The Neighborhood of Sunset Islands

Community Info

The Sunset Islands is a community west of Miami Beach named after the magnificent sunsets residents are treated to every evening. There are 4 islands – Sunset I, II, III and IV – which depending on which island you want to visit, are accessible off North Bay Road by either 29th Street (northernmost islands) or 20th Street (southernmost islands). The first houses were built in the late 1920’s, but most have been updated, and currently you’ll see everything from classic Mediterranean to Modern architecture. Beautiful, tranquil and close-knit, the Sunset Islands is a great neighborhood to raise or anchor a family.

Here are just a few things that make the Sunset Islands neighborhood stand out:

Gated Community: Coming in and out of the islands requires gate access, so most traffic is local and careful. The Sunset Islands is one of the most exclusive and safe neighborhoods in Miami Beach.

A Hidden Neighborhood: An exclusively residential neighborhood, not many South Floridians have had a reason to explore it. The Sunset Islands are tucked away from the hustle and bustle of Miami Beach, where prying eyes cannot see.

The Park and Sunset Lake: On Sunset II there is an amazing greenspace for sports, picnicking and nighttime walks. In between the Sunset Islands and Miami Beach is Sunset Lake where locals boat, kayak and paddleboard to their heart’s content.

Location, location, location: Sunset Islands is a dream location. You are close to everything Miami and Miami Beach have to offer – from South Beach to Wynwood and the Design District, you are just a few minutes away from any distraction you desire.

A short history of the Sunset Islands neighborhood:

  • The Sunset Islands were developed by the Sunset Islands Company, which was headed by Paramount Pictures President, S. A. Lynch. His plan – to compete with the luxury neighborhoods being developed by one of Miami Beach’s founders – Carl Fisher.
  • Developed as an enclave for the rich and famous, the Sunset Islands had many prominent residents; James L. Knight of the Miami Herald; Irving Reuter of Reuters News Service, Sears heir Charles Sears McCulloh, and entertainers Tony Bennett, Desi Arnaiz, Steve Allen, Jimmy Durante, and Carmen Miranda.
  • The first luxury homes were built in 1927.

Restaurants & Attractions

Some of our favorite places to dine around Allison Island:

Sardinia Enoteca Ristorante: Sardinian master chef Pietro Vardeu gives us a taste of his Italian island. Frequently featured on television and publications, this local favorite has gone international. Plus, it’s also an Enoteca – Italian for wine repository – where you can try some of Italy’s best wines and Prosecco.

Lucali: Local upscale brick-oven pizzas establishment in the heart of Miami Beach. So good, you’ll crave it on your walk or ride home every day, such is the curse of comfort food.

Ice Box Cafe: Focused on “balance”, the folks at Ice Box Cafe have one mission: making sure you feel awesome after every meal. From Buffalo Cauliflower Wings to their Tuscan-Braised Short Ribs (which comes with celery root puree and balsamic-rosemary carrots – getting the picture?), you’ll find your meal is not only beautiful to the eye, but to the belly too.

Sushi Garage: With an environment designed by James Beard Award winner Alejandro Barrios, this former car body shop has been upgraded to a sushi heaven. Simple but elegant execution combined with a deep love of the ocean has made the Sushi Garage  the must-try delicacies of the neighborhood.

Favorite things to do in and around Sunset Islands:

Sunset Harbor Shops: Shopping. One can always do some shopping. This urban-y pocket of shops and restaurants is literally a few minutes walk from the islands. Fashion, wellness, food, cocktails – it’s a good escape. Sneak out, do a happy hour and walk home. Feel no shame about having a good time.

The Freehand / Broken Shaker Bar: GQ calls it “The coolest backyard in Miami.” We second that. There’s no need to be intimidated by it’s hipster decor, not when the bar is creating other-worldly experiments in tastes and textures. Sit down and let the experts recommend something unexpected, delicious and intoxicating (literally). Have fun exploring your inner likes and dislikes.

The Bass Museum: Founded by John Bass, the president of the Fajardo Sugar Company of Puerto Rico, the Bass Museum opened in 1964. Since then it has been the epicenter of Miami Beach’s arts scene. Focusing on contemporary art, the museum has grown exponentially and has exhibited the works of British artist Isaac Julien, Thai artist Araya Rasdjarmrearnsook and mixed media artist Ugo Rondinone (NYC/Swiss).

Basement: What can you say about any venue created by the legendary Ian Schrager of Studio 54? Nothing – except maybe – buckle up? Prepare yourself for an eclectic night of bowling (that’s right – bowling) and clubbing. Always designing new experiences, the Basement hosts some of the Beaches best events and you will be a tiny hop away.

Distance to popular areas

South Beach: 2.8 miles
Design District: 4.9 miles
Midtown: 5.3 mile
Wynwood: 5.8 miles
Downtown Miami: 8.8 miles
Brickell City Center: 9.2 miles
Miami International Airport: 10.6 miles
Aventura Mall: 19.2 miles

Neighborhood Schools

Public schools
North Beach Elementary School (Pre K-5)
Biscayne Elementary School (Pre K-5)
Phyllis Ruth Miller Elementary School (Pre K-5)
Ruth K. Broad Bay Harbor K-8 Center
Nautilus Middle School (6-8)
Miami Beach Senior High School (9-12)

Private
Lehrman Community Day School (K-5)

Are you in love with the Sunset Islands?

Email or call me (305.318.8557) to learn more, talk about what’s available and hopefully visit a few of these amazing homes. I can’t wait to show you around.