Haulover Beach is a bit of a local anomaly in Miami. It’s famous—or infamous, depending on who you ask—for being the only legal clothing-optional beach in the area, but there is way more to it than just that. It’s got these massive, rugged sand dunes and some of the best kite-flying winds on the East Coast. But here is the kicker: if you are looking for a hotel near Haulover Beach, you won't actually find one on the beach itself.
The beach is part of a 177-acre county park. That means no high-rise hotels casting shadows on your towel at 3:00 PM. It’s great for the views, but a little annoying for the logistics. You have to look just across the bridge or a few blocks south to find a place to crash.
Honestly, most people end up booking something in Sunny Isles Beach or Bal Harbour without realizing they are basically a five-minute Uber away. But the vibe changes fast between those two neighborhoods. One is all about "Billionaire's Row" luxury, and the other is a mix of old-school Florida motels and massive, glitzy condo-hotels. You’ve gotta know which side of the Haulover Inlet you want to be on before you drop a grand on a weekend stay.
The Sunny Isles Side: High-Rises and Hidden Pathways
If you look at a map, Sunny Isles Beach sits directly north of Haulover. This is where you’ll find the densest concentration of places to stay.
💡 You might also like: St Ermin's Hotel Photos: Why This London Spy Den Still Haunts the Internet
The Newport Beachside Hotel & Resort is one of the more iconic spots here, mostly because of its pier. It’s a bit older than some of the glass towers nearby, but it’s literally a straight shot down Collins Avenue to the Haulover entrance. You can walk it if you’re ambitious, but in the Miami heat? Probably not. It’s better to grab a bike.
Then you have the Acqualina Resort & Residences. This place is on another level. We’re talking five-star, Mediterranean villa vibes with red umbrellas and three different pools. It’s expensive. Like, "don't look at the minibar" expensive. But if you want a hotel near Haulover Beach that feels like a private escape, this is it. The service is world-class, and they actually have a great kids' program, which is funny because people usually associate Haulover with the nude beach section, forgetting that the north end of the park is incredibly family-friendly.
Why the Inlet Matters
The Haulover Inlet separates Sunny Isles from Bal Harbour. It’s a notorious stretch of water. If you spend any time on YouTube, you’ve probably seen "Haulover Inlet" videos of boats nearly sinking in the rough waves.
Staying at a hotel like the Ritz-Carlton Bal Harbour puts you right at the mouth of this inlet. You can sit on your balcony and watch the yacht captains struggle against the current. It’s strangely entertaining. The Ritz is technically south of the beach, and while it’s incredibly close as the crow flies, you have to cross the bridge to get to the sand.
Bal Harbour: Where Luxury Meets the Sand
South of the park lies Bal Harbour. It’s quiet. Expensive. Very manicured.
If you’re staying here, you’re likely at the St. Regis Bal Harbour Resort. It’s basically the gold standard for the area. Every room has an ocean view. That’s not a marketing gimmick; the way the building is angled ensures you see the Atlantic.
- The Vibe: Ultra-luxury, quiet, sophisticated.
- The Distance: About a 15-minute walk or 3-minute drive to the Haulover South Point.
- The Perk: You are right across from the Bal Harbour Shops, which is essentially the most productive luxury shopping center in the world. Even if you aren't buying a $5,000 bag, the people-watching is elite.
But let’s be real. Not everyone wants to spend $800 a night.
If you head a bit further south into Surfside, you’ll find the Residence Inn by Marriott Miami Beach Surfside. It’s a more "normal" human choice. It’s newer, clean, and has a rooftop pool that actually gives you a decent view of the surrounding neighborhood. It’s not "on" the beach, but they have a path and a dedicated beach club area. For a hotel near Haulover Beach that won't bankrupt you, this is a solid contender.
What Most People Get Wrong About Haulover
People hear "Haulover" and immediately think of the nudist section. It’s only about a 0.4-mile stretch of the beach. The rest of the park is massive.
There is a huge marina. There’s a dog beach (between towers 2 and 3). There’s a skate park.
If you stay at a hotel near Haulover Beach specifically for the clothing-optional experience, stay on the Sunny Isles side. It’s easier to access the northern parking lots where that section is located. If you are there for the fishing or the marina, staying in Bal Harbour or even the Sole Miami (part of the Noble House Hotels collection) is a better bet. Sole has a very "cool" boutique feel with a great beach bar called BALEENbeach. It feels less like a corporate skyscraper and more like a vacation spot.
The Traffic Nightmare
Miami traffic is no joke. Collins Avenue (A1A) is the only way in and out.
If you book a hotel that's technically "near" Haulover but is located in North Miami Beach or Oleta River area, you might spend 30 minutes in the car just trying to cross the bridge on a Saturday afternoon. The drawbridge at the inlet opens on a schedule, and when it does, everything stops. Honestly, it’s better to stay on the ocean side of the bridge if you can afford the slight price hike.
A Quick Look at the Mid-Range Options
It’s getting harder to find "cheap" stays in this part of Miami. Most of the old motels have been torn down to make way for condos.
- DoubleTree by Hilton Ocean Point Resort: Located in Sunny Isles. It’s dependable. You know what you’re getting. The rooms are often larger because they were originally designed as condos, many with kitchenettes.
- Beachview Hotel: This is in Surfside. It’s more of a boutique, budget-friendly option. It’s older, sure, but it’s clean and puts you in a great spot to explore both Haulover and the busier parts of Miami Beach.
Logistics: Getting to the Beach from Your Hotel
Most hotels in Sunny Isles or Bal Harbour offer shuttle services, but they usually drop you off at the beach directly behind the hotel. If you want to go to Haulover specifically, you’re on your own.
Parking at Haulover is about $5 on weekdays and $7 on weekends (standard vehicle). It fills up fast. Like, 10:00 AM fast.
If you are staying at a hotel near Haulover Beach, I highly recommend using the Miami-Dade Transit bus or the Sunny Isles Beach Shuttle. The shuttle is free! It’s a blue and orange bus that loops through the city and makes it way easier to get to the park without worrying about your rental car getting baked in the sun or finding a spot.
The Food Situation
One downside of the Haulover area is that once you are in the park, food options are limited to a few concession stands. They’re fine—hot dogs, fries, the usual. But if you’re staying at a nearby hotel, take advantage of the local spots.
In Sunny Isles, check out Duffy’s Diner. It’s a classic. In Bal Harbour, Carpaccio is the place to be seen, but you’ll need a reservation. For something quick, the Epicure Market (now mostly evolved into smaller gourmet spots nearby) used to be the go-to, but now you’re better off hitting a Publix for a "Pub Sub" to take to the beach.
The Reality of Staying Near the Inlet
The wind is a real factor.
Because Haulover is near the inlet, the breeze can be much stronger than it is in South Beach. This is why the kite park there is so famous. If you’re staying at a high-rise hotel near Haulover Beach, the balconies can get incredibly windy. Just something to keep in mind if you were planning on a peaceful outdoor breakfast on the 25th floor.
Also, the water at Haulover is generally clearer than the water further south. The inlet flushes the water out with the tides. This makes it a prime spot for snorkeling near the rock jetties, provided the current isn't too strong.
Actionable Steps for Your Stay
Don't just book the first thing you see on a travel site. The "distance to beach" metric is often misleading.
- Check the Bridge Schedule: If you’re staying west of the Intracoastal, you will be at the mercy of the bridges. Stay east if you want a walking-distance experience.
- Validate Parking Costs: Some "affordable" hotels in Sunny Isles charge $35-$50 a day for valet parking. That can easily add $200 to a weekend trip.
- Use the Free Shuttle: Download the "SIBshuttle" app if you're staying in Sunny Isles. It’s a lifesaver for getting to Haulover Park without driving.
- Avoid Event Weekends: Check the calendar for the South Beach Wine & Food Festival or the Miami Boat Show. Even though Haulover is further north, these events drive up hotel prices for the entire county.
If you want the best balance of price and proximity, look at the DoubleTree Ocean Point or Sole Miami. They put you right in the heart of the action without the $1,000-a-night price tag of the St. Regis. Pack plenty of sunscreen—the Florida sun at Haulover is brutal, and there isn't much natural shade once you leave the dunes. Enjoy the water, watch the boats at the inlet, and remember that the best part of staying in this area is that you’re far enough away from the South Beach chaos to actually relax.