Surfside is tucked between the towns of Bal Harbor and Miami Beach. Set on a sliver of land across Biscayne Bay from Miami, this somewhat sleepy beachfront enclave is one of South Florida's best-kept secrets and so much more than just a spot most speed through on their way to and from the swanky shops of Bal Harbor. For years, it existed under the radar, but after the Four Seasons Hotel at the Surf Club opened in 2017, more and more have discovered all that this vibrant community has to offer.

Surfside is an excellent alternate to its more popular neighbours, providing a chill vibe away from the hustle and bustle of Miami. It’s great for anyone who wants to enjoy warm Atlantic waters, a tranquil beach scene, and perhaps a bit of pampering at the Four Seasons spa.

Surfside in Miami - one of the highlights of 12 Best Beaches Around Miami (Read all about Miami here)

What are the highlights and features of Surfside?

Surfside is a great place to relax, but there’s plenty of action throughout the year. During winter, Harding Avenue hosts an art and entertainment night every third Thursdays of the month. You’ll find plenty of food trucks, live music, and entertainment along the street. On the first Friday of every month, community beach picnics offer healthy bites and cold-pressed juices, as well as live music and an interactive drum circle for kids.

Turtle nesting season in Surfside is from May through October. Its beach is a popular place for loggerhead sea turtles to lay their eggs. When the babies hatch, they crawl toward the ocean – an exciting event to witness for animal lovers. Surfside helps to promote their conservation by bringing awareness through a public art exhibition, Turtle Walk, that features the beloved residents.

photo by Gervacio Rosales (CC BY 3.0) modified

A brief history of Surfside in Miami

When Surfside was incorporated in 1935, it was done thanks to members of the prestigious Surf Club (now the Surf Club Four Seasons Hotel and Private Residences) where the rich and famous liked to gather. It opened in 1930 as a posh, members-only establishment on over 6 acres of prime beachfront. Alfred Barton was the club’s manager for several decades – he was also a former set designer for movie mogul Cecil B. DeMille.

It wasn’t long before high profile guests were drawn here, ranging from famous entertainers and prominent industrialists to Hollywood stars. Elizabeth Taylor, Frank Sinatra, Winston Churchill, Ava Gardner, and Dean Martin made it their own little retreat, leading to the town’s motto, ‘Miami’s Uptown Beachtown’ with the posh Mediterranean/revival-style villa the hottest spot for many parties.

Good to know about Surfside in Miami

Surfside still retains some of its glamourous vintage vibe, but now focuses on offering a high quality of life to visitors and residents. Its oceanfront community center allows anyone to enjoy free access to bathing pools and over 90 health and wellness activities. Classes like Pilates, beach yoga, and aqua Zumba regularly take place in Surfside.

There are plenty of healthy eats here too., such as The Carrot – an organic restaurant with a menu that includes lots of vegan, vegetarian, and kosher options. Enjoy everything from stuffed sweet potatos, gourmet wraps, soups and salads to smoothies and fresh-squeezed juices. At The Spa at Four Seasons Surfside, you can indulge in its marble hammam and numerous spa treatments.

Surfside in Miami

K.C. Dermody | Contributing Writer

This article includes opinions of the Go Guides editorial team. Hotels.com compensates authors for their writing appearing on this site; such compensation may include travel and other costs.

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Where to stay in Miami

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$135 total
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