Best 10 Locations to Visit by Water in Miami, FL

1. Biscayne National Park: Boca Chita & Elliott Key

Why it’s Particular: 95% h2o, coral reefs, keys, and that photogenic Boca Chita lighthouse. Boca Chita will be the park’s most-visited island; Elliott important is definitely the northernmost genuine Florida Keys island and a favorite for boaters. anticipate seagrass flats, shallow anchorages, and typical turquoise h2o.
about the h2o: Idle by glowing shallows, tie up at Boca Chita harbor (intellect depth and temperature), or dock at Elliott vital’s slips. Take note that depths at Elliott important’s harbor are ~2.five ft at lower tide—strategy accordingly—and Boca Chita’s ornamental lighthouse has interior obtain closures in the course of upkeep. (National Park Service)

2. Stiltsville (inside Biscayne Bay)

Why it’s Particular: A surreal cluster of 7 stilt homes perched over Biscayne Bay’s security Valve, born while in the 1930s and reachable only by h2o. The pastel bins hovering more than emerald flats experience like a Film established—due to the fact historically, this was the spot to see and become witnessed.
to the h2o: technique in serene problems, continue to keep away from shallow flats and delicate seagrass, and photograph from a respectful length—they are safeguarded historic constructions. (National Park Service, Wikipedia)

3. Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park (Key Biscayne): Lighthouse & No Name Harbor

Why it’s Unique: certainly one of Miami’s most idyllic shorelines, crowned by the Cape Florida Lighthouse. No title Harbor provides a comfortable anchorage techniques from seashores and trails.
over the drinking water: Anchor overnight in No title Harbor for your posted for every-night payment; it’s a beloved sail-in halt for sunset swims and lighthouse strolls. (Check current facility notices—piers and restrooms may undertake repairs occasionally.) (Florida State Parks)

4. Nixon Sandbar (Key Biscayne)

Why it’s Particular: Locals call it “Nixon”—a wide, shallow sandbar off important Biscayne with skyline sights. On relaxed weekends it’s a floating social scene; on weekdays it might come to feel like your own personal private shoal.
about the h2o: fall the hook in clear sand (prevent seagrass), mind the tide and present, and know that Key Biscayne and Miami-Dade preserve boating/anchoring policies in close by waters—Examine local ordinances prior to deciding to go. (The Florida Guidebook, Municode Library)

5. The Miami River & Brickell/Downtown (plus the Miami Circle)

Why it’s Exclusive: A short, Doing work river threading past gleaming towers and historic web-sites. in the mouth sits the Miami Circle, a National Historic Landmark tied for the Indigenous Tequesta—a rare little bit of background noticeable suitable wherever Biscayne Bay fulfills the river.
within the drinking water: gradual cruise previous Brickell critical, pause by the river mouth for skyline photographs, and recognize which the channel has been dredged to maintain navigation. (Wikipedia, miamirivercommission.org)

6. Venetian Islands & “Millionaires’ Row” (Star Island, Palm/Hibiscus)

Why it’s Unique: A necklace of person-made islands, art-deco period lore, and waterfront mansions—classic sightseeing-cruise territory. Most narrated bay excursions trace this route for exactly that motive.
within the drinking water: guide a shared, narrated cruise (effortless and cost-effective) or a private captain-led constitution that could linger in quiet lagoons for photos of Star Island and also the Venetian Islands. (Island Queen Cruises, Wikipedia)

7. Fisher Island (Viewed in The Drinking Water)

Why it’s Distinctive: one of many state’s wealthiest ZIP codes, carved from dredge fill a century back and available only by ferry or private vessel. you'll check out this site be able to’t roam the island by boat, however the shoreline, skyline angles, and yacht traffic make for epic shots as you transit Government Cut.
over the drinking water: Time your go to look at cruise ships sail out at golden hour for unforgettable photographs of Fisher Island and South Pointe. (Wikipedia)

8. Haulover Sandbar (in The Vicinity of Haulover Inlet)

Why it’s Specific: A north-bay counterpart to Nixon which has a energetic scene: shallow drinking water, sand underfoot, and boats anchored in just about every way with a sunny weekend.
around the drinking water: Launch at Haulover Park’s boat ramps, Look at hrs/parking, and mind inlet currents and marine visitors. As with every sandbar, pack in/pack out and watch switching depths. (Miami-Dade County)

9. Oleta River State Park (North Miami)

Why it’s special: A mangrove maze hiding in simple sight—Miami’s premier urban park, ideal for kayaks, SUPs, and little craft. be expecting manatees, herons, and mangrove tunnels that sense worlds away from the town.
On the drinking water: lease kayaks/SUPs correct for the park or convey your own; it’s also a prevent on Florida’s 1,515-mile Circumnavigational Saltwater Paddling path. (Florida State Parks)

10. Miami Marine Stadium Basin (Virginia Key)

Why it’s Exclusive: A putting modernist maritime stadium (1963) fronting a wide, shielded basin at the time used for powerboat races and waterside concerts—an legendary, photogenic amphitheater about the bay.
to the water: Cruise the basin for skyline sights framed because of the stadium’s cantilevered roof; restoration initiatives are ongoing, led by the town of Miami and preservation teams. (City of Miami, Wikipedia)

---

How to Tour These Spots (brief manual)

• Shared narrated cruise: Great for initially-timers—strike Venetian/Star Island, Fisher Island, PortMiami, and the river mouth in ~90 minutes. (Island Queen Cruises)

• personal captain-led boat: Ideal for sandbars (Nixon/Haulover), tailor made Picture operates, and timing your path to check out cruise ships in govt Minimize around South Pointe. (PortMiami markets alone as being the “Cruise funds of the planet,” so ship-recognizing can be a point.) (Miami-Dade County)

• Human-run craft (kayak/SUP): most effective for Oleta River State Park’s mangroves and sheltered coves. (Florida State Parks)

Sensible Notes

• Depth & tides: Elliott Key harbor is shallow at small tide (~2.5 ft). prepare arrivals with tide tables. (National Park Service)

• Obtain & preservation: Stiltsville and Biscayne NP capabilities are guarded—preserve respectful distances and stay clear of seagrass. (National Park Service)

• area guidelines: Anchoring/boating guidelines vary by municipality about essential Biscayne/Biscayne Bay. Check out the most up-to-date community ordinances before you established out. (Municode Library, CivicPlus)