The beauty of paddleboarding is versatility. You don't need to enter from a beach. Miami is lucky to have the Best Urban Paddleboarding Environment in the USA. From beaches, to mangroves, to skyscrapers, to endless wildlife, you're in for quite a treat.
I've created two maps of Miami featuring Launching Points (the spot where you enter the water with your board) and Destinations (recommended areas you can paddle to).
Paddleboarding Safety Tips:
While crossing channels, watch for boats and jet skis. It sounds obvious, but they might not see you, so it's up to you to avoid them.
Sharks are commonly seen while paddleboarding in the ocean and very rarely on the inter-coastal waterways. Don't freak out if you see one. The chances of it being a shark which can harm you is very slim.
It is wise to bring a life-jacket.
Learn how to properly fall off of a paddleboard to prevent injuries.
Check the wind and do not enter the water if it's windy. Strong wind will make it difficult to exit the water and difficult to remain standing on your board.
If the wind is calm and consistently blowing in one direction, paddle into the wind first so you're not tired and struggling on the way back.
Be careful when entering the water from ladders. Don't hurt yourself or your board.
Have a paddleboard buddy with you!
If you decide to paddle in the ocean, KNOW YOUR LIMITS. This can happen if you're feeling overly confident.
Update - October 29th, 2020: COVID-19 has resulted in a dramatic spike in the number of active paddleboarders in Miami! Most launching points are currently open and if they're confirmed to be open, it is noted below in GREEN.
Useful Links
SURFERS! If you're looking for places to surf, click here to view my post titled A Surfer's Guide to Miami & Southern South Florida.
Just visiting Miami? See hotels in Miami and Miami Beach.
While you're here, I hope you don't see any rain. But if you do, click here for rainy day activities!
Shop paddleboard gear here!
Best Paddleboard Launching Points in Miami, Florida
1. Pelican Harbor Marina - North Bay Village - Miami, Florida
Launch Type: Ramp
Parking: Open Lot
Status: OPEN
2. Margaret Pace Park - Edgewater - Miami, Florida
Launch Type: Ladder/Shore
Parking: Street
Status: OPEN
3. 18th & Purdy Ave - Miami Beach, Florida
Launch Type: Ramp
Parking: Street
Pro Tip: Walk very slowly down the ramp. it's covered in moss and seaweed and is very slippery!
Status: OPEN
4. The Grand Venetian Condominium - Venetian Islands - Miami Beach, Florida
Launch Type: Ladder
Parking: Street
Status: OPEN
5. South Pointe Beach - SoFi - Miami Beach, Florida
Launch Type: Shore
Parking: Street or Parking Garage - Street parking is FREE before 8am!
Pro Tip: Only paddleboard in the ocean if you're experienced.
Status: OPEN
6. First Presbyterian Church - Brickell - Miami, Florida
Launch Type: Ladder
Parking: Open Lot
Status: OPEN
7. Brickell Key - Miami, Florida
Launch Type: Ladder
Parking: Residence Parking
Status: OPEN
8. Miami River - Brickell - Miami, Florida
Launch Type: Ladder
Parking: Street
Status: OPEN
9. Hobie Island Beach Park North - Miami, Florida
Launch Type: Shore
Parking: Open Lot - $ Sunpass Toll
Status: OPEN
10. Hobie Island Beach Park South - Miami, Florida
Launch Type: Shore
Parking: Open Lot - $ Sunpass Toll
Pro Tip: Don't have your own paddleboard? Don't worry, there are rentals here!
Status: OPEN
11. Virginia Key Outdoor Center - Miami, Florida
Launch Type: Shore
Parking: Open Lot - $ Sunpass Toll & $6 Fee
Pro Tip: Don't have your own paddleboard? Don't worry, there are rentals here!
Status: OPEN
12. Crossbridge Church - Key Biscayne, Florida
Launch Type: Ramp/Dock
Parking: Open Lot - $ Sunpass Toll
Pro Tip: Park your car in the lot, and then head around the church towards the water. Enter through the gate in the fence, walk 100 feet across the grass and you'll find a natural ramp to the water. If the gate between the parking lot and water access is closed, enter through Key Biscayne Yacht Club next door. Be sure to stay to the left and use the Weaver property to enter the water near the very small sailboats, not the main boat ramp. If you're talking to a security guard at the main entrance, you're too far to the right.
Status: OPEN
13. Bill Baggs State Park - Key Biscayne, Florida
Launch Type: Shore
Parking: Open Lot - $ Sunpass Toll & Minimal Park Fee
Pro Tip: Before you begin your adventure, climb the lighthouse to get a fresh perspective!
Status: OPEN
14. Kenneth M. Myers Bayside Park - Coconut Grove, Florida
Launch Type: Ramp
Parking: Open Lot
Status: OPEN
15. Matheson Hammock Park - Coral Gables, Florida
Launch Type: Shore
Parking: Open Lot
Status: OPEN
Best Paddleboard Destinations in Miami, Florida
1. Edward K. Buckley Island - Miami Beach, Florida
2. Pelican Island - Miami, Florida
3. Picnic Islands - Miami, Florida
4. Sunset Islands - Miami Beach, Florida
5. South Pointe Pier - Miami Beach, Florida
6. Brickell Key - Miami, Florida
7. Fisherman's Channel Sandbar - Miami Beach, Florida
8. Andoni's Island - Miami, Florida
9. Mangroves in Key Biscayne - Key Biscayne, Florida
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