Sunny Isles Beach, Florida

On Florida’s southeastern coast, balmy Sunny Isles Beach is a stylish, cosmopolitan resort on a barrier island east of North Miami Beach. With the Intracoastal Waterway (ICW) to the west and the Atlantic Ocean to the east, this is a place where the sand, surf and sun never end.

Most residents live in the towering white condominiums that line the beach. Single family homes are few, except in a handful of very expensive gated communities, including the original Golden Shores.

The city’s department of Cultural and Communities Services sponsors cultural trips around South Florida, and its popular seniors’ and adult programs include bingo games, exercise classes on the beach, health classes, a classic film series, a writers’ forum, CPR classes and more.

There are nearly two dozen public points of access to the beach, a beautiful white strip of sand kissed by blue/green waters. Lifeguards are on duty, and one beach section is clothing optional.

Busy Collins Avenue, also known as State Road A1A, is the main drag through town and is bordered by lush tropical vegetation, sleek high rises and beach-oriented retailers. Shopping and dining options are eclectic and easy to find. For the healthy eater, the farmers’ market happens on Saturdays.

Residents also enjoy nine city parks, some along the ICW and some along the Atlantic. Many are served by the community shuttle and are dog-friendly.