Imagine a city park with trees, walking paths, and benches. Now, add a beach next to that, and you have South Pointe. This 17-acre county park in Miami Beach is a great place to relax in conjunction with a day on South Beach or alone.
Story
South Pointe Park originally wasn’t a park at all. The land was donated to the city of Miami by the federal government in 1979, but instead of a park, municipal buildings were constructed. Port police, Miami police investigators, and police horses were housed on land. It wasn’t until the mid-1980s that the land was turned into a park. Since then, the park has undergone many changes, the most recent being a $ 22 million renovation in 2009 that completely redesigned the entire area.
Today, South Pointe Park features many state-of-the-art amenities for both residents and visitors.
To do
More than just a picturesque place to relax (the sunsets here are beautiful), South Pointe offers many free amenities for visitors. Since the massive renovation, the park has become a beach lover’s paradise. As soon as the sun gets too strong, you can easily head to the park and relax in one of the many shady pavilions. There is also a barbecue and picnic area.
A 20-foot-wide walkway lines the park and is perfect for joggers, cyclists, skaters, or anyone taking a leisurely stroll. The South Pointe Pier juts out into the ocean, making it a great place to fish on a good day or hike to take in views of the shoreline.
Young children will love running in the ocean-themed water feature located near the shaded picnic area. As part of their modern, cutting-edge design, the water sprinklers are motion activated and shut off when not in use.
The park closes at 10pm, but as soon as it gets dark the promenade is lit up with neon lights. The catwalk remains open until 2 am
The park also often hosts festivals and events in the open-air amphitheater, so don’t be surprised if they are preparing something during your visit.
How to get there
South Pointe Park is located at 1 Washington Ave, Miami Beach, Florida 33139. The park is right next to South Beach at the tip of the island.
There is a metered parking lot along the street, but if you plan to stay for more than a couple of hours, a parking lot is recommended.
Facilities
There is only one restaurant in the park, but it is worth it. Smith & Wollensky in the center of the park, halfway to the boardwalk, serves everything from seafood to steaks, all cooked to perfection. There is indoor or outdoor seating, but of course the best views come from your top-deck outdoor deck – unobstructed views of the ocean!
Leashed dogs are allowed in the park, and dog waste stations and dog bag dispensers and trash cans are dotted throughout. There is also a fenced dog park area where you can let your pet roam free.
Restrooms and showers are located near the splash pad.
What to do nearby
Once you exit South Pointe Park, you are in a great city location, close to South Beach. If you are looking for more dining options, try Cafe Portofino, a very nice place to dine. Purple Lotus Kava Bar is just up the block and is a fun option for happy hour with friends or a mid-day drink. Rosella’s Kitchen is a few blocks north and offers a delicious lunch menu and outside seating. The famous Nikki Beach nightclub is also on the same street. It’s most popular at night, but during the day, it’s also a good place to hang out and socialize.
South Pointe is about a 20 minute walk from Ocean Drive. On a nice day, walk for a nice walk, but in the heat of summer, it’s worth the drive to get there.
