By: Jennifer Agress
Beautiful Sunny Isles Beach
Imagine a place that’s everything a beach vacation should be.
Incorporated in 1997 as “The City of Sun and Sea,” Sunny Isles Beach is Florida’s Riviera. Walk along its two miles of sparkling white-sand beaches to see opulent condominiums, luxurious oceanfront cabanas and empty stretches of sand perfect for a quiet family getaway or a romantic trip for two.
Enjoy the peaceful sands of Sunny Isles Beach.
Sunny Isles Beach Guide
Sunny Isles Beach is lined by the Atlantic Ocean on the east and the Intracoastal Waterway on the west, with an archipelago of residential finger islands in between. It’s connected to Miami’s mainland by the William Lehman Causeway and the Northeast 163rd Street Bridge.
Beach Access
You don’t want to miss a day on the sand in Sunny Isles Beach, so here are the easiest ways to get to it.
Collins Avenue/A1A runs parallel to the water, lined by private residential buildings and towering resorts. Most street parking is reserved for residents, but there’s a municipal parking lot behind Walgreens at 174th Street — right across from the public beach at Samson Oceanfront Park — where daytrippers can park for a fee. There is another convenient municipal parking lot at Heritage Park, with beach access pathways every few blocks that take visitors right to the water.
Try your luck at the Newport Fishing Pier.
Newport Fishing Pier
Looking to hook a big one? At the intersection of Sunny Isles Boulevard and Collins Avenue, Newport Fishing Pier is the only designated area for fishing in Sunny Isles Beach. The pier can be accessed through Pier Park, which for a fee provides access to fishing, restrooms, showers, beach access, the pier, a restaurant, bike racks and community shuttle service. Metered and public parking are nearby.
Enjoy access to the beach and other amenities at public parks.
Public Parks
Sunny Isles Beach is home to more than 10 public parks. The most popular is Samson Oceanfront Park, where there’s a playground, shaded picnic area, a beach with a lifeguard stand, volleyball, public restrooms, refreshments and entertainment throughout the year. To get there, park at the municipal lot at 174th Street and look for the bed of flowers and sculpture of a family that mark the entrance to the park.
Gateway Park has a performing arts stage, butterfly garden, play area with an interactive water feature and a community gathering space.
Traveling with a furry friend? Three dog parks in Sunny Isles Beach are ready to welcome them, too. The Bone Zone at Senator Gwen Margolis Park is fenced in and leash-free, as is the Heritage Park Dog Zone at Heritage Park. Dogs are also allowed at Intracoastal Parks, but they have to be on a leash. Containers are available for dog owners to pick up after their pet.
Sunny Isles Beach is home to many luxurious oceanfront resorts.
The Resort Experience
It’s hard to miss the lavish resorts that line Sunny Isles Beach. Towering 32 stories high, Trump International Beach Resort feels more like an exclusive beach club than a hotel. Book a room and spend your days lounging by oceanfront pools, getting pampered in the onsite beauty salon and extravagant spa, ordering room service or dining in one of four restaurants. When you do, you’ll see firsthand why it earned four stars from Forbes Travel Guide 2020.
Just steps away, Solé Miami, A Noble House Resort is a boutique resort with bespoke amenities like beachside concerts, an oceanfront pool, water sports, a daily fireside happy hour on the beach and even complimentary build-your-own s’mores. Coming off a property-wide renovation, the hotel offers a luxurious getaway for couples, families and colleagues alike. If you can’t stay for a weekend, stop by for dinner — the globally inspired menu at BALEENkitchen includes eclectic preparations of seafood, steaks, soups, pizzas, salads and more.
Forbes Five-Star resort Acqualina Resort & Residences on the Beach brings a taste of the Mediterranean to Miami, with a palatial beachfront pool and patio that is nothing if not regal. (Think: deep red couches, cabanas, hammocks and lounges peeking out between swaying palms along pristine white-sand beaches just steps away from the grandiose lobby.) While you’re here, set aside a day at the two-story Acqualina Spa by ESPA, plus enjoy a beachfront lunch or cocktail at Costa Grill or an indulgent Italian feast at Il Mulino NY.
Enjoy community activities in Sunny Isles Beach.
Activities and Entertainment
No matter when you visit, there are plenty of activities to keep you entertained in Sunny Isles Beach. Every month, the free Wednesday Outdoor Concert Series at Samson Oceanfront Park invites guests to grab their beach chairs and picnic blankets to enjoy a concert under the stars. Another free event at the same park is Yoga Under the Moon, where participants bring their own yoga mat or blanket to enjoy guided meditation right on the sand.
If you want to get out on the water, head to Gili’s Beach Club, the swanky oceanfront restaurant at Trump International Beach Resort. Nearby, you’ll find Jet Skis, kayaks, a Hobie catamaran and snorkel gear available for rent – even shaded lounge chairs that float just a bit offshore.