Safest Areas to Stay in Miami Beach

Here’s your ultimate list of the safest Miami Beach neighbourhoods

• Bayshore
• City Center
• Surfside
• South Beach 
• Coconut Grove

For super quiet, long-stays friendly & chill neighbourhoods

• La Gorce
• Belle Isle

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Bayshore

Bayshore is a residential neighbourhood situated in the mid-beach area of Miami Beach, just to the north of South Beach. While being relatively close to the South Beach, it’s known as a quiet neighbourhood, making it a contrast to the vibrant parts of Miami Beach. 

Bayshore is way less touristy than other parts of Miami Beach. That means it’s also less crowded compared to South Beach, so you have less chances of getting into tourist-related issues and traps. While it's quieter, Bayshore still offers access to all the necessary places, such as grocery stores, restaurants, and parks. 

While being there, North Beach Oceanside Park is one of the places to visit and walk around. It features a playground, picnic areas, and a scenic walking path along the beach. Another thing worth checking is the North Beach Bandshell. They often have concerts or cultural events happening in this historic outdoor venue. If you’re a golf fan, Indian Creek Country Club, a private golf club, might attract your attention. 

It’s best for families, couples, retirees, and business travelers. 

The downsides are limited nightlife options, distance from major attractions, and fewer entertainment stuff.

City center

Here comes the crazy action! 

Miami Beach's city center, also known as the Art Deco Historic District, falls into this list due to its well-patrolled streets and the significant number of law enforcement. The Miami Beach city center, particularly the Art Deco Historic District, is famous for its unique architecture. The area is renowned for its preserved Art Deco buildings, which give the neighborhood its distinctive character. The well-known pastel-colored structures have become the signature of Miami Beach.

The center of the center (see what I did there), Ocean Drive, is a bustling street that runs along the oceanfront and is lined with restaurants, bars, cafes, and hotels. Miami city center is the hub for nightlife, with numerous clubs and live music venues. There are also plenty of shopping options, like in the Collins Avenue and Lincoln Road Mall, and breathtaking beaches nearby. 

City center is best for travelers who love the buzzy nightlife, also for beach fans that still prefer staying in the heart of the city, and architecture and history lovers, who will appreciate the Art Deco buildings. 

On the other hand, the city center has some downsides. While it has much to offer, it also gets very noisy, especially at night. If you’re seeking a more quiet vacation, it’s better to skip it. It’s also very touristy, meaning it can get crowded, especially during the high season. Another struggle is finding parking and the constant traffic in the area (a way around it would be using public transportation or ride-sharing services).

Surfside

Surfside, located just north of Miami Beach, stands out as a safe neighbourhood. It’s known for its pristine, less crowded beaches and well-patrolled streets, contributing to its reputation as one of the safest neighborhoods in the Miami Beach area. 

Families, in particular, find it attractive due to its family-friendly amenities, parks, and playgrounds. Surfside is also home to the upscale Bal Harbour Shops, where you can dive into luxury shopping and fine dining. 

While it may not have the bustling nightlife of South Beach, Surfside's proximity to cultural events in Miami Beach make it a great option for couples, retirees, and families looking for a beachfront experience. Travelers on the lookout for nightlife or extensive cultural attractions may need to explore nearby areas, as Surfside is known for its chilled surroundings. 

South Beach

It’s very similar to the city center description, actually. 

South Beach, often referred to as the heart of Miami Beach, is an iconic neighbourhood for tourists. Known for its safety, it remains one of the top choices for travelers in this destination. South Beach boasts stunning sandy shores with crystal-clear waters, making it a TOP spot for all beach-related activities. The area's well-patrolled streets and bustling crowds contribute to its reputation as a safe place to stay. 

It's best for travelers seeking a dynamic urban beach experience with all the attractions nearby, and it may not be the best fit for those looking for quiet beachfront getaway, as it can get crowded, particularly during peak tourist seasons.

Coconut Grove

Coconut Grove, also located in the heart of Miami, offers a relaxed and more luxurious vibes. This historic neighbourhood is known to be the right choice for those who prefer a quieter vacation. 

Safety is a priority here, with well-maintained streets and a welcoming community. The neighborhood's proximity to Biscayne Bay and the iconic Dinner Key Marina gives you plenty of opportunities for boating, sailing, and water activities. 

Coconut Grove's rich cultural scene is a highlight, with numerous art galleries, theaters, and festivals celebrating the arts. The village-like atmosphere of CocoWalk (a must visit!) offers a range of dining options, from cozy and simple cafes to upscale restaurants. 

Coconut Grove is best suited for travelers looking for a peaceful and fancier stay. Travelers looking to enjoy the bustling energy of Miami Beach's nightlife and busy beaches may find it less attractive.

If you’re staying for longer, these are your TOP options

La Gorce

La Gorce is located in the northern part of Miami Beach and is primarily a residential area. It's known for its upscale, gated communities, luxurious waterfront homes, and beautiful tree-lined streets (what’s there not to like, right?!). 

While most tourists prefer the center-of-action, for example, the South Beach, La Gorce can offer you a calmer experience. It’s best for families, couples, and retirees, looking for a calm place to spend their time. La Gorce is also a good option for business travelers who are in Miami Beach area for work. 

La Gorce is also home to the La Gorce Country Club, which features a premium golf course. If you're a golf enthusiast or just like to try it out, consider visiting. You can also head to Bal Harbour, a neighbourhood nearby and explore the new luxury boutiques, designer brands, and fine dining options. For the outdoor activities, head to the Haulover Park, located just north of La Gorce. It features a marina, fishing areas, picnic spots, and a popular clothing-optional beach. Clothes off, everybody! There's also a kite flying area and a dog park. For this, clothes back on, sadly! 

La Gorce has some downsides, though. If you're in your twenties or simply are seeking for crazy nightlife experiences, La Gorce might not be the best choice, as it's primarily a residential area with fewer nightlife and overall fun options.. It’s also a bit farther from the popular tourist attractions, so you have to consider transportation to the main spots. And last but very not least - all the good things come with a price, and La Gorce can really be a synonym for way higher accommodation and dining prices.

Belle Isle

Belle Isle, located within the Venetian Islands in Miami Beach, is often considered one of the fancier neighborhoods in the area. It’s located between the Venetian Causeway and the Venetian Islands.

Your must dos here include a walk or bike ride along the scenic Venetian Causeway, which connects Belle Isle to the mainland and offers beautiful views of Biscayne Bay and the Miami skyline. After visiting the Belle Isle Park, take advantage of Belle Isle's proximity to the bay and try some water activity like kayaking, paddleboarding, or even rent a boat for a day on the water. 

It’s very similar to La Gorce in the way of gated communities, low crime rate & lovely environment. It’s best for couples seeking a romantic getaway, families and retirees. 

The downsides are also similar - it’s not the best option if you’re on the lookout for nightlife, budget is your highest preference, or you want to be within the arms reach to all the main attractions. 

And on the last note, here are the locations that you should AVOID

• Atlantic Heights
• Flamingo Lummus
• Alton Ct / 13th St
• 15th Ter / Alton St
• Collins Ave, 13th St

Not much to elaborate on these - just try to avoid booking your hotel there and be take extra precautions when around! 

If you want to be sure if your hotel is in a good neighbourhood, try checking it out with RatePunk. The free browser extension pops up on every hotel you’re searching & shows you the safety rate around the property, so you don’t have to worry another second.