Sunny Isles Beach, FL

Sunny Isles Beach is an oceanfront city on a barrier island in northeast Miami-Dade County, between the Atlantic and the Intracoastal Waterway. Once known for themed motels on Collins Avenue, it is now a wall of residential and hotel towers with one of the tallest skylines in the country, fronting a wide public beach that stays calmer than South Beach.

Where is Sunny Isles Beach?

Sunny Isles Beach sits at the north end of the Miami-Dade coast in Greater Miami, with Haulover Park to the south, Golden Beach to the north and Aventura and North Miami Beach across the Intracoastal. Collins Avenue (State Road A1A) runs the length of the city, about 10 miles north of central Miami Beach. Sunny Isles Boulevard (State Road 826) and the William Lehman Causeway (State Road 856) connect it to the mainland. Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International is about 25 minutes away and Miami International about 35 minutes. Parking is mostly in garages and metered lots, so check signs carefully.

Things to do in Sunny Isles Beach

The beach is the main event, with public access points between the towers along Collins Avenue. Samson Oceanfront Park offers natural, low-key beach time, and the Newport Fishing Pier at Sunny Isles Boulevard and Collins Avenue, rebuilt and reopened in 2013, is the spot for fishing and sunrise walks. On the bay side, Heritage Park has playgrounds, a splash pad, a dog park and a stage, while Gateway Park has a performing arts stage and water play area. Haulover Park, just south, adds an inlet beach and marina. Winter and spring are peak season, when the city fills with seasonal residents.