When planning a family vacation to Miami, finding the right place to stay can make all the difference. As beautiful as Miami is, traveling with kids means convenience matters just as much as location.
As a mom who is constantly searching for kid friendly stays and for families looking for a little more convenience without sacrificing the Miami Beach experience, Sunny Isles Beach really offers the best of both worlds.
Located right along the ocean, Sunny Isles Beach offers families a more relaxed atmosphere compared to busy South Beach, with plenty of family-friendly things to do nearby. Between the beach, parks, outdoor adventures and shopping, there’s plenty to keep the whole family entertained without having to spend your entire vacation driving from place to place, which is a major plus when you consider South Florida traffic.
Aside from being a great family vacation destination, Sunny Isles Beach is also perfect for locals looking to enjoy a staycation. During our past stay, we stayed at the Ramada Plaza Marco Polo Beach Resort as its oceanfront location made it easy to enjoy both the beach and some of the nearby attractions with our kids.
Here are some spots we visited during our stay which were perfect for our kids to burn off energy and my husband and I to be able to relax and enjoy a little reset:
Heritage Park: A Fun Break From the Beach
Something that I really love about Sunny Isles Beach is that they have 11 public parks throughout the city, giving families and their kids plenty of opportunities to get outside, play, and explore aside from just going to the beach.
Located directly across from the hotel, Heritage Park is such a convenient spot for families traveling with kids because you don’t even need to drive to get there. It’s walkable and just a few steps from the Ramada Plaza Marco Polo Beach Resort. The park features two playgrounds, a splash pad and plenty of open space where kids can run around, burn off some energy and play.
As a mom to two active toddlers, I always appreciate finding places like this when we’re traveling or even enjoying a local staycation because kids sometimes just need a change of scenery, and having a park so close by makes it easy to mix up the day Plus, they have a refreshing splash pad, bathrooms, water fountains, vending machines and it’s enclosed so you can rest assured if you have tiny wanderers. Also, you can take your bikes, skates or jog along the path that circles the park around. . It’s perfect for meeting up with friends as they also have an attached parking lot.
Samson Oceanfront Park: Playground Meets Beach Day
Just a mile and a half south along Collins avenue, Samson Oceanfront Park is another outdoor spot for families to mix playtime with their beach day while vacationing in Miami.
What makes this beautiful park especially great is that it combines a playground and open green space with direct beach access. There are also picnic tables and a pavilion, making it a nice place to take a break, have a snack or let the kids play before heading back to the sand.
I love that places like this make a beach day feel a little easier for families because instead of choosing between taking the kids to a playground or spending the day by the ocean, you can enjoy both in one stop.
Take a Walk Along Newport Fishing Pier
For beautiful ocean and sunset views, a family stroll along Newport Fishing Pier is another experience worth adding to your itinerary.
Located right on the ocean and just a short distance from the hotel, the pier is open for walking, sightseeing, and fishing with beach access nearby. Walking the pier is free, making it an easy activity to add to your day whether you’re looking to take in the views, watch the fishermen, or simply enjoy the ocean breeze with your family.
It’s one of those simple experiences that doesn’t require a full day of planning but can still become a memorable part of your vacation and it’s one of our top favorite things to do in Sunny Isles.
Explore the Outdoors at Oleta River State Park
If your family is looking for a little nature-inspired adventure beyond the beach, Oleta River State Park is nearby and offers a completely different side of South Florida.
Families can explore the outdoors by kayaking, paddle boarding, fishing, bicycling, or enjoying the park’s nature trails and waterways. It’s also such a great option for getting out into nature while still being close to Sunny Isles Beach because you can spend one day relaxing by the ocean and another exploring mangroves and getting out on the water.
Aventura Mall Is More Than Just Shopping
A family vacation sometimes calls for a little indoor fun, and with Aventura Mall just a short drive away, it’s the perfect place to take a break from the outdoors while getting some shopping done. But there’s more to Aventura Mall than just shopping, it’s also a fun place to spend time together with your kids since they can enjoy family-friendly experiences like the Rainbow Valley Playground, the Slide Tower and the Gorillas in the Mist fountain and play area.
Our family always enjoys shopping and dining there and it’s definitely worth the visit if you’re visiting Miami and need a break from the heat.
Plenty of Family-Friendly Dining Options
When it’s time to eat, families will find plenty of delicious options to choose from in Sunny Isles Beach. The area is home to a variety of restaurants and cafés serving different types of international cuisine, so there’s something for everyone to enjoy. From casual bites to sit-down restaurants, you can find everything from healthy options and Latin-inspired dishes to Italian, Mediterranean and other international flavors.
Some great options include Treesome Natural Food Café, Baires Grill and Rose Cafe & Restaurant, just to name a few. Whether you’re looking for a quick bite, a family-friendly meal or somewhere to sit down and enjoy dinner together, there’s no shortage of delicious options nearby.
A Family-Friendly Home Base in Sunny Isles Beach
After exploring everything nearby, it was so nice and convenient having the Ramada Plaza Marco Polo Beach Resort as our home base.
For families, having direct beach access and an oceanfront pool means you don’t have to go far to enjoy a full day in the sun. The hotel’s spacious room options and kitchen or kitchenette accommodations can also make traveling with kids a little easier, especially when snacks and quick meals are always part of the plan. If you need home cooked meals, there’s the Publix Super Market at Sunny Isles Beach, which is a grocery store just half a mile south from the hotel or a 10-15 minute walk.
Our family also loved the incredible oceanfront view from our suite’s balcony and how there is a bar and café on site as well in addition to a kiddie pool. Overall what I enjoyed the most about staying in Sunny Isles Beach was the balance. You can have a relaxing beach vacation while still having parks, outdoor adventures and family-friendly attractions close by.
Something we missed during our trip, but would like to try out next time we go, since the girls will be older, is to take some watersport classes and activities which are located just behind the hotel and they serve children and adults alike, through Sunny Isles Beach Water Sports.
They have Paddle boarding, surf boarding, boogie board and kayak rentals. As well as surf, stand up paddle lessons and if you’re feeling extra adventurous even E-surf lessons.
If you’re planning a Miami vacation with kids or staycation, Sunny Isles Beach is definitely a destination worth considering. It offers the beach experience families want, while also making it easy to get out and explore.
And after experiencing everything from playgrounds and oceanfront parks to kayaking and family fun at Aventura Mall, I can definitely see why Sunny Isles Beach is the kind of place families would want to come back to year after year.
One last Sunny Isles insider tip: before booking anywhere else, be sure to check the Marco Polo Beach Resort’s current offers. They regularly have some of the best beachfront rates in Sunny Isles, plus special promotions you may not find on other booking sites. You might be surprised by how affordably you can stay right on the beach!
Happy travels!
