Miami Beach Wins Best Restored Beach Award
The 7.1-mile beach and dune system ranked first in a national competition run by the American Shore and Beach Preservation Association.
Updated on Nov. 5, 2026 in National Parks
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Miami Beach's 7.1-mile beach and dune system took first place in the national Best of the Best Restored Beach Award. The American Shore and Beach Preservation Association announced the honor last month at its centennial celebration in Atlantic City, New Jersey.
Why it matters
The recognition highlights the value of sustained beach restoration and dune protection for a coastal city that depends on its shoreline. It also reflects the coordinated, multi-agency approach used to maintain beaches in the Miami area.
The award was decided by a national vote of more than 2,800 ballots against nine finalists, with Miami Beach's 1985 renourishment project the oldest of 100 coastal projects reviewed. The source does not detail the vote margins or the judging weights used.
The players
American Shore and Beach Preservation Association
A national organization with more than 1,000 members that works on beach and shoreline management and conducts the Best of the Best awards.
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
The federal agency that partners on periodic beach renourishment projects along the nation's coastlines.
The details
Beach-quality sand is placed along critically eroded shoreline segments to restore beach width, while dunes, native vegetation, and wildlife habitat are protected and managed as part of coastal stewardship. Periodic renourishment is coordinated among the City of Miami Beach, Miami-Dade County, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and other state and federal partners.
Timeline
1985: Miami Beach's oldest renourishment project was completed.
Last month: The award was announced at the association's centennial celebration in Atlantic City.
Big Picture
The win comes through the association's Best of the Best awards, which judge restored beaches nationally across 100 coastal projects. It places Miami Beach's long-running renourishment program in that national comparison.
Visitors planning a trip to Miami Beach can expect a shoreline that receives ongoing sand replenishment and dune management. Those interested in the restored beaches can visit the area during the regular tourist season.
The takeaway
Sustained beach restoration, from sand placement to dune protection, keeps coastal communities resilient over decades. Miami Beach's long record shows how coordinated local, county, and federal efforts can maintain shorelines for residents and visitors alike.
Further reading
Explore more on National Parks for context on how coastal areas are protected and managed.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Miami's Community News.
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