Lummus Park Beach, Miami (must see)

Tucked between the Atlantic and Ocean Drive in the Art Deco Historic District of South Beach, Lummus Park is the mother of all beaches in Miami-Dade. Reveling in all of its quirky pastel glory, over the years, this stretch of sand has been the backdrop for many television and film scenes.

Most of the buildings surrounding the beachfront area predate 1926 and feature a range of styles, including Mediterranean revival, vernacular frame and masonry. The simple frame and masonry styles came about due to the warm subtropical climate of the city, while the Mediterranean Revival was inspired by Southern European architecture. Somewhat contrasting these are the old Scottish Rite Temple and the Trinity CME Church.

A good number of structures within the area are of historic importance and date back to the days of the Pioneers. In particular, two important landmarks were shifted here in a bid to prevent their demolition, namely: Fort Dallas – the earliest example of a native limestone architecture – a memorial to the military history of Miami; and the other landmark – William Wagner House – built between 1855 and 1858 by a well-known pioneer citizen, who also established the first church in Miami Dade County. This house is the oldest braced frame and masonry Pioneer house in Miami.

One of the first recreational spaces in the city, established in 1909, Lummus Park is fitted with public restrooms and paved promenade for cycling, walking and jogging. But its main amenity, undoubtedly, is the beach itself with clear turquoise water and tall beautiful palm trees. With Brazilian bikinis and fluorescent tans dotting the place as far as the eye can see, you may tire your neck from spinning around doing a double-take at colorful locals. Right in front of the beach entrance there is a mini playground for kids aged 2 to 5, in case they are not tired enough playing in the water all day, plus beach volleyball and basketball courts. And once you've soaked up all of the sun you can possibly fit into one day, you may wish to explore the abundance of shopping, restaurants, bars and sidewalk cafes lining Ocean Drive just a walking distance away.

Why You Should Visit:
The all-encompassing South Beach experience. A combination of retro buildings, palm tree-lined streets and cerulean water makes it a location for that postcard-perfect shot. Always crowded, it is ideal for people watching, too, or just for sitting and feeling the ocean breeze.
Also great for a boardwalk stroll, working out, running, surfing, or cycling with rental bikes.
The gay beach at 12th Street is the everlasting heartbeat of Lummus Park.