I managed to take a few days detour and get up to this Beach over the summer. Was lucky enough to get a few days sunshine in between the summer rainstorms too.
Actually have to say it's one of the better beaches I've been to period, never mind the fact it has a significant nudist area.
One thing that stood out was that the Naturist section was packed, and the rest of the beach (the majority of it) was absolutely quiet. I'm left wondering why they don't make most of the beach naturist and let people spread out a bit.
Sand quality is probably a bit better in the more southern bits of Miami, but its nowhere near the awful stones of Brighton. Rentable parasols, loungers etc, decent amount of voleyball nets. Good for swimming, the water is a nice temperature, and you've got a good bit of distance out before it gets deeper than chest level. There was an annoying bit of seaweed though. All coastguard covered.
Only downside is that there were a few non-naturists hanging around in the naturist section. I know it's within their rights and all, but personally I find it rude. And people using iPhones.
Seem to be plenty of places to stay too. I was far enough that I had to bus over (I didn't spot any of the Miami hire cycle docking stations otherwise I'd have used it), but there do seem to be hotels in walking distance, both to the north and south of the beach.
Much recommended. Think I'll keep it in mind again for a winter break, I hear it's far cheaper to get over and the weather is still pretty nice in the off season.
On an odd note, it does seem to be in google street view too: https://goo.gl/maps/UgHwo
I managed to take a few days detour and get up to this Beach over the summer. Was lucky enough to get a few days sunshine in between the summer rainstorms too.
Actually have to say it's one of the better beaches I've been to period, never mind the fact it has a significant nudist area.
One thing that stood out was that the Naturist section was packed, and the rest of the beach (the majority of it) was absolutely quiet. I'm left wondering why they don't make most of the beach naturist and let people spread out a bit.
Sand quality is probably a bit better in the more southern bits of Miami, but its nowhere near the awful stones of Brighton. Rentable parasols, loungers etc, decent amount of voleyball nets. Good for swimming, the water is a nice temperature, and you've got a good bit of distance out before it gets deeper than chest level. There was an annoying bit of seaweed though. All coastguard covered.
Only downside is that there were a few non-naturists hanging around in the naturist section. I know it's within their rights and all, but personally I find it rude. And people using iPhones.
Seem to be plenty of places to stay too. I was far enough that I had to bus over (I didn't spot any of the Miami hire cycle docking stations otherwise I'd have used it), but there do seem to be hotels in walking distance, both to the north and south of the beach.
Much recommended. Think I'll keep it in mind again for a winter break, I hear it's far cheaper to get over and the weather is still pretty nice in the off season.
On an odd note, it does seem to be in google street view too: https://goo.gl/maps/UgHwo
Hey, the Google link is cool! Although, probably not surprisingly, Google has blurred all the naughty bits out! 🙁
Glad you enjoyed the beach.
It's a great location - Sue and I have been a couple of times - once in February and once in March - lovely weather both times.
According to the South Florida Free Beaches website:
"Haulover Beach has about 1.4 MILLION visitors each year, bringing in over ONE BILLION DOLLARS to the local economy.
It is the largest singular tourist destination facility in all of South Florida and also ranks in the "Top Ten Things to Do" for tourists who visit Miami."
I don't know if the Ocean Palm Motel is still going? It was always the nearest holiday accommodation to the nude beach. Originally built in 1949 I believe and something of an anachronism these days amongst the high-rise condos. We were last at the motel in 2011 - it's right on the beach and has a pool. It was somewhat run-down both times we were there, but at less than 5-minutes' walk to the bare area it is pretty handy and good fun, if you don't expect too much from it.
Mike
Researching the Ocean Palm Motel further, it has apparently closed permanently. Great shame, but inevitable. In recent years I imagine 99% of the guests stayed there because of the nude beach next door. And there were frequent skinny-dipping episodes in the 'textile' hotel pool.
I found an article in the Miami Herald from 7 January this year, indicating the site is to be re-developed into a 'high-end, 52-storey ocean front tower' to be known as the Ritz Carlton Residences. Individual condos will range in price from $2 million to $5.2 million, with the penthouses costing $25 million!
http://www.miamiherald.com/news/business/real-estate-news/article5575146.html
The original Ocean Palm Motel had some history - it was said to be the first 2-storey motel built in the USA and first opened on 1 January 1950.
There's a youTube video about the place:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tw_n9qzUgXs
The end of an era... But at least the nude beach won't be disappearing any time soon. 🙂
Mike
Haulover Beach is a fantastic location. I had the chance to enjoy it several times and really recommend it Access is easy and it's kept very clean. If you are stopping in Miami on business or leisure, it's worth the detour
The end of an era... But at least the nude beach won't be disappearing any time soon. 🙂
Honestly, given people do things like move in beside a nightclub or pub, or even airports, then complain about the noise, I'm wondering if the rich kids moving into a high rise condo block are going to wind up complaining about the nude beach next door despite the fact it was there long before they were. But given the revenue this beach brings in, I'm hoping any complaints get dismissed.
(Saying that, if I had the money, I'd be on the list already. Live beside one of the worlds best nude beaches? Totally there.)
The end of an era... But at least the nude beach won't be disappearing any time soon. 🙂
Honestly, given people do things like move in beside a nightclub or pub, or even airports, then complain about the noise, I'm wondering if the rich kids moving into a high rise condo block are going to wind up complaining about the nude beach next door despite the fact it was there long before they were. But given the revenue this beach brings in, I'm hoping any complaints get dismissed.
(Saying that, if I had the money, I'd be on the list already. Live beside one of the worlds best nude beaches? Totally there.)
Like you I briefly wondered if there was any 'risk' to the nude beach, but given there's already been lots of other new condo skyscrapers built around the locality since nudity was officially sanctioned in the early-mid 90s, I'm confident all will be fine. It is just too big and well established now.
And yes, if I was a multi-millionaire it would be a tempting place to acquire a property. 🙂
Mike
We had a day in Miami at the start of our holiday last year, breakfast on ocean drive wander round and decided to drive up to the beach
Very impressed well worth a visit and if in the area again we would go no question
Simon & Denise
And people using iPhones.
Should I use Android or will my Microsoft Windows phone be okay?
Play nice...... Play Naked!
And people using iPhones.
Should I use Android or will my Microsoft Windows phone be okay?
Miami seemed to be strictly an iPhone territory for some reason.
stayed on the south beach, but taffic is a problem to get to hulover beach.most weekends there is an event on and the roads get very jammed up.
stayed on the south beach, but taffic is a problem to get to hulover beach.most weekends there is an event on and the roads get very jammed up.
Indeed - the traffic can be bad on Collins Avenue.
At risk of banging on, that was the great advantage of staying at the - now closed - Ocean Palm Motel. 2-3 minutes walk away!
Mike
stayed on the south beach, but taffic is a problem to get to hulover beach.most weekends there is an event on and the roads get very jammed up.
Driving in Miami is plain crazy, I don't know what they put in the water but it is testosterone driving all the way.
The great thing not mentioned about the beach is the ease of parking, $20 for the day, through the underpass and a 5 minute walk, you are there.
It's a lovely beach, real variety of people there.
Im a regular visitor to Florida, mainly Fort Lauderdale and always make time to visit Haulover beach which IMHO is one of the best in the world for accessibility , well kept , well policed , and life guards on duty. If you have the chance to visit don't miss out.
may have to try approaching hulover beach from the fort lauderdale side,as traffic is always a problem from miami south beach side?
Worst times are the school run, even coming from Fort Lauderdale end traffic backs up. After 9 am though its nothing of a journey 🙂