8 Postcard-Worthy Miami Beach Vacation Rental Locations

Sugary sands, cool ocean breezes, award-winning restaurants, and unforgettable attractions – Miami Beach has it all. This iconic South Florida locale is a bucket-list destination for many. In fact, there are so many picture-perfect beaches, neighborhoods, and nearby towns, it can seem impossible to choose exactly where you want your Miami Beach vacation rental to be.

We’ve scoured the city and its most precious nearby areas to uncover the best locations for your beach rental, from the powdery sands of Hollywood Beach to the nonstop action of South Beach and beyond, these are the top eight places to rent a vacation home in Miami Beach.

Hollywood Beach

Lounging on the sand in a beach chair, gazing at the turquoise water with palm trees as the backdrop. That’s what you can expect to experience when booking a Miami Beach vacation rental in Hollywood Beach. Located about one hour north of Miami Beach along the scenic A1A highway, this is the ultimate beach vacation destination.

The iconic boardwalk runs along the sand, allowing visitors to take a bike ride or scenic walk without losing sight of the crystal clear ocean water. A variety of shops and restaurants also line the boardwalk, offering picture-perfect views of the sand and sea while dining or picking up souvenirs. Choose a rental within walking distance of the boardwalk, and you won’t need to move your vehicle the entire time you’re here.

Bal Harbour Village

Bal Harbour Village Florida vacation rentals
Aerial photo Miami Beach inlet between Haulover and Bal Harbour

Bal Harbour sits as far north as you can travel in Miami Beach, and that’s part of what makes this location so special. It’s known for its tranquil and clear ocean waters, powder white sand, and secluded beach feel. This is one of few areas in Miami Beach where you’ll have plenty of room to spread out on the sand, so if you’re looking for a more laid-back beach experience, this is the place to rent.

Surfside

Surfside Florida vacation rentals

Surfside is the ultimate Miami Beach destination for every type of traveler. The opportunities for adventure in and out of the ocean are endless. Take your family surf lessons, go paddleboarding, rent kayaks, or head out for a day of deep-sea fishing. Back on land, visitors will find plenty of luxury beachfront rentals, award-winning restaurants, shopping and more. Whether you’re traveling with little ones or are looking for the ultimate romantic getaway, Surfside offers something for everyone.

North Beach

North and Mid-Beach Florida vacation rentals.jpg
Buildings at North Beach and Mid Beach, Miami Beach, Florida, USA

North Beach is practically the opposite of South Beach. You head to South Beach when you want youthful energy, nightlife, and the hustle and bustle. Head to North Beach when you’re ready to relax.

Similar to Hollywood Beach, North Beach offers an expansive, sandy beach lined by a boardwalk that welcomes joggers, bikers, rollerbladers, and more. This beach also offers concession stands and showers, so you can have a full beach day without having to head back to your North Beach vacation rental. The open-air amphitheater has stood as a major North Beach attraction since 1961, hosting concerts and other events to bring the community together. North Beach remains a Miami area beach that is the perfect amount of fun and entertainment without being overwhelming.

Mid-Beach

Hip, cosmopolitan, modern. They’re all words commonly used to describe Mid-Beach. This area of Miami Beach is the ideal place for a vacation rental if you’re looking for a combination of South Beach’s playful atmosphere and North Beach’s tranquility. The beaches are renowned for their beauty, and just a few steps away, you can dine at award-winning restaurants, explore famous attractions, or enjoy a memorable night at the club. The eclectic area of Mid-Beach is geared toward singles, couples, and groups of friends looking to have a piece of the Miami action without sacrificing time on the sand.

Miami Beach (South Beach)

South Beach Miami Florida vacation rentals
Aerial view of South Miami Beach

There’s no better place to get the full Miami Beach experience than in the legendary area of South Beach. It’s one of few places in the country where the excitement of city life sits just steps from picture-perfect sands and turquoise waters. The glimmering skyscrapers stand tall as the beach’s backdrop, and you’ve probably heard about the iconic nightlife. However, South Beach also has a historic side, with an Art Deco district filled with colorful buildings, unique hotels, award-winning restaurants and more. South Beach is a part of Miami that has it all, and if you’re looking for action, it’s probably the best place for your Miami Beach vacation rental.

Brickell

Brickell Downtown Miami Florida vacation rentals
Miami downtown at night, Florida, USA

Brickell is a neighborhood near the heart of downtown Miami. It’s an area rich in culture and attractions, and a vacation rental here will put you in the heart of the action. Families can use it as a base and venture out to enjoy the zoo and hands-on Children’s Museum, while foodies can sample some of the country’s best Cuban food in Little Havana.

Rent a vacation rental in Brickell with friends and party the night away or head to downtown Miami with your significant other and enjoy a luxury rental just minutes from the sand. Miami encourages you to live it up, then relax on a white sand beach, and there’s no place quite like it in the world.

Coral Gables

Coral Gables Miami Florida vacation rentals
The Venetian Pool

Coral Gables feels like the exact opposite of downtown Miami, but it’s still just a stone’s throw from the heart of the action. In Coral Gables, you can enjoy Miami’s more peaceful side while dining at outdoor cafes, exploring the canals, and admiring all of the green space. In fact, roughly 1/3 of Coral Gables is dedicated as green space, which means the gorgeous parks and green areas won’t be destroyed by development.

Coral Gables is also home to the University of Miami, bringing plenty of restaurants, attractions, and nightlife to the area without sacrificing its serene feel. This is the perfect vacation rental location for anyone who wants to be able to relax and enjoy the beauty of the outdoors without being too far from the action of the city.

Miami Beach is a dream vacation destination. This unique location couples some of the country’s most beautiful beaches with the colorful personality of the city of Miami. What are you waiting for? Choose from one of the Miami Beach vacation rental locations above and start planning your escape to paradise.