Top Things to Do in Bay Harbor Islands, FL | Parks, Restaurants & Boardwalk

Tucked between Bal Harbour and Surfside along Biscayne Bay, Bay Harbor Islands, Miami is one of South Florida’s most charming and walkable communities. Small in size but rich in lifestyle and convenience, this boutique town offers residents a unique blend of waterfront living, family-friendly amenities, dining, shopping, and outdoor recreation. Whether you’re relocating, investing in real estate, or exploring the area, Bay Harbor Islands delivers a lifestyle that is both luxurious and approachable.

A Boutique Island Community With Big Appeal

Unlike the high-density high-rises of Miami Beach, Bay Harbor Islands offers a quieter, more intimate island vibe. Comprised of two intertwined islands that cover less than half a square mile, the community feels like a boutique island enclave with a welcoming, walkable layout. Well-maintained streets, lush tropical landscaping, and scenic waterfront views create an irresistible backdrop for everyday life.

Bay Harbor Islands is often praised for its family-friendly atmosphere and safety. With low crime rates, excellent schools — including the highly regarded Ruth K. Broad Bay Harbor K–8 Center — and plenty of green parks for kids and pets, this community is ideal for families, professionals, and second-home buyers alike.

Top Parks and Outdoor Activities in Bay Harbor Islands

Top Parks and Outdoor Activities in Bay Harbor Islands

🌴 Officer Scott Winters Park (98th Street) – Features a children’s playground, splash pad, shaded seating areas, and open green space, perfect for family outings. A dog park right next door makes it a favorite spot for pet owners.

🌊 Waterfront Tot Lot Park (96th Street & Broadview Drive) – Offers a children’s playground and grassy waterfront area with stunning views of Biscayne Bay, ideal for outdoor play and relaxation.

🎬 95th Street Park & Morris N. Broad Community Center – Serves as the town’s hub for outdoor concerts, movie nights, seasonal festivals, and carnivals, providing a central gathering space for the community.

🐕 92nd Street Park – A quiet spot with seating areas and shaded spaces, plus a dog park for residents seeking peaceful recreation.

🎾 Bay Harbor Islands Tennis Courts (94th Street) – Located on 94th Street next to the Ruth K. Broad K-8 Center, these public tennis courts provide residents with a convenient space to stay active, practice, and enjoy friendly matches within walking distance of the island’s main recreational facilities.

🚣‍♀️ Waterfront Lifestyle Bonus – Bay Harbor Islands residents also enjoy paddle boarding and kayaking on the tranquil waters of Biscayne Bay, offering an easy way to stay active while enjoying the island’s natural beauty.

Go-To Restaurants and Cafés in Bay Harbor Islands

🥗 Pura Vida Miami – A health-focused café offering organic juices, smoothies, bowls, salads, and clean-ingredient meals designed for wellness-conscious residents.

☕ Coffee Break Enjoy – A cozy neighborhood café ideal for morning coffee runs, pastries, or casual meetups.

🍽️ Bay Harbor Café – A Latin American–inspired eatery serving flavorful breakfast and lunch options, fresh juices, and specialty coffee — perfect for locals craving bold flavors and casual dining.

🍽️ Morla – A tasting journey through Peruvian and Mexican flavors, thoughtfully crafted and served at your table in a stylish, modern atmosphere, perfect for date nights, special celebrations, or a refined evening out.

🍣 Kinoko Sushi Bar – Fresh fish and creative Japanese rolls, ideal for casual dinners, takeout nights, or enjoying authentic Japanese flavors in a relaxed setting.

🍕 Mister O1 Extraordinary Pizza – Gourmet thin-crust pizzas with signature star-shaped creations, offering a fun and unique twist on a classic comfort food favorite.

🍽️ The Palm Miami – A Bay Harbor staple with a timeless steakhouse vibe, featuring upscale Italian-American favorites that feel like a culinary rite of passage.

☕ Open Kitchen – A beloved café and gourmet market that blends casual comfort with house-made pastas, fresh salads, and artisanal finds in a welcoming, neighborhood atmosphere.

🥩 Emilio’s Trattoria – Authentic Tuscan cuisine in an intimate setting, perfect for enjoying traditional Italian flavors with a warm and inviting ambiance.

🛒 Coming Soon: GoldenGood Market + Eatery (Summer 2026) – This highly anticipated new market will bring curated organic foods, fresh dining concepts, imported cheeses & wines, and wellness-focused offerings to Bay Harbor Islands, further enhancing the community’s culinary scene.

Farmers Markets and the Beachfront Boardwalk Lifestyle

From October through May, residents enjoy the Surfside and Bal Harbour Farmers Markets, which are just minutes away from Bay Harbor Islands via the 96th Street bridge. These seasonal markets feature fresh local produce, artisan foods, ice cream, and resort wear from local vendors, making them a favorite destination for families and locals alike.

The markets are located along the scenic beachfront boardwalk, where you can pair your visit with morning runs, afternoon strolls, or evening walks along the ocean. Stretching along the coastline with views of Biscayne Bay and the Atlantic Ocean, the boardwalk provides the perfect setting to enjoy both the local flavors of the markets and the active, waterfront lifestyle that makes this island community so unique.

Bay Harbor Islands Real Estate & Luxury Amenities

The Bay Harbor Islands real estate market continues to attract buyers seeking waterfront living with a boutique, community-focused environment. From brand new modern condos with panoramic water views to luxury townhomes and single family residences, limited inventory keeps demand high.

Select new developments in Bay Harbor Islands also offer exclusive memberships to the St. Regis Bal Harbour Beach Club, giving residents access to private beachfront lounging, luxury dining, and five-star resort-style amenities.

Why Bay Harbor Islands is a Must-Visit Neighborhood

Bay Harbor Islands offers:

• Quiet island charm with urban convenience
• Parks, community events, and a scenic boardwalk
• Diverse dining, wellness cafés, and upcoming gourmet markets
• Farmers markets with local food, ice cream, and resort wear
• Waterfront & Boutique-Style real estate and exclusive luxury amenities

This combination of lifestyle, location, and exclusivity makes Bay Harbor Islands one of Miami’s best-kept secrets for living, dining, shopping, and community.

Plan Your Bay Harbor Islands Experience Today

Ready to explore Bay Harbor Islands Miami like a local? Contact me for an exclusive list of new developments and schedule a private island tour to discover the best parks, waterfront views, restaurants, and hidden gems this boutique community has to offer. Whether you’re looking for a luxury condo, a family home, or a vacation retreat, I can help you find the ideal property that matches your lifestyle.