Haulover Beach takes its name from Baker's Haulover Inlet, a man-made channel connecting the Atlantic Ocean to Biscayne Bay, where boats were historically "hauled over" the narrow strip of land before the inlet was cut. The Dade County Commission acquired the beachfront property in 1940 following a lobbying effort by county commissioner Charles H. Crandon for a million municipal bond, initially calling it Ocean Beach. Construction began on beach facilities in 1941 but halted due to World War II funding restrictions. Work resumed in 1945, and the park was renamed Haulover Park in January 1947, opening to the public in late 1948. The 177-acre urban park is owned and operated by Miami-Dade County Parks, located between Bal Harbour and Sunny Isles Beach. In July 1991, the northern portion between lifeguard towers 12 and 16 was officially recognized as Florida's first clothing-optional beach, becoming the largest public nudist beach in the United States and attracting 1.3 million visitors annually. The park's location near Baker's Haulover Inlet has made it a focal point for boating, fishing, and beach recreation in North Miami-Dade County since the mid-20th century.
The beach offers excellent swimming conditions with lifeguards on duty and is recognized as one of South Florida's best locations for kite flying, with Skyward Kites providing the largest kite selection in Miami. Surfing is popular with small waves suitable for beginners and intermediate surfers. The beach provides access to both the Atlantic Ocean and Intracoastal Waterway, creating abundant fishing opportunities both onshore and offshore for species including snook, tarpon, and various reef fish. The clothing-optional section in the northern third provides a family-friendly naturist experience that has been listed among the nation's best clothing-optional beaches. Across from the beach, Haulover Park offers a full-service marina, tennis center, 9-hole golf course, dog park, and kite shops. The marina provides boat access to Baker's Haulover Cut, a favored passage for vessels navigating between the ocean and bay. Food trucks and D's floating restaurant serve refreshing cocktails and snacks around the beach and sandbar. Beach amenities include restrooms, showers, picnic areas, and ample parking, making it suitable for full-day visits.
Dining near Haulover Beach features upscale options in nearby Bal Harbour and casual beachside establishments. The Artisan Beach House at the Ritz Carlton Bal Harbour offers adventurous coastal cuisine with ocean views and fresh ingredients. Makoto at Bal Harbour Shops serves 21st-century Japanese cuisine renowned for innovative sushi and signature ponzu sauce. Hillstone Bal Harbour provides American fare emphasizing fresh ingredients and perfectly prepared entrees. Flanigan's Seafood Bar and Grill claims to sell over a million pounds of famous baby back ribs annually alongside fresh seafood offerings. D's floating restaurant delivers cocktails and snacks directly to beachgoers on the sandbar. The proximity to Bal Harbour Shops provides access to additional upscale dining including Le Zoo for French bistro fare and Makoto for contemporary Japanese cuisine, while Sunny Isles Beach to the north offers diverse international dining options serving the beach community.
