You want a beach weekend that blends small-town calm with polished luxury. Between Surfside and Bal Harbour, you can have both within a short, walkable stretch of coastline. This guide maps out a refined, car-light itinerary filled with sunrise beach walks, leisurely lunches, quiet resort time, and destination dinners. You will also find practical tips on transit, accessibility, and a quick look at second-home considerations. Let’s dive in.
Get around with ease
Surfside and Bal Harbour sit less than a mile apart, so you can comfortably move between them on foot. Central Surfside addresses rate as Very Walkable, and the stroll from Harding Avenue to Bal Harbour Shops typically takes about 10 to 15 minutes depending on your route. For context, Walk Score’s example at 9293 Harding Avenue supports this walk-first approach to the weekend. You can review that walkability snapshot on the Walk Score listing for 9293 Harding Avenue.
If you prefer not to walk, Miami-Dade Transit’s 120 Beach MAX runs along Collins Avenue with a stop at Bal Harbour Shops. It is a simple, direct hop up and down the corridor. Check schedules and routing on the 120 Beach MAX route map. Citi Bike docks in Surfside make short rides along the beach path easy as well, especially for sunrise spins.
Friday: Arrival and golden-hour Surfside
Settle in and give yourself time to decompress. If you are staying in Surfside, you will feel the town’s calm right away. The oceanfront path and compact grid make it easy to switch into weekend mode quickly.
Start your weekend with a sunset walk along Surfside Beach. The town has made beach access a priority, installing ADA-accessible mats at 88th, 92nd, and 94th Street entries to make reaching the sand smoother for more visitors. If those access points are helpful for you or your group, preview the latest details on Surfside’s ADA beach mats announcement.
Keep the evening low-key. A casual bite on Harding Avenue sets the tone for a relaxed first night. Turn in early so you can catch sunrise over the Atlantic.
Saturday: Surfside mornings, Bal Harbour afternoons
Sunrise and coffee on Harding Avenue
Wake up with a quiet beach walk, then slide over to Harding Avenue for coffee and a light breakfast. Surfside’s two-block commercial spine has an easy, neighborhood rhythm that is perfect for a slow morning. Sit outside, people-watch, and plan your day’s route.
If you enjoy a bike ride, the beach path is a breeze early in the day when light is soft and crowds are light. Surfside’s small scale and beachside path make casual rides simple.
Walk to Bal Harbour Shops for lunch
Late morning is ideal for the short walk to Bal Harbour. The transition is part of the fun. You move from Surfside’s local storefronts to a lush, open-air destination where the landscaping is as curated as the storefronts. Window shop, browse the galleries of global fashion houses, and settle in for a refined lunch.
For dining, restaurants like Makoto and Carpaccio pair naturally with a luxury shopping afternoon. Reservations often help on peak weekends, especially during high season. Preview current dining and shopping options on the Bal Harbour Shops site.
Afternoon by the water
After lunch, choose your version of quiet. Surfside’s beach reads small-town and relaxed, ideal if you want a simple towel-and-book afternoon. Bal Harbour’s shoreline feels more private and polished, aligning with nearby resort comforts and a calmer pace. The Village shares updates on waterfront access and amenities on its municipal site, which is useful if you want to match your beach time to planned improvements or low-crowd experiences.
Looking for a more active interlude? Head a bit north to Haulover Park for wide-open beach space and kite-surfing zones. For a quick overview of the park’s beach features, consult this regional roundup of Miami beaches with active options. If you plan to go, check current park hours and any equipment rental details before you set out.
A dinner worth planning
For a special evening, book The Surf Club Restaurant in Surfside. It is a fine-dining anchor associated with the historic Surf Club property and is widely considered a destination meal, so plan ahead. See details via The Surf Club Restaurant page on the Town of Surfside’s site.
If you prefer to keep dinner within Surfside’s neighborhood frame, you have options. Neya brings modern Israeli flavors to Harding Avenue and has drawn local attention since opening. For background on its arrival, read this Neya coverage from Eater Miami. Classic Italian at Café Ragazzi or a laid-back plate at Flanigan’s also fit the Surfside mood.
Nightcap choices
Late-night energy here is understated. In Surfside, end with dessert or a quiet drink near Harding Avenue. In Bal Harbour, lean into hotel bars or low-key lounges that mirror the Shops’ refined tone. If you want a louder nightlife scene, plan a rideshare south to South Beach and back.
Sunday: Easy brunch and a last walk
Keep Sunday slow. Have brunch in Surfside, pick up a small gift or local market find, and take one last beach walk. If you want an active sendoff, consider a quick ride or jog along the beach path before checkout.
Practical beach notes
- Hours: Public beaches typically open around dawn and wind down near dusk. Confirm posted hours when you arrive.
- Access: Surfside lists ADA beach mats at 88th, 92nd, and 94th Street entries and continues dune restoration to strengthen the shoreline. For updates, refer to the ADA access news post.
- Rentals and lifeguards: Chairs, umbrellas, and guard schedules can shift by season and operator. Verify on-site offerings before you go.
Pop between the strips
- Walk: Plan for 10 to 20 minutes between Surfside’s Harding Avenue and Bal Harbour Shops along Collins Avenue or the beachfront path. The walk itself is part of the experience.
- Transit: The 120 Beach MAX bus connects the corridor quickly. Review timing and stops on the Miami-Dade Transit route page.
- Rideshare: Short hops are easy and inexpensive if you would rather not walk in summer heat.
Considering a pied-Ã -terre here?
If this weekend leaves you curious about owning nearby, you are in good company. The corridor is defined by oceanfront condominiums along Collins Avenue, boutique buildings in Surfside, and a concentration of high-end towers and select waterfront single-family homes in and around Bal Harbour. Residences at The Surf Club and other full-service properties offer the kind of amenity set second-home buyers value.
For quick market context, recent third-party snapshots placed Bal Harbour’s median sale price in the ballpark of about $1.1 million as of early 2026. Numbers move with inventory and season, so use that as a directional figure only and request an updated read before making decisions. The essentials to diligence for any coastal condo include HOA rules, rental policies, building reserves, and flood or climate risk. To understand local zoning, building, and permit frameworks in Surfside, start with the Town’s Planning and Zoning page and consult a trusted local advisor for current building-specific details.
Weekend checklist
- Pack light beachwear plus a refined evening look for dinner.
- Reserve prime meals, especially The Surf Club Restaurant and Bal Harbour Shops favorites.
- Plan your walks and bus hops. Save the 120 Beach MAX route.
- Note Surfside’s ADA access points at 88th, 92nd, and 94th Streets.
- Consider an active detour to Haulover Park’s broad beach.
When you are ready to match this lifestyle with the right address, connect with a local advisor who treats architecture and service with the same care you expect from a great hotel. For discreet guidance on Surfside, Bal Harbour, and Miami Beach’s finest residences, reach out to Michael Duchon to book a private consultation.
FAQs
Is Surfside walkable for a car-free weekend?
- Yes. Central Surfside scores as Very Walkable, and the stroll to Bal Harbour Shops is typically 10 to 15 minutes. For a snapshot, see the Walk Score example at 9293 Harding Avenue. The 120 Beach MAX bus also links the corridor via Miami-Dade Transit.
How do Surfside and Bal Harbour beaches differ?
- Surfside’s mile of sand reads calm and neighborhood-friendly with simple access points and a relaxed feel. Bal Harbour’s shoreline tends to feel quieter and more polished, aligning with resort comforts. For municipal context on improvements and amenities, check Bal Harbour’s site.
Where should I make dining reservations on a busy weekend?
- Book The Surf Club Restaurant in Surfside for a special-occasion meal and consider reservations for Makoto or Carpaccio at Bal Harbour Shops during peak hours. Preview options via Bal Harbour Shops and confirm The Surf Club details on the Town of Surfside’s page.
What are the most accessible Surfside beach entries?
- Surfside lists ADA beach mats at the 88th, 92nd, and 94th Street entries. For specifics and updates, refer to the Town’s ADA beach access notice.
Are there active outdoor options nearby besides the beach?
- Yes. Haulover Park, just north of Bal Harbour, offers broad beach space and kite-surfing zones. For a quick overview, see this roundup of Miami-area beaches with activities.
