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Sunny Isles Beach!

 

 

“The City of Sun and Sea”

Anna Maria Island

Sunny Isles Beach

A City located on a Barrier Island in Miami-Dade County, Florida

 

Sunny Isles Beach, Florida (SIB or more commonly Sunny Isles, and officially the City of Sunny Isles Beach) is a small oceanfront city in northeastern Miami-Dade County, often called the “Florida Riviera.” Known for its two miles of white-sand beaches, luxury high-rise condos, and international community, it blends relaxed coastal living with modern sophistication. Located between Miami and Fort Lauderdale, Sunny Isles Beach is popular for its fishing pier, nearby shopping at Aventura Mall and Bal Harbour Shops, and easy access to South Florida’s cultural attractions.

Sunny Isles Beach, Florida

Sunny Isles Beach, Florida

Photo by Benkrut via Canva

 

Location & Size

Sunny Isles Beach, Florida is located in northeastern Miami-Dade County on a barrier island between the Atlantic Ocean to the east and the Intracoastal Waterway to the west in southeast Florida.

It sits just north of Miami Beach with Aventura and  nearby on the mainland. The city is about 20 miles north of downtown Miami and is roughly 1.4 square miles in size.

Founded

Sunny Isles Beach was originally a quiet stretch of barrier island once used by the Tequesta Native Americans and later settled by early pioneers in the 19th century. In 1920, a developer named Harvey Baker Graves purchased the land and envisioned it as a tourist resort destination, even promoting it as the “Venice of America.” By the 1930s and 1940s, small motels and vacation cottages dotted the shoreline, and the city became a hotspot for travelers seeking a sunny getaway.

During the post–World War II boom, Sunny Isles grew into a popular vacation strip, lined with kitschy mid-century motels that gave it a distinct, retro charm. In 1997, the area officially incorporated as the City of Sunny Isles Beach, ushering in a new era of redevelopment. Since then, many of the old motels have been replaced with luxury high-rise condominiums, transforming the city into the upscale oceanfront community it is today.

SUNNY ISLES BEACH WEATHER

Population

Around 22,500 residents (2023 estimate), with a large seasonal community.

Known For

  • White-sand beaches and clear Atlantic waters

  • Luxury oceanfront condominiums and resorts

  • Cultural diversity, with a strong international (especially Latin American, Russian, and European) influence

  • Proximity to Miami and Fort Lauderdale attractions

  • Fishing pier and waterfront dining

Cost of living

  • Median Household Income: ~$62,000

  • Median Home Price: ~$500,000–$600,000 (luxury condos can exceed several million)

  • Median Rent: ~$2,400–$3,000 per month for a 1–2 bedroom condo

 

 

Things to do

  • Relax on Sunny Isles Beach’s 2.5-mile shoreline

  • Visit the Newport Fishing Pier, a local landmark

  • Explore nearby Oleta River State Park for kayaking and biking

  • Shop at Aventura Mall or the upscale Bal Harbour Shops

  • Enjoy waterfront dining and vibrant nightlife

Fun Facts

  • In the 1950s and 60s, the area was famous for its “Motel Row” along Collins Avenue, attracting tourists with themed retro motels.

  • Known as the “Florida Riviera” for its upscale beachfront condos and international visitors.

  • Has one of the most impressive skylines of oceanfront high-rises in South Florida, rivaling Miami Beach.

Nearby Cities

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