Top 15 Activities to Enjoy in Sunny Isles Beach, Florida | Go Travel Daily

Top 15 Activities to Enjoy in Sunny Isles Beach, Florida

Located on a barrier island just 1.8 square miles in size, Sunny Isles Beach is situated between Miami and Fort Lauderdale.

At the time of writing, Sunny Isles Beach was the most densely populated municipality outside of the New York metropolitan area.

Along Collins Avenue, one can find numerous towering condominium buildings and high-end beach resorts by major hospitality brands, including Ritz-Carlton, Hilton, and Marriott.

These structures contribute to a breathtaking skyline, best appreciated from the historic fishing pier, which dates back to the 1930s. There are approximately two dozen public access points along Sunny Isles Beach’s pristine sandy shoreline.

The city also offers the excellent SIBshuttle free bus service, providing residents and visitors with convenient transportation options.

1. Sunny Isles Beach



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Sunny Isles Beach

The extensive sandy shoreline is undoubtedly a significant aspect of Sunny Isles Beach’s allure, as reflected in its name.

Like many other beaches in the vicinity, the sand here has a steep drop-off into the water; thus, parents should closely supervise small children.

Even with the abundance of resorts and upscale high-rise condominiums, the city maintains over 20 public beach access points.

The primary access point is Samson Oceanfront Park, located at 17425 Collins Avenue. Spanning just over two acres, this park features lifeguards on duty, a boardwalk, complimentary Wi-Fi, and standard amenities such as restrooms, a covered playground, and a picnic pavilion.

2. Collins Avenue



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Collins Avenue serves as the main artery that runs through the heart of Sunny Isles Beach, juxtaposing the oceanfront and the Intracoastal Waterway.

This street is where visitors can access the beach, alongside almost all hotels, high-rise residences, and resorts.

I personally take pleasure in observing one of the tallest skylines in the nation. A leisurely stroll along Collins Avenue can easily be accomplished in around thirty minutes. Alternatively, the SIBshuttle bus provides accessible transportation for both locals and guests.

In addition to hotel dining options, numerous independent restaurants dot this thoroughfare.

The dining options are diverse, featuring cuisines that range from Cuban to sushi, steaks, deli fare, smoothie bowls, Greek, Italian, Argentinian, Southern dishes, and several fast-food establishments.

3. Haulover Park



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Haulover Park

At the southern boundary of the city, the profusion of high rises diminishes, leading to a remarkable stretch of pristine coastline maintained by Miami-Dade County.

Located at the southern tip of the island, Haulover Park is an ideal destination for a full day of leisure.

The park offers a wide range of facilities, including a marina, a dog park, and expansive green areas favored by kite flyers. My preferred timing for a visit is right at sunset on a Tuesday evening, coinciding with Food Truck Tuesdays.

For those concerned about tan lines, the northernmost section of the beach is clothing-optional, making it the largest public nudist beach in the U.S., frequented by over one million visitors annually.

4. Newport Fishing Pier

This pier was among the initial developments aimed at promoting tourism in Sunny Isles Beach.

Constructed in 1936, the Newport Fishing Pier gained historic designation in 1982. Like many piers in Florida, it has weathered hurricanes, with Hurricane Wilma resulting in an eight-year closure and subsequent reconstruction starting in 2005.

Extending 800 feet into the Atlantic Ocean, the pier derives its name from the adjacent Newport Beachside Hotel & Resort. Public access is available through a small park located at 16501 Collins Ave, home to a vibrant fishing community.

The views here are eternally captivating, whether gazing out towards the Atlantic at dawn or admiring the cityscape’s remarkable skyline at twilight.

5. Oleta River State Park



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Oleta River State Park

Sunny Isles Beach serves as an excellent starting point for exploring Florida’s largest urban park. Located southwest of the city, Oleta River State Park encompasses over 1,000 acres of coastal wilderness at the entrance to Biscayne Bay.

The park’s landscape is incredibly varied, featuring sandy beaches along lagoons, mangroves, and lush tropical hammocks.

From my personal experience, renting a kayak is highly recommended to fully appreciate the park’s beauty. Kayaks can be rented from the Oleta River Outdoor Center, allowing exploration of the park’s dense mangrove ecosystems, creeks, and waterways.

Bicycles are also available for rent, facilitating excursions on 15 miles of off-road trails, which are regarded as some of the finest in the state.

6. Gateway Market

If you are considering activities in Sunny Isles Beach on a Wednesday evening, I recommend visiting the Gateway Market at Gateway Park.

Running from 5:30 to 10:00 PM, this market features an impressive array of vendors, including fresh produce, seafood, houseplants, specialty items, and a variety of handmade crafts, all accompanied by family-friendly entertainment and live music.

Most importantly, the market is an ideal spot to savor delicious food. During my visit, I encountered lamb skewers, bao buns, raclette sandwiches, burgers, oysters, pizza, tacos, Lebanese street food, and much more.

7. Bal Harbour



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Bal Harbour, Florida

A noteworthy destination near Sunny Isles Beach is Bal Harbour, a small community situated to the south, across the Haulover Inlet.

Bal Harbour Beach provides a splendid stretch of sand, and similar to Sunny Isles Beach, features an astonishing skyline.

What attracts me to this beach is the scenic trail that begins at the inlet’s edge and continues all the way to South Beach.

Furthermore, Bal Harbour is famous for the exclusive Bal Harbour Shops, showcasing luxury brands including Chanel, Prada, Versace, Dolce & Gabbana, Balenciaga, and Alexander McQueen.

8. Hollywood Beach



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Hollywood Beach

Just a short drive north of Sunny Isles Beach lies Hollywood Beach, celebrated for its expansive boardwalk.

This paved promenade extends 2.5 miles and was established in the 1920s, drawing inspiration from the boardwalk in Atlantic City.

For over a century, the Hollywood Beach Broadwalk has served as a vibrant hub filled with shops, dining establishments, and live entertainment. There is a designated lane for cyclists, and bike rentals are available.

The vistas are spectacular, looking out over a wide expanse of white sands, adorned with a row of swaying palms lining the path. In the evenings, particularly from Wednesday to Sunday, there is consistently live music at the Hollywood Beach Theatre.

9. St. Bernard de Clairvaux Church



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Monastery of St. Bernard de Clairvaux

If you seek a diversion from beach activities and natural landscapes, a visit to the historic St. Bernard de Clairvaux Church, located just outside Sunny Isles Beach, is a worthwhile consideration.

This site is one of the most intriguing locations in the area, featuring Romanesque cloisters that originate from the 12th century, constructed in Segovia, Spain.

The complex was entirely disassembled and relocated to Florida in the early 20th century, creating a unique historical landmark showcasing authentic Medieval stonework and beautifully landscaped gardens.

10. Aquanox Spa Trump International

To balance your time at the beach with relaxation, I recommend the spa located within the Trump International Beach Resort.

This expansive 8,000-square-foot facility features six treatment rooms, accommodating many guests, while offering an extensive menu of treatments.

The services include massages, facial revitalization, enhancements such as peels, body treatments, salon services, and a range of express treatments.

Guests may also select from various bundled options. One particularly appealing package, Island Royalty, includes a scrub, massage, body butter wrap, and hair treatment, while couples may opt for the Couples Retreat, which offers side-by-side treatments.

11. Aventura Mall

The largest mall in Florida and the third-largest in the United States is situated a mere five minutes from Sunny Isles Beach.

Aventura Mall is synonymous with luxury, showcasing an impressive selection of esteemed fashion brands. Key names include Boss, Chanel, Guess, Ralph Lauren, Louis Vuitton, Longines, and Rolex.

For those with limited budgets, numerous accessible brands also inhabit the mall’s 300+ storefronts, including H&M, Macy’s, JCPenney, Indochino, Levi’s, and Gap.

Additionally, Aventura Mall has innovatively integrated high art with retail, evident in renowned sculptures such as the rideable Aventura Slide Tower by Carsten Höller and Gorillas in the Mist by The Haas Brothers.

12. Town Center Park

As one might expect, public spaces are at a premium in a densely populated area such as Sunny Isles Beach. Nestled beneath towering structures, this compact yet inviting park occupies the site of a previous mall.

The land was generously donated to the city by a developer and has transformed into a popular destination for families. Town Center Park features a well-designed playground that is ideal for young children visiting the area.

This park also includes outdoor exercise equipment for adults, a gazebo, and restrooms. For my part, I particularly appreciate the wooded western section of the park, which contains wetlands that stretch all the way to the Intracoastal Waterway.

13. Heritage Park



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Heritage Park

Situated at the northern edge of the city, I adore this tranquil public park. Heritage Park is a delightful little sanctuary, secluded from Collins Avenue and shielded by a row of palm trees.

This park is equipped with all the necessary amenities of a community park, including a stage dedicated to concerts and outdoor movie screenings.

On hot days, a fantastic water play area allows children to enjoy themselves away from the beach. In addition, the park features two playgrounds, a memorial wall honoring veterans, picnic tables, an ample open lawn, and a dog park.

14. Gulfstream Park

Sunny Isles Beach is situated just ten minutes from Florida’s premier thoroughbred horse racing venue, Gulfstream Park, which opened its doors in 1939. Since the early 2000s, the facility has expanded to include a casino and lifestyle center.

Every year, numerous graded stakes races are held at this track. At the time of writing, three Grade I races are the Pegasus World Cup (January), the Pegasus World Cup Turf (late January/early February), and the Florida Derby, which usually takes place in late March, dating back to 1952.

The facility transitioned into a racino in 2004 and remains operational 365 days a year. Across two floors, visitors will find hundreds of advanced slot machines and table games.

Subsequently, in 2010, the Village at Gulfstream Park was inaugurated on a significant portion of the former parking area. This upscale lifestyle center offers dining options, art galleries, entertainment venues, and numerous elegant boutiques.

15. Tidal Cove Waterpark

If your children are seeking a place to splash and have fun away from the beach, a water park is located nearby. This facility is situated at the JW Marriott Miami Turnberry Resort & Spa and welcomes day guests.

Among the highlights at Tidal Cove are the FlowRider surfing machines and a lengthy lazy river meandering through lush tropical vegetation.

Those searching for excitement need to look no further than the 60-foot slide tower, featuring six slides at varying speeds. For thrill-seekers, the Aqua Drop offers an exhilarating near-vertical plunge.

Another unique attraction is Boomerango, a tube slide that catapults riders up a wall momentarily experiencing weightlessness. Additionally, there is the Master Blaster, recognized as the first uphill waterslide globally.

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