In the 1950s, before the boom of high-rises, Sunny Isles was known as Motel Row and has since become a top international tourist destination. With an estimated population of 21,962 and 1.78 square miles, this young city has developed at a fast pace since its incorporation in 1997.
The funky 50’s motels and small beachfront hotels are giving way to luxury apartment towers and hotels. But don’t be mistaken, the atmosphere in Sunny Isles Beach is still casual. Sunny days on a white, sandy beach, or sizzling nights on the town. This is a special Florida destination, where the choice is yours.
Sunny Isles Beach lies between the flowing Intracoastal Waterway and the Atlantic Ocean, just north of Miami. Our resort community is the destination of travelers who seek the ultimate South Florida experience. In the center of it all, yet a world apart, this tropical barrier island surrounds you with the best of everything. If you appreciate gourmet food, world-class shopping, vibrant nightlife, pristine beaches, year-round warm climate and a cosmopolitan-laid back atmosphere – Sunny Isles Beach is for you!
EAT
You crave it, we have it: Italian, Cuban, French, Russian, Mediterranean, Chinese. Dining Choices are Plentiful in Sunny Isles Beach, from Upscale to Casual Beach Restaurants. If you are into catching sunsets, the Beach Bar @ Newport Pier is the place to go.
Located at the base of the historic Newport Fishing Pier, the Beach Bar is the only pier-top restaurant in all of Miami Dade. Its views are unparalleled – to the north and south are unobstructed views of the beautiful beaches of Miami – to the east the crystal clean Florida waters of the Gulf Stream.
With seafood, sushi and a raw bar so fresh, you’ll swear it was reeled in straight from the fishing pier. Feel the stress melt away as you enjoy a cold, hand-crafted cocktail paired with your favorite dish and combined with the soothing sights and sounds of the gentle tide washing the shore.
If you are looking to feast in style, Il Mulino New York at Acqualina Resort and Spa is the perfect place to feast in style. When you sit down for a meal at Il Mulino New York, odds are you’ll feel transported to Italy, if Italy had a Miami Art Deco scene. Located at the high-end Acqualina Resort and Spa, Il Mulino is a great spot for a romantic evening or for your next treat-yourself outing. Be sure to get a spot on the private terrace overlooking the beach and dig into authentic eats like fresh burrata, gnocchi porcini, and chocolate panna cotta. Il Mulino New York has been awarded the Forbes Travel Guide Recommended Award for its exceptional dining experience. It has also been honored as the #1 Italian restaurant on the New York City Zagat Survey for 20 years.
Last and definitely not least, Gili’s Beach Club is the first Sunny Isles Beach restaurant located directly on the sand. An open-air, oceanfront oasis, this sophisticated spot offers a Mediterranean-inspired menu featuring whole grilled fish, grilled lobster tail, and paella, as well as fresh sandwiches, salads, house-made guacamole, and sweets.
PLAY
Sunny Isles Beach has plentiful of open spaces to relax, play or just enjoy a concert. Home to eleven beautiful, green and spacious parks for recreation, you will find a city organized recreational event almost every weekend.
Open sunset through sunrise all city parks are WI-FI Hot spots where wireless internet access is free and commercial free, and equipped with a Thor Guard Lightning Prediction System that provides advanced notice of lightning conditions. Oleta River State Park – Part urban park, part oasis, Oleta is a favorite among South Floridians. Much of the park’s fame comes from the off-road biking that it offers, with trails for both beginners and extreme thrill-seekers. The park lies along the beautiful Oleta River, which includes mangroves at the north end, and beaches and saltwater fishing. You can make a day of it, or go all out and stay overnight in an air-conditioned cabin.
CHILL
Acqualina Spa by Espa – Set against South Florida’s tranquil sea and sand, Acqualina Spa by ESPA is an indulgent oceanfront retreat for relaxation and rejuvenation. As a Forbes Five Star Award Winning Spa and a recipient of the AAA Five Diamond it has set the gold standard for destination spas.
Oleta River State Park – Swim from a 1,200-foot sandy beach and saltwater fishing, or rent a canoe or kayak and paddle the ricer to explore this amazing area. Halouver Park – One of two public beach parks operated by Miami-Dade County, Haulover Park is a cool 177 acres with 1.4 miles of smooth sands, making it the largest remaining stretch of undeveloped beach front in the county, and home to the only naturist beach in the county.
STAY
Stay in one of our luxurious hotels, many of which are all-inclusive resorts & spas. Almost all of our hotels are located directly on the beach, steps from the ocean. Acqualina Resort and Spa featuring 98 impeccably appointed guest rooms and suites and 188 residences with breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean, lush, richly appointed accommodations are the hallmarks of the guest experience. Acqualina is a recipient of the coveted Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star Award and the AAA Five Diamond Award.
Trump International Resort is a lavish oceanfront oasis, complete with its own private and pristine beach and delightful grotto-style pool complex. A Forbes Four-Star Resort, Trump International Beach Resort was awarded 2012 and 2013’s TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence and is consistently hailed as one of the top Miami luxury hotels. This fall, the city will welcome a new hotel, the Marriot Residence Inn will open its doors.
TIPS
- Visit the city of SIB Visitor Center for local information and coupons to local attractions.
- Ride the city’s Shuttle Bus and save money. The City provides free Community Shuttle Service 7 days per week for the convenience of residents and visitors. Get a free ride and go shopping to Aventura Mall or Intracoastal Mall.
- All city parks have free Wi-Fi.
- Library – Residents and visitors can use the services of the library.
- Check the city’s Living Magazine. You don’t have to break the bank to do what your heart desires. There are many free activities to enjoy: there’s always a city organized event or concert happening!