With summer 2010 and vacation season on our doorstep, Miami is a popular choice for Americans and international vacationers alike. If you are coming in from out of town, Miami is fortunate to be home of some of the best value boutique, design and cool hotels not just in the United States but the world.

Miami is a city rich in activities and culture. With many restaurants and all kinds of different things to see and do. However, a trip to Miami, especially in the Summer most definitely would not be complete without a visit to one of their sparkling beaches featuring white sand and clear blue water.

Bill Baggs State Park - Ranked by MSNBC as one of the Top 10 beaches in the United States, Bill Baggs State park beach is just over a short 10 mile drive from downtown Miami. Positioned along the coast of the Atlantic Ocean, the beach is ideal for swimming, boating, canoeing, kayaking, fishing and snorkeling. Bill Baggs State Park also features the Cape Florida Lighthouse, the counties oldest standing structure.

Crandon Park Beach - Positioned about 7 miles from downtown Miami between the Atlantic Ocean and Biscayne Bay, Crandon Park Beach features three miles of lagoon style beach with the safety of being surrounded by lifeguard towers. Crandon Park Beach is a very family friendly and accessible beach with picnic areas, access to rental wheelchairs and a children's playground.

Homestead Bayfront Park - A little further out than the other beaches, Homestead Bayfront Park is a 30 mile drive down South from downtown Miami. One of the benefits of being so far from the city is it totally avoids the tourist scene that is found nearly everywhere closer to town. If you want to hang out with the local boating and swimming community than this is a good beach to visit.

South Beach - As touristy as it might have become, no visit to Miami is complete without a visit to the beach experience in Miami. Not exactly a family friendly beach with topless bathing permitted in addition to the area being surrounded by famous nightclubs, it might be a good idea to keep visits here 18+. Possibly not the best beach to swim, but for people and celebrity watching it's a place to see.

Virginia Key Beach - Just a little over 3 miles away from Miami, this beach is a good destination for the whole family with the Miami Seaquarium right nearby. Virginia Key beach is best described as an average beach, with good swimming and good recreational activities. For these reasons it can get very busy through peak seasons.

There is plenty of information on the Internet of the above featured five beaches, but do make sure you do your research on opening times and popularity depending on when you are planning on visiting. If you are looking for others places to stay you can find other well priced boutique hotels at nominaldesignhotels.com.