Sunny Isles Beach Travel Guide

Discover the best things to do, places to visit, hike and bike trails, food and drink scene, and cultural attractions in Sunny Isles Beach. Get helpful tips and a week-long itinerary for exploring Miami-Dade County in Florida, USA.


Sunny Isles Beach is a beautiful city situated in Miami-Dade County, Florida. With a plethora of attractions, world-class restaurants, and scenic views, it is a must-visit destination. This travel guide will give you a comprehensive rundown of the best things to do, places to visit, hike and bike trails, food and drink scene, and cultural attractions in Sunny Isles Beach.

Introduction to Sunny Isles Beach

Sunny Isles Beach boasts of over two miles of pristine beaches. The city is a hub of upscale hotels and luxury resorts, making it a perfect spot for relaxation and rejuvenation. The city’s location provides easy access to downtown Miami and Fort Lauderdale, making it a great base for exploring the region.

List of Places to Visit in Sunny Isles Beach

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

The city of Sunny Isles Beach offers plenty of museums and historical places to explore. The following are some of the most popular:

  • Dezerland Park
  • Miami Auto Museum
  • Gulfstream Park Racing and Casino
  • The Ancient Spanish Monastery
  • The Bass Museum of Art
  • Villa Vizcaya Museum and Gardens

Natural Attractions of Sunny Isles Beach: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Sunny Isles Beach offers plenty of opportunities to get closer to nature. Here are some of the most popular outdoor activities:

  • Samson Oceanfront Park
  • Haulover Park
  • North Shore Open Space Park
  • Oleta River State Park
  • Greynolds Park
  • Biscayne National Park

Hiking/Biking Routes of Sunny Isles Beach

Sunny Isles Beach is a great place for outdoor enthusiasts. Here are some of the best hiking and bike-riding trails:

  • Oleta River State Park Trail
  • Pine Rockland Trail
  • Tropical Trail
  • A.D. Barnes Park Trail
  • Airport Lakes Park Trail

Best Things to Do in Sunny Isles Beach: Activities and Tours

Besides the hiking and bike-riding trails, Sunny Isles Beach offers plenty of other activities and tours to try. Here are some of the most popular:

  • Boat Tours and Water Sports
  • Snorkelling and Scuba Diving
  • Fishing Charters
  • Segway Tours
  • Shopping Tours

Week-Long Itinerary for Sunny Isles Beach

A week-long itinerary for Sunny Isles Beach should include the following:

Day Activity
Day 1 Explore Sunny Isles Beach and Samson Oceanfront Park
Day 2 Visit Dezerland Park and Miami Auto Museum
Day 3 Visit The Ancient Spanish Monastery and Villa Vizcaya Museum and Gardens
Day 4 Go hiking or bike-riding at Oleta River State Park Trail or Pine Rockland Trail
Day 5 Try water sports, snorkelling, scuba diving, or fishing Charters
Day 6 Take a shopping or Segway tour
Day 7 Relax at the resort or hotel

Food and Drink Scene of Sunny Isles Beach

Sunny Isles Beach has a thriving food and drink scene offering local and international cuisines. Here are some must-try dishes:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Stone Crab Claws
  • Cuban Sandwiches
  • Conch Fritters
  • Empanadas
  • Key Lime Pie

Local Beverages

  • Cafecito (Cuban Coffee)
  • Colada (Cuban Espresso)
  • Mojito
  • Caipirinha
  • Sangria

Where to Stay in Sunny Isles Beach: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Sunny Isles Beach has an abundance of accommodations to choose from. Here are some of the best:

  • Acqualina Resort and Residences
  • The Ritz-Carlton Residences
  • Marenas Beach Resort
  • Sole on the Ocean
  • Trump International Beach Resort

What to Buy in Sunny Isles Beach: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Sunny Isles Beach offers plenty of unique souvenirs and local products. Here are some of the best:

  • Handmade Jewellery
  • Artisan Soap
  • Local Honey
  • Key Lime Products
  • Hand-painted Pottery

Local Culture and Customs of Sunny Isles Beach

Sunny Isles Beach is a mix of cultures and customs from around the world. Visitors should be respectful of cultural traditions and customs, such as dressing modestly when visiting religious sites and respecting the local customs of tipping.

Best Time to Visit Sunny Isles Beach

The best time to visit Sunny Isles Beach is from November to April when the weather is warm and there is little rainfall.

Do’s and Don’ts of Sunny Isles Beach

Do:

  • Apply sunblock and wear a hat when outdoors
  • Carry cash for tips and small purchases
  • Respect local customs and traditions
  • Take advantage of hotel amenities such as shuttle services and free breakfasts

Don’t:

  • Litter on the beach or park
  • Visit unsafe areas or neighbourhoods
  • Assume that everyone speaks English; learn basic Spanish phrases
  • Disrespect local traditions or customs

Safety and Health

Safety in Sunny Isles Beach

Sunny Isles Beach is a safe city for tourists. However, visitors should take precautions, such as locking their belongings and valuables in their hotel safe and avoiding walking alone in dimly lit areas at night.

Health in Sunny Isles Beach

Visitors should be aware of the heat and humidity, which can lead to heat exhaustion and dehydration. Keep hydrated by drinking plenty of water and wearing loose-fitting clothes. Mosquito bites can also be a concern, so apply insect repellent when outdoors.

Getting to Sunny Isles Beach: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Sunny Isles Beach

  • Miami International Airport (17 miles away)
  • Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (11 miles away)
  • Palm Beach International Airport (75 miles away)

Bus Stations Near Sunny Isles Beach

  • Greyhound Bus Station (11 miles away)
  • Megabus Miami Bus Station (17 miles away)

Other Options

Visitors can take the Amtrak train to Hollywood, Florida, and take a taxi or rideshare to Sunny Isles Beach. Car rental is also available, and visitors can use the city’s public transportation system.

How to Get Around in Sunny Isles Beach

The preferred mode of transportation in Sunny Isles Beach is walking or biking due to the city’s compact size. Visitors can rent bicycles and use the bike lanes, or use the city’s shuttle service to get around.

Where to Go Next from Sunny Isles Beach: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Sunny Isles Beach is a great base for exploring nearby attractions and excursions, such as:

  • Miami Beach
  • Fort Lauderdale
  • Florida Keys
  • Everglades National Park

Conclusion

Sunny Isles Beach is a must-visit destination packed with plenty of attractions and activities. With golden beaches, excellent hiking and biking trails, outdoor adventures and water sports, food and drink scene, hotels and resorts, and cultural and historical attractions, Sunny Isles Beach is a great place to spend a week-long vacation exploring Miami-Dade County and beyond.