Defined by locals as the Florida Riviera, it is a mix of all the eccentricity of Miami and the bucolic experience of the Mediterranean coast.
There are opulent condominiums that lie on just 3 kilometers of white sand that can be walked from end to end. There’s something about the good life that feels easy about Sunny Isles Beach.
Not only because the beach is always there, its waves ruminating and covering the sound of traffic, but because there is also serenity, something difficult to find in the most traditional Florida.
The city of sun and sea is located al norte de Bal Harbourbetween the Atlantic Ocean and the Intracoastal Waterway, connected to Miami by the William Lehman Causeway and Northeast 163rd Street Bridge.
It runs along Collins Avenue/A1A from the north end of Haulover Park to 195th Street. While the beach itself steals the show, other attractions loom along the shores, including Samson Oceanfront Park, which offers concerts and activities. family throughout the year.
It has a play area for the little ones, a shaded picnic area and public bathrooms, always bordering a priceless turquoise coast. From there there is public access to the beach with lifeguards, volleyball courts and public bathrooms.
The butterfly garden is an adventure to spend time on. During the full moon, a guided yoga and meditation class is presented on the sand each month.
“Concert in the Park” is a monthly concert series where you can bring your own chair or blanket and see a new band live. Brothers of Others, Happy Daze and Ricky Valido have performed there this year.
The Door Center shows a movie once a month, with a light meal afterwards. Sunny Isles also hides Miami’s only public fishing pier, the attractive Newport of just over 200 meters, with a relaxed restaurant to look at the coast in a different way.
It can be reached via Pier Park, which also offers restrooms, showers, beach access point, lifeguard, restaurant, bike rack, and community shuttle service.
Metered public parking is available nearby. It is perfect for an economical plan: taking the whole family for a walk to watch the fishermen and take photos of the pelicans that crowd around. A spectacular site to obtain panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean.
With a baroque soul
A must-see option in Sunny Isles Beach is its luxurious resorts. Even if you don’t stay, visiting them can be a good alternative to spend a day or to enjoy their cuisine.
Maybe the most exclusive is Acqualina Resort & Residences at the Beach, a complex whose latest development was the posthumous design of Karl Lagerfeld, the only one he made in the United States.
With an air of Italian Renaissance in its style and a striking color that contrasts with the white beach, it offers swimming pools of different sizes, sports activities, a kids’ club (with registration even if you are not a guest) and dozens of water activities and celebrations open to the community. . Its Five Star spa is one of the most requested. An invaluable fact: there is a 5-a-side soccer field.
The public beach It is an unbreakable key for the locals. There are 22 access points that take bathers directly into the ocean. Most street parking is reserved for residents, but there are a few public parking spaces.
Samson is joined by another dozen public parks. Not all of them allow pets. Three parks, for example, is ideal for dogs. An area in Senator Gwen Margolis Park is closed especially designed for dogs to run off leash. The same thing happens at Heritage Park. They are also allowed in the North and South Intracoastal Park, but there only on a leash.
Sunny Isles Beach Water Sports It is located right on the sand at the Trump International Beach complex. There you can rent jet sky, kayaks, paddle boards, surfboards and boogie boards.
The gastronomy
Eating is an unavoidable key. Baleenkitchen serves international cuisine in a mid-century inspired lounge. Not to be missed is the mahi mahi sandwich on a brioche bun.
Il Mulino at Acqualina Resort, replicates its New York version. Chef Michele Mazza suggests prosciutto with melon or a Milanese (cotoletta). Dessert? Better on the terrace. There, at Timo Restaurant & Bar, your hazelnut classic awaits.
Inside Newport Beachside Hotel & Resort is the 305. Run by Julius Brown it offers eclectic American food. The sea paella is curious, and even includes chorizo.
Epicurean at Marenas Beach Resort overlooks the Atlantic Ocean. Beyond the seafood and meat dishes, with a certain Cuban air, don’t leave without trying the coconut flan.