Summary
Among the smaller municipalities in Miami-Dade County by area, this affluent enclave is situated on two islands in Biscayne Bay. Aerial views reveal Bay Harbor Islands resembling a pair of lungs.
The location here is exceptional. No attraction listed below, whether it entails a stylish shopping venue or a stunning sandy beach, is more than five minutes away from these two islands.
Despite its diminutive size, the town boasts a vibrant downtown area on Kane Concourse, characterized by public art and a diverse selection of dining options.
There are several small parks scattered throughout the islands, and visitors can rent boats, kayaks, or paddleboards to explore the bay further.
1. Kane Concourse
Condensed into just two blocks, Bay Harbor Islands features an appropriately upscale commercial district.
Kane Concourse presents shopping, dining, and various service enterprises within an elegant environment, enhanced by public art and tropical landscaping.
The eastern block is rich with enticing restaurants, showcasing diverse cuisines, including sushi, Modern European, Peruvian fusion, and Italian. Many offerings are kosher-friendly, catering to the Jewish community from this town and neighboring areas.
Notable sculptures include Robert Indiana’s iconic “Love” in the median to the east, and “For You” by Romero Britto in the west.
2. The Bay Harbor Islands Arts Festival
In February, Kane Concourse transforms into a vibrant arts fair. This event, inaugurated in 2023, celebrates the city’s 75th anniversary.
The Bay Harbor Islands Arts Festival has quickly established itself as a key event on the calendar. The entirety of Kane Concourse becomes a showcase for over 60 artists, offering diverse products from home decor to jewelry, prints, ceramics, and paintings.
The festival features live music and DJs throughout the weekend, culminating in a significant concert on Saturday evening, alongside hands-on activities for children, artist demonstrations, and a variety of food and drink options.
3. Bal Harbour Shops
For high-end shopping, this is the destination of choice. Just across Indian Creek lies the luxurious Bal Harbour Shops, regarded as one of the premier shopping venues in the Miami area.
Everything about this shopping destination exudes sophistication, from the clusters of palm trees adorning the concourse to the serene ponds teeming with koi and turtles.
The directory reads like a luxury fashion roster. Brands like Balenciaga, Versace, Alexander McQueen, Dolce & Gabbana, and Chanel hold prominent positions, alongside Saks Fifth Avenue and Neiman Marcus as key anchors.
A small yet thoughtfully curated selection of eateries, including notable establishments like Hillstone and Makoto, presided over by renowned chef Makoto Okuwa, can also be found here.
4. Bal Harbour Beach
One of the many advantages of Bay Harbor Islands is its proximity to the beach. Visitors can easily reach the Atlantic shoreline on foot or by bicycle.
By car, it takes only a few minutes to arrive. Bal Harbour Beach spans from north of 96th Street up to the Haulover Inlet.
Consistent with the village’s exclusive character, access points are limited, with only one noted at 102nd Street. The most convenient is to park by 96th Street and visit the south end.
Another option involves renting a Citi Bike to explore along Atlantic Way, which runs along the beachfront.
5. Surfside Beach
The town of Surfside offers ten public access points along its beachfront. Visitors arriving on foot or by bicycle can navigate the coast via the recently paved Atlantic Way to find an ideal access point.
For those requiring wheelchair access, entrances are available at 88th and 96th streets. For drivers, the northernmost areas are most accessible and are equipped with two large metered lots.
A recommended tip for this section of the beach is to bring a beach umbrella, as rentals are typically not offered. Additionally, the beach features a steep slope into the water, which may not be suitable for young children.
6. Water Activities on Biscayne Bay
Being located on islands amidst the sparkling waters of Biscayne Bay, it is only natural to seek aquatic experiences.
A wide array of rental companies are available. For example, you can rent various types of boats by the hour or day to explore the bay.
On calm sunny days, the Haulover Sandbar, located approximately half a mile to the north, is a premier destination.
By kayaking or paddleboarding, visitors can access the picturesque islands at the north end of the bay, where they can paddle through mangroves or enjoy a picnic on a secluded beach within a bustling urban environment.
7. Haulover Park Beach
One of the most renowned beaches in the Miami area is located just across the Haulover Inlet. Haulover Park Beach features a stunning 1.5-mile stretch along the shoreline.
This beach is uniquely backed by lush parkland rather than condominiums or resort hotels. It is especially notable as the largest clothing-optional beach in the United States, occupying the northern third of the beachfront.
The surrounding area boasts numerous amenities, including a dog park, kite-flying zone, and several picnic areas. Additionally, a vibrant food truck rally takes place every Tuesday on the west side of A1A.
In the calm, shallow waters of the bay, the Haulover Sandbar serves as a lively gathering spot for boaters.
8. Downtown Surfside
Accessible within a short walk or bike ride lies another engaging downtown area in Surfside. The two-block stretch of Hardin Avenue south of 96th Street is filled with independent shops and restaurants.
The upscale ambiance of downtown Surfside, with its palm tree-lined streets and awnings, is particularly charming. Many dining establishments feature sidewalk seating amidst verdant landscaping.
This area is primarily known as a culinary hub, offering a wide range of choices, including kosher chophouse fare, BBQ, frozen yogurt, Italian ice, Mediterranean dishes, sushi, tapas, Italian, Chinese cuisine, deli options, and a kosher bakery.
9. O’Lima
If tasked with selecting a standout restaurant in Bay Harbor Islands’ compact business area, O’Lima would be my choice. This sophisticated Peruvian gastrobar was conceptualized by acclaimed chef German Gonzales.
The menu features Novoandina cuisine, blending traditional Peruvian ingredients with contemporary culinary techniques. The offerings at O’Lima represent a fusion of Peruvian, Mediterranean, and Asian gastronomy.
Do not miss out on ordering at least one tiradito—sliced raw fish served with sauces ranging from creamy passion fruit to yellow pepper.
The restaurant’s signature dish is a visually striking grilled octopus, accompanied by grilled asparagus, golden potatoes, and two vibrant sauces—chimichurri-panka pepper and spicy rocoto.
10. North Bayshore Park
To witness the sun rising over Biscayne Bay, one can cross the Broad Causeway Bridge to this North Miami park.
Though modest in size, North Bayshore Park offers a space to appreciate scenic views before commencing your day. It features a long boardwalk that navigates through mangroves and extends toward the bayfront.
Here, visitors can observe the densely wooded Helkers Island in the foreground and Indian Creek Island in the background, with glimpses of the southern part of Bay Harbor Islands visible.
This park provides amenities including fish cleaning stations, a dog park, and outdoor exercise stations, making it an ideal location for a morning jog.
11. Atlantic Way
For those in the mood for exploration, a hike or bike ride can take you from the Haulover Inlet all the way south to the very edge of South Beach at South Pointe Park Pier.
Recently completed prior to the writing of this article, Atlantic Way enables pedestrians and cyclists to traverse the entire shoreline of the barrier island via paved pathways.
Citi Bike stations are located in Bay Harbor Islands, Bal Harbour, and Surfside, providing convenient access to exciting commercial areas, picturesque parks, or quieter beaches.
12. Bay Harbor Islands Tot Lot
Public spaces may be limited in Bay Harbor Islands, yet a few modest parks can be found throughout the community.
As a parent, my favorite area is the tot lot located where the Broad Causeway Bridge reaches the western island. Positioned near the water, this site offers splendid views of the northern part of Biscayne Bay.
The playground is fully shaded, featuring an ADA-accessible, brick-paved walkway. Furthermore, there is a grassy area where kids can play, creating a delightful environment, especially in the late afternoon when the sun is setting.
13. Normandy Shores Golf Club
Source: Normandy Shores Golf Club / FacebookClose to Bay Harbor Islands, the Normandy Shores Golf Club is an 18-hole par-71 course located on another beautiful island within Biscayne Bay. Opened in 1941, this course has attracted golfing legends such as Arnold Palmer and Sam Snead.
Having undergone multiple renovations, the most recent occurred in 2008 when the City of Miami Beach invested approximately $10 million.
This unique course is situated on a tropical island, allowing for a rich array of wildlife encounters. During my visit, I shared the fairways with iguanas and wading birds, seemingly indifferent to the pace of play.
Since 2011, this course has hosted the South Beach International Amateur, a prestigious amateur golf tournament held every December.
14. 95th Street Park
Located a block south of Kane Concourse, there exists a small pocket park adjacent to the public library. Enclosed by hedges and adorned with ample shade from overhead canopies, 95th Street Park serves as an excellent picnic location.
For residents, this park doubles as an entertainment venue, hosting the town’s Concert in the Park series, featuring performances from Grammy Award-winning and nominated artists across various genres on Sundays.
At the time of writing, these concerts were exclusive to residents of Bay Harbor Islands and their guests.
