The Neighborhood of Surfside

Community Info

Surfside is a neighborhood in Miami Beach. Established in 1935, this community is bordered by 96th street to the north, Biscayne Bay to the west, the Atlantic Ocean to the east and 87th terrace to the south. The area is well known for its quaint beach town ambience, long stretches of beach and its walkability. Surfside has a small town feel and an active community – it’s perfect for growing families and retirees.

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

It’s super small: Surfside is only about 10 city streets from south to north, but within that short walk it packs a wallop of great conveniences. You won’t need a car to do your basic errands, have a drink at happy hour or go to the beach. Actually, you can ditch the car. We recommend a fat tire bike

Community Center: Renovated in 2011, this state-of-the-art facility is the center of the community. Birthday parties, activities for kids and adults, and community events all happen here – bringing together the families that call Surfside home.

The Beach: We would have to say, Surfside has one of the best managed public beaches in the Miami / Miami Beach area. Well-defined access points, lots of parking and about 2 Ocean Emergency Centers every city block. Going to the beach here is how it should be everywhere – clean, safe and plenty of room for fun.

A short history of the Surfside neighborhood:

  • Surfside had very auspicious beginnings. Founded by Miami’s elite – a group which included Carl Fisher, Irving Collins, and Harvey Firestone – when they built the Surf Club, their private hideaway.
  • Surf Clubs frolickers where a who’s who of global influencers (pre-Instagram, of course). Some of her famous guests were UK Prime Minister Winston Churchill, actress Elizabeth Taylor, actress Ava Gardner, crooner Frank Sinatra, and playwright / songwriter Noel Coward.
  • Surfside was home to some of the 20th century’s big, looming figures. Like Nobel Prize winner Isaac Bashevis Singer, songwriter Sid Tepper, and former-Ambassador and philanthropist Steve Green. Today, nationally known architect Robert “Bob” Swedroe calls Surfside home and of course Richard Meier.

Restaurants & Attractions

Some of our favorite places to dine around Surfside:

26 Sushi & Tapas: This is a sushi / Latin flavor hybrid that only a madman – or a genius – can concoct. But here we are. Let the reality settle in. Delicious, unbelievably kosher and totally satisfying, the food here is built to please in tiny bites so you can try everything. Switch things up. Go from a spicy ceviche to a Veganrito sushi burrito – let those words run over you – a sushi burrito. If you’re in the mood to experiment, this is your top choice in Surfside.

Le Sirenuse: This is a restaurant in an icon inside an icon. Le Sirenuse is in the newly restored Surf Club (the place responsible for the creation of Surfside), which is inside the Four Seasons. I know. Bringing in genuine Mediterranean flavors, dolce vita style and old-school vibes, this is more than a culinary experience – it’s a life experience. The history, tradition, ocean and old-world service mesh together to create an unforgettable evening. Don’t leave without sipping at the champaign bar.

Serendipity Creamery: OK, technically not a place to dine or lunch. But…you will eat something here. This certified kosher, small-batch ice cream shop is one of those special places where your sweet tooth collides happily with your expectations. After a good dinner – swing by and top it off with fresh ice cream or sorbet. You won’t regret it.

Favorite things to do in and around Surfside:

Walk on the Beach: We’re here to be close to the ocean. A relaxing walk on the dune paths along the ocean is just the thing for reflection and inspiration. Recharge and find a quiet place in your mind with the moon to guide you.

Bar & Restaurant Hopping: Small is good. Especially when you want to spend a night hopping from one establishment to another. Take advantage of the proximity factor that makes Surfside such a great place to walkabout. Make a game of it – how many restaurants and bars can you experience in one night?

Take a class at the Surfside Community Center: There are some worthy classes for adults at the Community Center. Body Sculpting, Zumba, Pilates and much more available for residents. For those who want to do something that won’t take out your knees, try the Silver Sneakers sessions. There are also arts and crafts programs for those of you who like to create things, or how about aqua zumba or swimming lessons? Check out their website for all the details.

Location, location, location. Surfside is small, lively and community driven. If what you’re looking for is a neighborhood that looks out for you, then this is the place. The government is very pro-resident, focused on lifting the quality of life in the city without blunting it’s economic potential. Plus – you are very close to all the things that make South Florida an amazing place to live.

Surfside Demographics

  • There are people 5,744 living in Surfside.
  • 20.5% of households had children under the age of 18
  • 46.6% of households were married couples living together
  • 9.6% of households had a female householder with no husband present
  • 40.8% of households were non-families

Distance to popular areas

South Beach: 8.2 miles
Design District: 8.9 miles
Midtown: 9.2 mile
Wynwood: 9.8 miles
Downtown Miami: 12.8 miles
Brickell City Center: 13.4 miles
Miami International Airport: 14.5 miles
Aventura Mall: 7.1 miles

Neighborhood Schools

Public schools
Ruth K. Broad Bay Harbor K-8 Center
Mater Academy Miami Beach – Grades K-9
Biscayne Elementary School – Grades PK-5
W. J. Bryan Elementary School – Grades PK-5

Private schools
St. Joseph’s School – Grades PK-8
Yeshiva Elementary – Grades PK-8
Lehrman Community Day School – Grades PK-5
Le Petit Papillon Montessori School – Grades PK-5
Von Wedel Montessori School – Grades PK-2

Are you in love with Surfside?

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.