What’s it like to live in a quiet and unassuming tightly-knit community? The small-town feels and the intimacy are just as prevalent in this Miami’s uptown beach town, Surfside. It is between the Bal Harbour and North Beach. A rare treasure among Miami’s towns – with its beautiful, mile-long beach is where you’ll want to end up going when you’re in this part of South Florida. You can either walk, jog, or bike as the usual mode to go from one place to another here. The beach is less noisy and crowded than those trendier beaches in Miami Beach. No wonder people of all colors and ages gather around to enjoy the refreshing and calming vibe that’s so mostly appealing - basking in the bright, full sun while cooling off after on its clear aquamarine blue waters.
Surfside is one of the most desirable towns to live in South Florida. Most of Surfside’s real estate includes private and exclusive posh condos in oceanfront high-rise 12-story settings. But there are also the simple single-family dwellings far away from the shores. As you go towards West, the pricier single-family homes are here along the Intracoastal Waterway. Overall, the small subdivisions or villages are warm, quiet, and cozy.
The friendly and tight-knit community is one attribute that Surfside is strong at, as exemplified by their various activities that gather everyone together for some good and exciting fun.
The main commercial hub is just as striking – it is along Harding Avenue where you can find varied local businesses and stores. Restaurants are bustling with locals and tourists at night, while the streets are brightly lit-up with tall palms and sidewalk tables are teeming with many people.
It’s not surprising that Surfside is one town where some of the most sought-after oceanfront residences globally are located. Most love this place the first time they visit and would like to stay forever.
This sums up what Surfside is:
A relaxed, peaceful, and quaint beachfront uptown with an old-fashioned, small-town feels in a friendly, tight-knit community.
Location
Surfside is one of the towns in Miami Dade County, Florida. It has the following borders: North Beach community of Miami Beach on the south, Bal Harbour on the north, on the eastern shore is the Atlantic Ocean and Biscayne Bay on the west side. It is primarily a residential beachside neighborhood dotted with many multi-story condominiums next to Surfside Beach along the Atlantic Ocean.
This friendly neighborhood has a distinctly old-fashioned, small-town charm. The main thoroughfare is Harding Avenue where you can see historical facades and some Jewish synagogues and food shops.
Family-friendly Community, Lifestyle, and Activities
Surfside although nestled between the swanky Bal Harbour and Miami Beach’s northern middle-class neighborhoods is one quaint, small-town – all of one square mile. What you wouldn’t see here are the McMansions, nightclubs, or even sky-high condos. You will be charmed by its quirks, along with the luxurious resorts and plush hotels (check Four Seasons Surfside at the iconic Surfside Club) to some Jewish comfort food and international fare, and its sandy, pristine beaches.
Third Thursdays and First Fridays are special days for the Surfside community. For the 1st 4 months of the year, they celebrate the Third Thursday Party, or join the First Friday’s picnics at the beach. It’s a timely activity where you can interact and socialize with most locals and guests. Everyone is welcome here.
Take advantage also of the oceanfront’s Surfside Community Center where they provide free swimming lessons and classes as well as amenities like recreational pools, jacuzzi, plunge pool and slide, and kids’ pool. There are also multi-purpose halls dedicated to various activities for all. They’re equipped with family restrooms, lockers, and a first aid station. A café is nearby. There are green spaces around if you’re up for some events like parties and community gatherings.
As you walk around the neighborhood, you will be delighted to see some local artists’ attractive and colorful Surfside’s sea turtle sculptures – enough to keep the locals and visitors acquainted with the sea turtle-nesting season from May to October.
But setting all these aside, Surfside’s key attraction lies in its being simple - a family-friendly community, safe and peaceful environment, and its local connections.
Great Downtown Shopping & Dining
If you’re on a retail spree, Surfside’s Downtown is the place to be. This is situated on Harding Avenue, between 94th and 96th Streets. You will find an eclectic mix of trendy boutiques, specialty stores, and some locally-owned establishments. Within 2 blocks, you can wander around the various salons, fine jewelry stores, and more clothing stores.
It is here where you can also eat at several of Surfside’s fancy and renowned restaurants, with the international offerings you’d surely enjoy.
The business district is the host for arts and entertainment night on the 3rd Thursdays from January to April. The food trucks are a hit with most people, especially the young ones. The musical live shows appeal so much to the crowd luring them to stop by the sidewalk cafes and restaurants. One sought-after is the famed Josh’s Deli for lobster knishes and other twists to the usual Jewish fare. Or maybe try Surfside’s Italian favorite, Café Ragazzi for anything pasta. Other popular places to eat include Backyard BBQ, Greek Place, and the Sushi Republic. Of course, let’s not forget that there’s a Michelin-Starred chef (Thomas Keller) leading over at the renowned Surf Club Restaurant.
Make sure you try each one and satisfy all your cravings!
You can always have your coffee and breakfast at either the local Starbucks or Café Vert. For freshly-baked bread and cookies, you can head to their old-school bakery called The Rolling Pin which is absolutely a favorite among locals and residents.
There are different options for salons and barbershops here where you can visit for your self-care days. Or maybe you need to go to a supermarket, a bank, post office, a dry cleaner, a doctor, a vet, or maybe a dentist – almost all modern conveniences are right here on the strip. Aren’t you glad that just about everything is accessible?
For some perfect nightcaps, you may go to hotels with rooftop pools and cocktail bars for some relaxing evenings. Lovely, wonderful evenings are here to spend with loved ones and friends.
And, yes, the beach is merely two blocks away if you want some peace in those days of unwinding and recharging. Surfside is such an awesome neighborhood not just to explore but live in.
Are you interested to live or move to Surfside? We have our listing of condominiums for sale or rent so you can check the details below.
