waters.
Nixon Sandbar can get crowded at times, but without doubt, is one of the best places to boat in Miami. Extravagant nocturnal parties are nothing unusual and can be a great introduction to Miami´s wild nightlife! Nixon Sandbar gives you the chance to meet people, socialize, and experience the Miami boat life.
Keep in mind that there are no natural sources of shade during the day, so don´t forget the sunblock. Be sure to take plenty of food & drinks, and a wide selection of music is a must.
Elliott Key
Next on our list of the best places to boat in Miami is Elliott Key. Part of Biscayne National Park, Elliott Key provides a relaxing atmosphere and a total escape from Miami crowds.
The largest key north of Key Largo, Elliott Key features camping, hiking and 33 boat slips in the marina. Restrooms with cold water showers and sinks are available, but you should bring your own water as a precaution.
Campgrounds and overnight docking are first-come, first-served. You´ll need to be onsite to use the recreation.gov mobile app to rent a campsite. Be sure to bring everything you´ll need to hike, camp, and explore.
Boca Chita Key
Boca Chita Key is also one of the best places to boat in Miami. Located in Biscayne National Park, Boca Chita is a top location for snorkeling enthusiasts. For this reason Boca Chita is one of the most visited islands within the National Park.
You´ll also want to explore the historic lighthouse built by Mark Honeywell in the 1930s. The lighthouse is ornamental, but is a popular spot for boaters to stretch their legs on dry land. Boca Chita Key is managed by the National Park Service so please observe all rules and regulations during your visit.
Bear Cut Sandbar
If the party vibe at Nixon Beach Sandbar is not your thing, Bear Cut Sandbar offers a more relaxing atmosphere. Part of ‘Bear Cut Preserve’, this sandbar is smaller and much less crowded than Nixon Sandbar.
The nearby coral reef at Bear Cut Sandbar is a great destination for both diving and snorkeling enthusiasts. If your family wants to enjoy a relaxing day without large crowds then Bear Cut Sandbar is a smart choice.
Flagler Memorial Island
Created as a tribute to Miami pioneer Henry M. Flagler, Flagler Memorial Island is easy to find. Located between South Beach and the city of Miami, this man-made island is home to a 110-foot obelisk. You can hike around the island, but there are no amenities whatsoever.
In recent years the island and its monument have suffered from some vandalism and graffiti. If you don´t wish to walk the island, you can always cruise its surrounding waters and take in its history. Although the island has seen better times, we feel Flagler Memorial Island is well worth a visit.
Stiltsville
An historic part of Miami in Biscayne Bay, Stiltsville dates back to the 1930s. The very first structures were built by ‘Crawfish Eddie Walker’. Over the next 30 years additional structures were created, a total of 27 raised structures were built by the 1960s.
When Hurricane Andrew hit Miami in 1992, only seven buildings remained standing. Unfortunately none of those seven buildings were built during the Stiltsville´s heyday. Although you need a permit to access the buildings, you are free to boat around the area. Stiltsville is an interesting chapter in Miami´s local history, making our list of the best places to boat in Miami.
Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park
If you are looking for a scenic alternative to the busier Miami beaches, this state park is worth a visit. Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park is a laid-back choice and home to the historic Cape Florida Lighthouse. This lighthouse is the oldest standing building in all Miami-Dade County.
The park offers walking and bicycle trails, restrooms, picnic tables, showers, and food concessions. Two nearby restaurants serve drinks and tasty Cuban food. Overnight boat camping is available at ‘No Name Harbor’ for a fee.
Boating in Miami with VS Yachting
If you are looking for a top boating destination, Miami is hard to beat. VS Yachting has various options for boat charter such as: Cruising, Sailing, Wakeboarding, and Fishing. We recommend you get some friends together, make a booking, and experience the excitement of boating in Miami.
Our boat rental packages accommodate all budgets, so what are you waiting for? Call our friendly staff today and together we can plan an exciting nautical adventure for your group. VS Yachting will show you the best places to boat in Miami!
