Surfside: Beach, Nature and History

Surfside combines an approximately one-mile-long public beach with nature experiences, family-friendly amenities and a history that reaches back to the Tequesta. This creates a varied mix for planning your trip: you can combine days by the sea with activity, local history and relaxed exploration of the town. A vacation rental in Surfside is especially appealing if you are looking not just for accommodation, but for a versatile vacation destination to use as your base.

Beach, Sea Turtles and an Unusual Art Walk

The public beach is the natural focal point for anyone looking to spend time by the sea. During nesting season, loggerhead sea turtles return to Surfside every year. The Turtle Walk highlights this natural theme in a unique way: the public exhibition consists of colorful fiberglass sea turtle sculptures created by local artists. This makes it possible to combine a day at the beach with a small cultural walking tour.

The natural area at the Kayak Launch in 96th Street Park also adds its own distinctive feature. The launch is located in a natural area and a wetland preserve where wildlife may be present. The park is also Surfside’s main recreational area. It includes a multi-purpose field, a multi-story building and playground equipment. Families can therefore combine different ideas for the day without limiting the town to a single vacation theme.

Active Days and Options for Different Interests

Anyone who wants to include exercise in their vacation will find eight outdoor training stations along the Beach Hard Path Fitness Trail. They are located along the paved path from 89th to 95th Street. For a different kind of activity, the Tennis Center has three lighted courts for recreational and instructional play. The Surfside Community Center also offers a lap-style recreational pool, a plunge pool with a slide, a children’s activity pool and a hot tub.

This selection makes choosing a vacation rental a question of the travel rhythm you want as well. If you would like to combine the beach, exercise and activities for children, you can include the places mentioned in your daily plans. Those who prefer a slower pace can focus on the public beach, the Turtle Walk or the town’s historical themes. The variety of options allows you to alternate active vacation days with more relaxed ones.

History Between Collins Avenue and Indian Creek

Surfside also has a clearly recognizable historical side. The Collins Avenue Historic District was created in 2016 to recognize nine buildings on the west side of Collins Avenue and the east side of Harding Avenue between 90th and 91st Street. Some excavated artifacts indicate that the Tequesta lived in Surfside for up to 2,000 years.

The main Tequesta site was also located on the barrier island of Miami Beach in the Surfside area, with a village that archaeologists call a “midden” and a burial mound on the shore of Indian Creek between what is now 91st and 95th Street. Those interested in local history will therefore discover more than a beach setting in Surfside. In addition, the two-block commercial and business district offers restaurants, boutiques and services.

More Places for Planning Your Trip

If you would like to compare other destinations in addition to Surfside, you can also explore Virginia Gardens, Kendall, Miami Beach, Cutler Bay, Golden Beach, Aventura, Hialeah and Opa-locka. Surfside stands out for its combination of beach, nature, recreational amenities and historical depth.

For the overview of the wider travel region: Miami-Dade.