Surfside

A few miles to the north of SouthBeach, the other faces of Miami Beach include the cities of Surfside, Bal Harbour and Sunny Isles. A trio of quieter and calmer neighborhoods, this part of Miami Beach is popular with families seeking by-the-sea vacations. Surfside, once a predominantly elderly community where the late Isaac Bashevis Singer lived, has been rediscovered lately and is now full of young couples with children. Bal Harbour is still synonymous with sophisticated shopping and upscale residences. And Sunny Isles is adored for its broad beaches, fishing boats, watersports and reasonably priced hotels. Just west of the northernmost tip of Miami Beach are the thoroughly modern communities of North Miami, Aventura, and Turnberry.

Surfside
One of the attractions of this quiet family-oriented town is the wide, secluded beach bordered by a path through the dunes. Rejuvenated hotels and new luxury condominiums are changing the style of Collins Avenue, but Harding Avenue, retains the feel of an old-style main street with small shops and a 50’s corner drugstore and soda fountain. Small bistros welcome strollers for a casual meal. Shows and events take place at the oceanfront pink Community Center. Just south of Surfside, the North Shore State Recreation Area offers an unspoiled beachfront nature preserve and picnic area that caters to families. Be sure to visit the Surfside Community Center and Tot-Lot, with an Art deco-style outdoor stage reminiscent of a miniature Hollywood Bowl, where various shows and events are presented year-round.