Leading 10 Destinations to Visit by Water in Miami, FL

1. Biscayne National Park: Boca Chita & Elliott Key

Why it’s Specific: 95% water, coral reefs, keys, and that photogenic Boca Chita lighthouse. Boca Chita is definitely the park’s most-frequented island; Elliott essential is definitely the northernmost correct Florida Keys island and a favorite for boaters. be expecting seagrass flats, shallow anchorages, and classic turquoise water.
to the drinking water: Idle via sparkling shallows, tie up at Boca Chita harbor top miami beach hot attractions (brain depth and weather), or dock at Elliott crucial’s slips. Take note that depths at Elliott Key’s harbor are ~2.5 ft at reduced tide—approach appropriately—and Boca Chita’s ornamental lighthouse has inside access closures all through routine maintenance. (National Park Service)

2. Stiltsville (inside of Biscayne Bay)

Why it’s Unique: A surreal cluster of 7 stilt homes perched above Biscayne Bay’s protection Valve, born while in the 1930s and reachable only by water. The pastel packing containers hovering about emerald flats sense similar to a Motion picture established—mainly because Traditionally, this was the place to see and be found.
over the water: tactic in tranquil problems, maintain clear of shallow flats and delicate seagrass, and photograph from the respectful distance—these are generally safeguarded historic buildings. (National Park Service, Wikipedia)

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

Why it’s Distinctive: One of Miami’s most idyllic shorelines, crowned via the Cape Florida Lighthouse. No title Harbor provides a comfortable anchorage measures from shorelines and trails.
within the drinking water: Anchor overnight in No title Harbor to get a posted for every-night time charge; it’s a beloved sail-in end for sunset swims and lighthouse strolls. (Check out current facility notices—piers and restrooms may possibly undertake repairs on occasion.) (Florida State Parks)

4. Nixon Sandbar (Key Biscayne)

Why it’s Specific: Locals get in touch with it “Nixon”—a broad, shallow sandbar off essential Biscayne with skyline views. On quiet weekends it’s a floating social scene; on weekdays it could possibly feel like your own private private shoal.
On the h2o: fall the hook in crystal clear sand (avoid seagrass), brain the tide and existing, and recognize that crucial Biscayne and Miami-Dade preserve boating/anchoring regulations in close by waters—Look at neighborhood ordinances before you decide to go. (The Florida Guidebook, Municode Library)

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

Why it’s Particular: A short, working river threading earlier gleaming towers and historic websites. in the mouth sits the Miami Circle, a nationwide Historic Landmark tied to your Indigenous Tequesta—a unprecedented little bit of background seen appropriate the place Biscayne Bay satisfies the river.
to the h2o: Slow cruise past Brickell vital, pause because of the river mouth for skyline pictures, and enjoy the channel has become dredged to maintain navigation. (Wikipedia, miamirivercommission.org)

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

Why it’s Unique: A necklace of male-made islands, artwork-deco era lore, and waterfront mansions—basic sightseeing-cruise territory. Most narrated bay excursions trace this route for accurately that rationale.
over the water: e-book a shared, narrated cruise (simple and very affordable) or A personal captain-led charter which can linger in tranquil lagoons for pics of Star Island plus the Venetian Islands. (Island Queen Cruises, Wikipedia)

7. Fisher Island (Considered From The H2o)

Why it’s Particular: on the list of state’s wealthiest ZIP codes, carved from dredge fill a century ago and accessible only by ferry or personal vessel. you'll be able to’t roam the island by boat, but the shoreline, skyline angles, and yacht traffic make for epic photos as you transit governing administration Lower.
over the water: Time your move to view cruise ships sail out at golden hour for unforgettable shots of Fisher Island and South Pointe. (Wikipedia)

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

Why it’s Unique: A north-bay counterpart to Nixon which has a lively scene: shallow drinking water, sand underfoot, and boats anchored in each route on the sunny weekend.
within the h2o: Launch at Haulover Park’s boat ramps, Test hours/parking, and thoughts inlet currents and marine visitors. As with every sandbar, pack in/pack out and observe shifting depths. (Miami-Dade County)

9. Oleta River State Park (North Miami)

Why it’s Specific: A mangrove maze hiding in plain sight—Miami’s major urban park, great for kayaks, SUPs, and small craft. Expect manatees, herons, and mangrove tunnels that really feel worlds far from the city.
to the water: Rent kayaks/SUPs appropriate for the park or deliver your individual; it’s also a quit on Florida’s 1,515-mile Circumnavigational Saltwater Paddling Trail. (Florida State Parks)

10. Miami Marine Stadium Basin (Virginia Key)

Why it’s Distinctive: A striking modernist marine stadium (1963) fronting a wide, protected basin when employed for powerboat races and waterside live shows—an iconic, photogenic amphitheater around the bay.
within the h2o: Cruise the basin for skyline sights framed through the stadium’s cantilevered roof; restoration attempts are ongoing, led by the City of Miami and preservation groups. (City of Miami, Wikipedia)

---

The Way To Tour These Places (swift information)

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

• Private captain-led boat: perfect for sandbars (Nixon/Haulover), personalized photo operates, and timing your route to check out cruise ships in authorities Lower close to South Pointe. (PortMiami marketplaces alone given that the “Cruise money of the globe,” so ship-spotting is a detail.) (Miami-Dade County)

• Human-driven craft (kayak/SUP): Best for Oleta River point out Park’s mangroves and sheltered coves. (Florida State Parks)

Functional Notes

• Depth & tides: Elliott important harbor is shallow at very low tide (~two.5 ft). program arrivals with tide tables. (National Park Service)

• Access & preservation: Stiltsville and Biscayne NP attributes are protected—continue to keep respectful distances and steer clear of seagrass. (National Park Service)

• community policies: Anchoring/boating policies range by municipality about critical Biscayne/Biscayne Bay. Verify the latest local ordinances before you established out. (Municode Library, CivicPlus)