Incorporated in 1997 as “The City of Sun and Sea,” Sunny Isles Beach is Florida’s Riviera. Walk along its two miles of sparkling white-sand beaches to see opulent condominiums, luxurious oceanfront cabanas and quiet stretches of sand that are perfect for a quiet family getaway or a romantic trip for two. It’s everything a beach vacation should be.

Lined by the Atlantic Ocean on the east and the Intracoastal Waterway on the west, Sunny Isles Beach is connected to the Miami mainland by the William Lehman Causeway and Northeast 163rd Street Bridge. It runs along Collins Avenue/A1A from the northern end of Haulover Park to 195th Street.

Sunny Isles Beach Access

You don’t want to miss a day on the sand in Sunny Isles Beach. Luckily, there are 22 beach access points that will take sunbathers right to the ocean. Most street parking is reserved for residents, but there are a handful of municipal parking lots and public parking garages where day-trippers can park for a fee. There are four municipal parking lots: the one behind Walgreens (175th Street and Atlantic Boulevard), Pier Park Lot (16501 Collins Avenue), Bella Vista Parking Lot (500 Sunny Isles Boulevard) and the William Lehman Causeway Lot (19162 Collins Avenue). If you’d rather leave your car in a parking garage, try the Heritage Park Garage (19200 Collins Avenue) or the Gateway Park Parking Garage (151 Sunny Isles Boulevard).

Newport Fishing Pier

Looking to hook a big fish? Found at the intersection of Sunny Isles Beach Boulevard and Collins Avenue, Newport Fishing Pier is the only designated area for fishing in Sunny Isles Beach. Visitors can get to the pier through Pier Park, which also offers restrooms, showers, beach access, a lifeguard, a restaurant, bike racks and community shuttle service. Metered and public parking are available nearby.

Public Parks in Sunny Isles Beach

Sunny Isles Beach is home to 11 public parks. The most popular is Samson Oceanfront Park, where there’s a playground, a shaded picnic area, a beach with a lifeguard, beach volleyball, public restrooms, refreshments and events throughout the year. You’ll know you’re there when you see the bed of flowers and family sculpture that mark the park entrance. At Gateway Park, visitors will find a performing arts stage, a butterfly garden, a play area with an interactive water feature and a community gathering space.

Traveling with a furry friend? Three dog parks in Sunny Isles Beach are ready to welcome them. The Bone Zone at Senator Gwen Margolis Park is fenced in and leash-free, as is the Heritage Park Dog Zone at Heritage Park. Dogs are also allowed at Intracoastal Park north and south, but they have to be on a leash. Containers are available for dog owners to pick up after their pet.

The Sunny Isles Beach Resort Experience

It’s hard to miss the lavish resorts that line Sunny Isles Beach. Towering 32 stories high, Trump International Beach Resort invites guests to lounge by oceanfront pools, get pampered at the extravagant Aquanox Spa and indulge in one of four restaurants, including Gili’s Beach Club, the first restaurant to sit right on the sand in Sunny Isles Beach.

Just steps away, Solé Miami, A Noble House Resort is a boutique hotel with amenities such as beachside concerts, an oceanfront pool, water sports, happy hour, a sauna, a steam room and firepits on the beach. If you can’t stay for the weekend, stop by for lunch – the delicious, globally-inspired menu at BALEENkitchen pairs perfectly with those sunset views.

You’ll feel like royalty at the luxurious Acqualina Resort & Residences on the Beach. (Think: red couches, swaying palms, pristine white-sand beaches and a palatial beachfront pool with cabanas, all just steps from a majestic lobby.) Make the most of your stay with an afternoon at the two-story Acqualina Spa, some beach time or an Italian feast at Il Mulino NY.

More Activities and Entertainment in Sunny Isles Beach

No matter when you visit, Sunny Isles Beach has plenty of activities to keep you entertained. Once a month, grab your yoga mat and head to Samson Oceanfront Park for a guided full moon yoga and meditation class right on the sand. Music lovers won’t want to miss the “Concert in the Park” series at that same park — they can bring their own chair or blanket and see a new live band every month, such as Brothers of Others, Happy Daze or Ricky Valido. There’s a monthly family movie at the Gateway Center with refreshments or a light lunch to follow. Finally, rent Jet Skis, kayaks, paddle boards, surfboards and boogie boards from Sunny Isles Beach Watersports, located right on the sand at the Trump International Beach Resort.