Surfside stands out from the other Greater Miami beach communities because to its walkable downtown, beautiful residential sections and tranquil beach. To the south of Bal Harbour and to the north of Miami Beach is a waterfront sanctuary where vacationers may get away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
The hotels are all high-end and spotless, and there are plenty of things to do once you’ve checked in and gotten settled. Surrounded by the North Shore Recreation Area and the verdant Oleta River State Park, Surfside is a paradise for nature enthusiasts.
Close to the beach, downtown Surfside is full of interesting shops and chic boutiques to fulfill any shopper’s needs. Some of the best restaurants in Surfside may be found in the downtown area, which attracts a diverse crowd from all over the world.
Family-friendly attractions and annual celebrations make this a one-of-a-kind vacation spot. Get away for a while and see Surfside’s hidden allure.
Let’s go deeper into what makes Surfside such a sought-after location:
An Overview Of Surfside Miami’s Culture And Way Of Life
Many people living in Surfside travel into downtown Miami every day for work because of the area’s proximity to the city. From South Beach, it takes around 25 minutes to travel to the thriving areas further south of South Beach along Collins Avenue (depending on traffic).
Public transportation in Surfside is convenient and reliable because to the frequent service of the Metrobus, which travels to Miami and other nearby areas. Miami Beach residents take use of the fantastic Miami Beach Trolley and the town’s free shuttle service.
Residents in Surfside take full advantage of the pleasant weather in South Florida all year round. Many inhabitants move around by walking or riding their bikes on the peaceful streets of their neighborhoods.
Obviously, the beach is a major part of life here, and the mile-long stretch of unspoiled sand is frequented by people for a variety of activities, including sports, socializing, and relaxation. Unlike the trendy beaches further south, Surfside beach is a relaxing place to soak up the rays without the hassle of a crowded beach.
Countless parks and open areas are conveniently located near Surfside’s population. The popular dog park and walking trails of North Beach Oceanside Park may be found just to the south in North Beach.
Haulover Park, located further north, is a favored picnicking site and hangout for neighborhood dogs. Oleta River State Park, on Biscayne Bay and close by, is a popular destination for Surfside residents looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city for a relaxing afternoon of kayaking.
Surfside Miami Shops And Restaurants
Harding Avenue is the main thoroughfare through Surfside and its commercial core contains the majority of the neighborhood’s shops and restaurants. These long-standing businesses, which include shops, hairdressers, and bakeries, contribute to the unique character of the area.
A wide variety of popular restaurants can be found in the region, each serving a menu that represents the diverse population and wide variety of nationalities represented there. International cuisines such as Italian, Japanese, Greek, and Latin American can be found here.
At night, when the palm trees are illuminated and the sidewalk tables are busy, the atmosphere is enchanted.
Collins Avenue, where Surfside’s fanciest hotels are located, also has some of the area’s best upmarket restaurants and entertainment. The two towers that make up the Grand Beach Hotel Surfside are home to the hotel’s many amenities, including a rooftop bar, pool and hot tub.
A Michelin-starred restaurant and a luxurious champagne lounge can be found at the Four Seasons Hotel at the Surf Club, both run by Thomas Keller.
Local boutiques in Surfside are great, but residents also have easy access to world-class shopping destinations like Bal Harbour Shops and Aventura Mall. Locals of Surfside also frequent South Beach, where they can find a plethora of shops and restaurants, and where they can quickly reach the throngs of shoppers on Lincoln Road and Espanola Way.
Destinations And Activities In Surfside
Residents of Surfside are known for their enthusiasm for community events with many smaller events and activities hosted at the Surfside Community Center, making it an integral part of community life.
From February through April, one of the town’s major festivals is Third Thursdays, an evening of music, entertainment, and cuisine open to the entire community. First Fridays is a second chance for the community to get together and enjoy a night at the beach with food, drinks, and entertainment.
The Turtle Walk has become a popular landmark in Surfside’s growing collection of public artworks and each of the 13 turtle sculptures in this impressive work was painted by a well-known artist from South Florida to bring attention to the need to preserve the region’s turtle population.
Every Third Thursday
For over a decade, locals and tourists alike have flocked to Third Thursdays, one of the city’s most well-attended events, to enjoy a night out with the kids. Throughout the winter, 95th Street between Harding Avenue and Collins Avenue plays host to a fantastic block party that draws in throngs of people.
Every third Thursday has great music, delicious food, and a unique and entertaining atmosphere. There will be a live music and entertainment area, a community cultural and family activities area, and a busy food and refreshment station area at the event. The popularity of Third Thursdays continues to rise and each month has a unique focus.
Food Market In Surfside
Every Sunday from 9 am to 3 pm, the corner of 95th Street and Collins Avenue in Surfside becomes the site of a bustling Farmers Market where you can find a wide variety of fresh, locally-grown fruits and vegetables, making it a popular destination for neighborhood residents and those who want to show their support for small businesses.
The Surfside Farmers Market is expanding in size and attendance every week, with more and more vendors joining the market and in addition to the fruit, veg and plants for sale, this charming establishment also sells a wide variety of herbs, spices, body care items and stylish bohemian clothing.
On Sundays, folks often bring their dogs and meet for coffee and conversation with friends and neighbors to wile away the hours.
Shopping At Bal Harbour
It’s in nearby Bal Harbour, to the north, and it’s a retail mecca known the world over. Bal Harbour Shops is a gorgeous outdoor mall with tropical vegetation and peaceful ponds that is home to a plethora of upscale retailers and dining options.
Bal Harbour Shops is a famed fashion center, frequented by A-listers, socialites, and style mavens alike for its extensive collection of designer labels like Stella McCartney, Chanel, Gucci, and Alexander McQueen.
There are also a number of restaurants to choose from, ranging from inexpensive to really fancy. At Makoto, Carpaccio, and Le Zoo, locals may experience cutting-edge Asian fusion, top-notch Italian, and stylish French cuisine, respectively.
Surfside Beach
The silky sand and relaxed atmosphere of Surfside’s mile-long beach make it a popular destination for vacationers looking for some downtime.
The Atlantic Ocean’s turquoise waters gently lap at the shore, and a green dune landscape separates the beach from the oceanfront homes. There is a promenade that stretches the length of the beach, allowing residents and visitors to walk, ride bikes, or jog along the sand while taking in the breathtaking views of the water.
Unlike the crowded beaches to the south, this one has a lifeguard on duty year-round and welcomes families. Bring a picnic, spread out a beach towel, and while the day away at Surfside Beach.
North Beach
North Beach Oceanside Park is a tranquil green space just south of Surfside. The park has pavilions, picnic tables, and grills, and it’s covered by sea grape and palm trees that are hundreds of years old. This park is a favorite for local family gatherings, and despite its popularity, it is rarely congested.
The park in North Beach on the ocean side has a great playground for youngsters and an off-leash dog area. The magnificent beach may be reached by a system of trails that wind through the tropical vegetation. The beach is never overcrowded because of the dunes that line it, and it feels like you’ve escaped the city entirely.
Bandstand At North Beach
This outdoor amphitheater is a favorite with Surfside locals thanks to its convenient location in the North Shore Historic District, just a short distance from the ocean. The North Beach Bandshell, built in 1961, is a beautiful example of quirky Miami Modern architecture.
The Rhythm Foundation has been in charge of the Bandshell since 2015, and ever since then, it has hosted a rotating roster of talented artists from all over the world. There is always a wide age range in the audience, from teenagers to retirees, at any given concert, whether it be a night of lively dance bands or an intimate performance by hipster indie bands.
The North Beach Bandshell has long served as a focal point for North Beach residents. Refreshed and lovely, Bandshell Park is a great place to unwind before or after a performance.
Club de Golf Normandie-Shores
This golf club, found in the Normandy Isles community, is renowned for its welcoming atmosphere and high number of young players. Normandy Shores has been functioning for almost 50 years and is now maintained by the City of Miami Beach.
Renovated at the cost of $9 million, the course has been renovated by architect Arthur Hills, and the wonderfully planted course is scrupulously kept.
The 18-hole, par-71 course is 6,805 yards in length and offers a demanding experience for golfers of all ability levels. On Sundays, the course hosts a special event called Family Funday, where juniors can play for free.
Golfers of all ages can take use of Normandy Shores’ pro shop and practice areas, as well as their selection of both private and group classes. The Normandy Shores Grill offers a great outside patio and a complete bar, making it the perfect place to hang out after a round.
The Oleta River
Oleta River State Park is an astounding 1,000 acres in size and is situated in a protected river estuary near Biscayne Bay. The largest urban park in Florida, visitors can enjoy peaceful activities including swimming, hiking, kayaking, and camping.
You may hire kayaks and stand-up paddleboards to get a close-up view of the park’s scenery and wildlife, which is why it’s highly recommended. You’d be very lucky not to see fish, crabs, and other species of birds as you paddled through the thick tidal mangrove forest on a kayak on the placid seas.
Three miles of trails go down through the forest to a tiny stretch of sand. Beautiful tropical flowers and playful marine mammals like dolphins and manatees can be spotted along the route. If you need to cool off, the beach is the place to go, and you’ll forget that you’re in the center of a bustling metropolis.
Property At Surfside Miami
Surfside’s real estate includes both high-end beachside condos and more affordable single-family homes in outlying areas but bear in mind that single-family houses along the Intracoastal Waterway tend to be among the most costly in the area and are in high demand.
Luxury Accommodations At The Surf Club’s Four Seasons
Residents of Surfside know to head to the Four Seasons on Collins Avenue for a very opulent and special occasion. The arrival of the luxurious Four Seasons at the Surf Club in 2017 was a watershed moment for the hamlet of Surfside.
The original ballroom at the Surf Club, which was reimagined by Pritzker Prize–winning architect Richard Meier, is now a chic champagne and cocktail lounge. Locals of Surfside like to unwind with a drink here after a day at the hotel spa, which features services including massage, yoga, and meditation.
The Surf Club Restaurant at the Four Seasons has the cuisine of Michelin-starred chef Thomas Keller, making it the ideal location for a memorable dinner after a day of rest and relaxation.
Four Seasons Surf Club
Two towers, each 12 stories tall, make up this opulent complex, which is situated next to the Four Seasons Hotel. Richard Meier, the architect behind the towers, also created the interiors for the building’s 150 individual units.
Many of the 1,400 to 8,000 square foot homes feature open floor plans with spectacular sunrise and sunset vistas. Incredible kitchens fit for a chef, roomy baths, and enormous master suites can all be found in these homes. Staff quarters with private bathrooms are standard in many modern homes.
The property provides residents with access to all hotel facilities, as well as 965 feet of private beachfront, the longest stretch of any South Florida condo enclave.
Surfside Art
Featuring ultra-luxurious apartments that offer a one-of-a-kind lifestyle, this 12-story, 16-unit coastal enclave was built by renowned architect Antonio Citterio.
The homes can have anywhere from three to five bedrooms and measure between 3,150 to 7,550 square feet in size. The magnificent ocean views may be enjoyed from the expansive terraces of these residences, which are built for seamless indoor-outdoor living. The designer kitchens feature high-end finishes like Italian marble worktops and Gaggenau appliances.
At Arte Surfside, you’ll have access to a full suite of resort-style amenities, such as an indoor pool (75 feet long), an outdoor pool (also 75 feet long), rooftop tennis courts, and a state-of-the-art fitness facility. There is a pool table in the residents’ lounge, a playroom for the youngsters, and a yoga studio and steam room for some relaxation.
The Fendi Chateau Apartments
A total of 58 high-end homes with unique flow-through layouts make up this boutique development close to Bal Harbour. The Fendi Chateau Residences provide opulent accommodations and breathtaking oceanfront views.
The three- to five-bedroom homes include 10-foot ceilings, 12-foot deep patios, and private elevators and foyers. Elegant Italian marble can be found in the baths, while high-tech gadgets can be found in the kitchens fit for a chef.
There are also staff quarters with laundry and separate bathrooms, as well as roomy master suites with the option of his and hers master bathrooms, in these homes.
The outside of the Fendi Chateau Residences was created by the illustrious Arquitectonica, while the interiors were designed by Fendi and Fanny Haim. Three penthouses in the complex feature rooftop pools and terraces.